Sea Control

“Carrier 2.0: The Drone Carrier Revolution,” by Colton Byers, War Quants (December 28, 2024). “Damn the Torpedoes: The Return of Naval Mining,” by Colton Byers, War Quants (January 31, 2025). 

Dr. Craig Whiteside, a Professor of National Security Affairs and expert on militant groups, discusses fascinating insights into non-state special operations. He defines these operations and presents a three-part test for their significance. Whiteside draws parallels to historical events like the Doolittle Raid and the Tet Offensive, emphasizing their strategic impact. He analyzes the Houthi attacks and compares motives between criminal and terror groups, stressing the rarity yet outsized effects of such operations. His research promises to reshape our understanding of non-state actors in warfare.

1. "Outsourcing Security at Sea—The Return of Private Maritime-Security Companies and Their Role in Twenty-First-Century Maritime Security," by Pieter Zhao, Naval War College Review, Winter 2024.2. Irregular Warfare Initiative.3. Pieter Zhao LinkedIn.4. Pieter Zhao BlueSky.5. Pieter Zhao Contact Page.

Links1. Elaine Helm Linkedin.

Links1. "What Moral Leadership Looks Like," by William Spears, CIMSEC, July 16, 2025. 2. Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy: Insights on the Morality of Military Service, by William Spears, Casemate, 2025.3. William Spears website.

Chuck Ridgeway, a retired U.S. Navy commander and author, dives into the parallels between Imperial Germany's naval strategies and China's current ambitions. He discusses China's increasing influence in Africa, touching on resource extraction and security issues. The conversation highlights historical lessons on naval diplomacy and explores Germany’s colonial interests in East Asia. Ridgeway shares insights from his research and experiences, illuminating the significance of historical context in understanding modern maritime challenges.

Join Sebastian Bae, a Senior Game Designer at CNA focused on Indo-PACOM, and Chris Denzel, a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps known for his wargaming expertise in Japan, as they delve into military strategy. They discuss the differences between war games and command post exercises, emphasizing creativity in uncertain scenarios. The importance of collaboration, both in-person and through organizations like CNA, is highlighted. Additionally, they touch on the cultural significance of Hawaiian shirts and corporate knowledge retention in military contexts.

Dr. Ronald C. Po, a Chinese maritime historian and author of "Shaping the Blue Dragon," explores China's rich maritime history, challenging the land-centric narrative. He discusses the complexities of China's maritime strategies from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. Po sheds light on the Qing Dynasty's governance of Taiwan and the implications of Wokou piracy. Additionally, he addresses the cultural significance of shark fin soup in China, highlighting the tensions between tradition and conservation.

Daniel Banks, a historian specializing in 19th-century revolutionary movements, shares his insights on Giuseppe Garibaldi's 1860 campaign. He emphasizes logistics' vital role in revolutionary success, illustrating how careful planning often trumps charisma. The discussion also delves into maritime influences that facilitated international camaraderie among revolutionaries. Moreover, Banks reflects on the complexities of academic writing and his journey in sharing historical narratives through social media.

Join Marine Corps Captains Brendan Costello, an Air Support Control Officer and Chinese Foreign Area Officer, and Tyler Muniz, a former air support control officer and current technology program manager, as they dissect the Marine Littoral Regiment's (MLR) key strategies. They discuss challenges in responding to threats from the PLA, the integration of advanced technology for enhanced military readiness, and the dynamics of logistics in complex operations. Their insights on military evolution and adaptability highlight the vital role of critical discourse within the Marine Corps.