Dr. Vladimir Rauta, an Associate Professor of International Security at the University of Reading, dives into the complex world of proxy warfare and hybrid threats. He discusses how states delegate conflicts to non-state actors, examining real-world examples from Ukraine and Syria. Rauta explains the evolving motivations behind proxies and the challenges they present in cyberspace. He also highlights the necessity for international cooperation to effectively counter these modern security threats and shares insights on building resilience against sophisticated hybrid tactics.

Episode 125 examines the impact of Ukraine's irregular warfare and resistance operations on its broader strategic objectives. Our guests discuss how Ukrainian resistance activities have evolved throughout the conflict and evaluate their strategic importance in the war against Russia. Our guests begin by describing how Ukrainian resistance and irregular warfare activities developed through different phases of the war, from initial guerrilla tactics during the invasion to the sophisticated long-range attacks within Russian territory. They then assess whether these operations accomplish battlefield effects, their influence on escalation dynamics, and how they shape both Ukrainian and Russian populations' perceptions of the war. Finally, our guests provide insights on the synergy between conventional and special operations forces, the role of technology in resistance, and lessons that can be applied to future conflicts. Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mark Hertling served for 38 years in the US Army as a tanker and cavalryman, serving at every level from tank platoon leader to Commander of the 7th Army. He retired in December 2012 after serving as the Commanding General of US Army Europe, where he led over 60,000 soldiers and partnered with the armies of 51 nations. LTG Hertling worked with Ukrainian forces as early as 2004 and has extensive experience in military transformation and coalition operations. Dr. Alexandra Chinchilla is an Assistant Professor of International Affairs at Texas A&M's Bush School of Government and Public Service. Her research examines how powerful states use security cooperation tools to increase their influence over allies, partners, and proxies, with extensive research on the war in Ukraine. She has conducted fieldwork in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion and serves as an advisor to the IWI Special Project on Proxies and Partners.

General Bryan P. Fenton, Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, and Command Sergeant Major Shane Shorter discuss the evolution and future of Special Operations Forces. They highlight how storytelling enhances military education and strategic planning. The guests delve into the impact of emerging technologies, including cyber and space, on future special operations. Additionally, they explore historical shifts in SOF from World War II to present-day conflicts and the necessity for adaptability in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.

In this insightful discussion, Frank Sobchak, a retired Special Forces colonel and author, teams up with JoAnn Naumann, a seasoned USASOC Command Sergeant Major. They delve into the intricacies of security force assistance, highlighting the importance of language skills, advisor-to-force ratios, and the necessity of building trust through consistent collaboration. The conversation shifts to lessons learned from past U.S. missions and emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies in an evolving global landscape, ensuring effective partnerships in security operations.

Jonathan Hackett, a seasoned U.S. Marine with two decades in intelligence and authoring 'Theory of Irregular War,' joins Dr. Sandor Fabian, a former Hungarian Special Forces officer and defense contractor, to dissect irregular warfare. They introduce the concept of the 'dysfunctional sovereign' and critique U.S. military doctrine. Key discussions include the emotional dimensions of conflict, strategies for small nations, and the necessity of adapting military approaches by learning from historical precedents and diverse methodologies.

James Siebens, a Fellow at the Stimson Center and expert on China's military coercion, teams up with Jimmy Wang, a former Navy Foreign Area Officer, to unpack China's armed coercion strategies. They discuss how China uses military and paramilitary forces to assert territorial claims while delving into the implications for U.S. foreign policy. The conversation reveals the complexities of psychological warfare and lawfare in the Indo-Pacific, concluding with insights on effective deterrence strategies to counter China’s assertiveness.

Mike Burgoyne and Jim Marckwardt, both retired U.S. Army officers with extensive diplomatic experience, dive into the pivotal role of Foreign Area Officers (FAOs) in irregular warfare. They explore the evolution of the FAO program and its importance as a bridge between military operations and diplomacy. The discussion includes impactful case studies such as Plan Colombia and the significance of U.S. military presence in Central America amidst great power competition. They also share insights on leveraging FAO expertise to enhance strategic military partnerships.

In this engaging discussion, national security expert Sean McFate, who has an extensive background in military service and private contracting, delves into the evolving nature of irregular warfare. He introduces the clever concept of 'sneaky war' and emphasizes the need for unconventional tactics against global adversaries like China. The conversation also highlights the rising influence of mercenaries like the Wagner Group and the crucial role of information warfare in modern conflicts, urging a sophisticated approach to combat disinformation.

Chris Maier, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, and Colonel Patrick Nelson, Commander of the 7th Special Forces Group, delve into the evolving role of Special Operations Forces in modern conflict. They highlight the transition from counterinsurgency to large-scale combat operations, emphasizing the need for strategic insights and human skills. The discussion also touches on the importance of building trust with local forces, navigating permissions, and the need for collaboration to enhance SOF effectiveness in complex environments.

Sherri Goodman, a Senior Fellow at the Wilson Center and former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security, joins Ambassador John Hennessey-Niland, a Professor at the Bush School and former U.S. Ambassador to Palau, to discuss the intersection of climate change and irregular warfare. They delve into how environmental shifts influence military strategies, the role of partnerships in addressing challenges, and the specific threats faced by Pacific island nations. Their insights highlight the urgent need for proactive climate security measures.