Irregular Warfare Podcast

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.

Join Professor Martin Kitson, an expert in Irregular Warfare from the Netherlands Defence Academy, and Major General Ron Smits, former Commander of Netherlands Special Operations, as they discuss the pivotal role of Special Operations Forces in modern influence activities. They explore the shift from counterterrorism to influence operations, the necessity of cultural understanding, and the importance of diverse skill sets. The conversation dives into the challenges SOF face in a hybrid warfare landscape, addressing the intricate balance of local engagement and global security demands.

Joining the discussion are Professor Sumit Ganguly, a political science expert on South Asia, and Professor Tricia Bacon, a scholar on nuclear warfare implications. They dive into how nuclear weapons have transformed India-Pakistan relations, particularly the Kargil conflict. The guests unravel the Stability and Instability Paradox, revealing how nuclear deterrence may promote irregular warfare while preventing large-scale conflicts. They also explore the evolving roles of proxy forces and non-state actors in the region, highlighting the complexities of security dynamics.

The guests are co-authors of *Unit X*, exploring how the Pentagon engages with Silicon Valley to innovate modern warfare. They discuss the Defense Innovation Unit's mission and its focus on integrating commercial tech to enhance military operations. Key challenges include skepticism towards young tech companies and bureaucratic hurdles within the DoD. They also share insights on how rapid operationalization of technology can outpace adversaries and delve into lessons from historical conflicts and modern issues like drone warfare and air refueling innovations.

The discussion highlights the evolving threat of the Islamic State Khorasan in Afghanistan, particularly after the U.S. withdrawal. Guests outline ISK's dual strategy of forming crucial alliances while also navigating rivalries. Insights on the impact of regional instability provide a deep dive into counterterrorism challenges. The implications of drone warfare and the complexities of 'over-the-horizon' operations are explored. Additionally, the importance of local media engagement in countering ISK narratives is emphasized.

Dive into the evolving role of U.S. Special Operations Forces as they expand beyond counter-terrorism into strategic competition. Discover the complexities of unconventional warfare and its implications for modern conflict, especially in the context of Australia and ongoing global tensions. Delve into the importance of relationships, swift decision-making, and navigating bureaucratic hurdles to enhance SOF capabilities. This conversation serves as a call to action for collaboration and innovative approaches within the SOF community.

Episode 111 examines the arguments against a United States Cyber Force. This episode is a two part series of Project Cyber that looks at the arguments for and against a Cyber Force.   Our guests share their backgrounds and the history of the U.S. Cyber Command. They express their skepticism towards forming a new cyber force, advocating instead for continued evolution within the current framework. They then argue that cyber operations should remain integrated with existing service structures and emphasize the critical role of cyber in national security, and public safety. Our guests conclude by discussing the evolving digital landscape while urging policymakers to comprehend the gravity of cyber threats and the need for a more agile and integrated approach.

Exploring illicit financing and violence in Sudan, the podcast delves into state actors using networks to achieve objectives. Insights on the complexities of countering illicit networks globally and the blurred lines between legality and illegality within these networks are shared. The discussion also highlights Russia's tactics in Africa and the challenges faced in disrupting illicit financing operations.

Guests discuss the need for a separate cyber force, challenges in readiness, recruitment, and retention. They highlight slow progress in cyberforce readiness, evolving cyber threats from Russia and China. Recommendations are made for tailored recruitment and the importance of electronic warfare capabilities.

Exploring the use of drones in warfare, from state to non-state actors. Discussing drone proliferation in conflict zones like Ukraine. Examining ethical considerations of unmanned aerial systems and challenges in countering FPV drones. Delving into DJI's role in the drone market and the positive potential of small UAS in warfare.