Irregular Warfare Podcast

Mark Hartling, a retired Lieutenant General with 38 years in the U.S. Army, and Alexandra Chinchilla, an international affairs professor at Texas A&M, dive into Ukraine's resistance operations. They discuss the evolution of special operations forces, the importance of irregular warfare, and how innovation in technology like drones has bolstered Ukrainian capabilities. The conversation highlights the strategic impact of partisan activities, the effectiveness of Ukrainian strikes against Russian forces, and critical lessons for military advisors navigating modern conflict.

Join General (Ret.) Stan McChrystal, a four-star general with vast experience in irregular warfare, and Dr. Alec Worsnop, an expert on insurgent military effectiveness, as they unravel the secrets of guerrilla warfare success. They discuss how cohesive ideology and social ties aren't enough; it's skilled leaders and professionalization that drive effective insurgent forces. The conversation explores the evolution of the Taliban, the importance of tactical leadership, and the need for tailored security assistance, highlighting the complexities of modern insurgencies.

Mick Crnkovich, former director for irregular warfare at the Pentagon, underscores the shift from counterterrorism to recognizing irregular warfare as vital in great power competition. Retired Colonel Dave Maxwell shares insights on the cultural resistance within conventional forces regarding new IW strategies. Dr. Jonathan Schroden emphasizes the importance of defining irregular warfare effectively, discussing its implications for military operations and leadership. The trio assesses whether recent policy changes will lead to substantial shifts in military planning and execution.

LTG Andy Rohling, a senior military leader with extensive NATO experience, and Major John Armstrong, a British Army officer and author, delve into the role of resistance in Ukraine. They discuss why random acts of resistance fall flat, emphasizing that effectiveness stems from coordination with conventional forces. The conversation highlights societal roles in resistance, the critical timing of actions, and the need for a clear theory of victory. Both guests agree that resistance is vital but requires strategic integration within broader military operations to truly impact the fight.

Dr. John Stockton, co-founder of Quantifind, specializes in AI-driven OSINT tools for tracking illicit financial networks, emphasizing their importance for both banking and federal applications. Catherine Woods from the Institute for Financial Integrity delves into the complexities of mirror transfers and Chinese-linked money laundering. She explores the historical context of these practices and the implications for international policy. Both guests highlight the crucial need for cross-sector collaboration in combating these financial illicit flows.

Join Dr. Fiona Murray, a leading expert on innovation at MIT, and retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Dr. John Griffin from the Defense Innovation Unit as they explore the strategic competition over supply chains. They discuss how China dominates critical drone components by leveraging consumer electronics. The conversation covers the capital gap in manufacturing, initiatives like Blue Manufacturing, and the importance of trust in supplier networks. They also highlight the intersection of economic security and modern warfare, emphasizing the need for rapid innovation to deter adversaries.

Adam Fife, CEO of CenCore, discusses the nuances of Chinese debt-trap diplomacy and its implications for infrastructure security. Leland Lazarus, a Principal at Lazarus Consulting, argues that China's economic tactics operate as a form of irregular warfare, creating dependencies that can be weaponized. Dr. Evan Ellis, a professor at the U.S. Army War College, highlights the peacetime and wartime risks posed by China's growing influence in Latin America, urging a strategic U.S. response to counter these threats.

Major General Jeff VanAntwerp, the Commander of Special Operations Command–Pacific, and futurist August Cole dive into the challenges of future warfare. They discuss Cole’s short story, envisioning U.S. Special Operations advising a new Thai commando unit against Chinese-backed forces. The conversation highlights the critical role of technology like AI and robotics, while emphasizing that trust and adaptability are timeless values in special operations. They also explore the importance of guiding partners remotely and the need for innovative problem-solving skills.

In this discussion, Dr. Philip A. Martin, an expert in political violence and civil wars, teams up with Brigadier General Allen J. Pepper, a seasoned commander familiar with African conflicts. They delve into the puzzling aftermath of victorious rebel groups, exploring why some maintain loyalty to new governments while others rebel again. The conversation reveals how wartime experiences shape military cohesion and the pitfalls of power-sharing. They also highlight the complexities of external assistance and its effects on post-conflict stability, offering insightful recommendations for policymakers.

Join Major General Peter Huntley, commander of Marine Forces Special Operations Command, and August Cole, author and futurist, as they delve into the future of warfare. They discuss how Marine Raiders will adapt to the challenges of proxy terrorism and AI-enabled surveillance. The conversation highlights the balance between advanced technology and essential human skills like trust and leadership. Listeners will also hear an immersive excerpt from Cole's narrative, showcasing the complexities Raiders may face in 2040.