Horns of a Dilemma

In this special episode of Horns of a Dilemma, Rick Landgraf talks with Jane Vaynman and Tristan Volpe, co-authors of “Dual Use Deception: How Technology Shapes Cooperation in International Relations,” published in the journal International Organization. The study won IO’s 2023 Robert O. Keohane Award for best research article published by an untenured scholar.

Rick Landgraf talks with Jeffrey Ding, author of "Machine Failing: How Systems Acquisition and Software Development Flaws Contribute to Military Accidents," featured in Volume 8, Issue 1 of the Texas National Security Review. They discuss how flaws in the U.S. military's systems acquisitions process can lead to accidents.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Forney, a U.S. Army strategist and author, delves into the lessons of the Korean War. He highlights how flawed strategic manpower decisions hindered military effectiveness against China and North Korea. Forney shares the story of First Lieutenant John Sullivan, illustrating the impact of a poor soldier rotation system on ground operations. He draws parallels between past conflicts and current military readiness, emphasizing the complexities of navigating protracted conflicts and the relevance of historical context in military strategy.

In this engaging discussion, Gokul Sahni, an expert on Cold War history and author of "The Main Drivers of Soviet Foreign Policy Towards India, 1955–1991," delves into the evolution of Soviet-India relations. He highlights the impact of communism and Cold War tensions on diplomatic ties. Sahni explains how leaders like Khrushchev and Indira Gandhi shaped the partnership, and examines its implications for today’s geopolitical landscape. The conversation also touches on future research directions, linking historical insights to modern dynamics.

Charles Edel, an expert on U.S.-Australia relations and the Indo-Pacific, joins to discuss the evolving dynamics between these nations. He explores Australia's concerns over U.S. commitment in the region, particularly in light of the AUKUS agreement and China's growing influence. Edel also examines the different security strategies of Australia and New Zealand, as well as the impact of shifting U.S. foreign policy on regional stability. The conversation highlights the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape as nations navigate their alliances and responses to China.

Paul Sparrow, author and broadcasting veteran, dives deep into the war of words between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh. He explores how media transformed political narratives during World War II, highlighting Lindbergh's anti-interventionist rhetoric. The discussion examines the evolving America First movement and its troubling ties to pro-Nazi sentiments. Sparrow also contrasts leadership styles, showcasing Roosevelt’s effective crisis communication versus Lindbergh’s authentic yet divisive approach. A captivating look at the power of words in turbulent times!

In this insightful discussion, Mauro Gilli, a senior researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, highlights how climate change is reshaping military operations. He reveals the surprising impact of warming oceans on submarine detection, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research to understand changes in underwater acoustics. Gilli delves into the complexities of military strategies in regions like the North Atlantic and South China Sea, showcasing the challenges that arise from evolving environmental conditions and sound propagation.

Marshall Kosloff, a specialist in uncrewed systems, and Stacie Pettyjohn, known for her insights on global conflicts, dive into the evolving landscape of warfare. They discuss the revolutionary role of drones and AI, particularly regarding the U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan. The conversation reveals both the strengths and limitations of military innovations from Iraq to Ukraine. They dissect the complexity of modern drone warfare, the biases in media portrayals, and Taiwan's innovative defense strategies. A deep look into the future of military technology awaits!

Kerry Anderson, TNSR Production Editor, talks with Ketian Zhang about her article for TNSR, "Just Do It: Explaining the Characteristics and Rationale of Chinese Economic Sanctions." Zhang, an assistant professor of international security in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, highlights that China imposes sanctions differently than Western states tend to do, including taking a more ambiguous approach.

Access decisions play a crucial role in large-scale conflicts and yet the decision-making process of potential host nations has largely been unexplored. Rick talks with TNSR author Emily Ellinger about how leaders consider regime survival, economic repercussions, and potential retaliation when making access decisions.