Angry Planet

Listen to this episode commercial free at https://angryplanetpod.comAmerica loves the Western. Stories about frontier towns, outlaws and lawmen, and—most of all—killing. How did the myth and legend of the gunfighter come to permeate the U.S.? Were there rules to gunfights? How did you become famous by killing people? Did Texas, yes Texas, make all this possible?We’ll answer those questions in this episode of the show as we discuss the new book The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild. It’s the work of returning guest (and Texan) Bryan Burrough.Texas is both the West and the SouthWhat made Texas so violentWhat, exactly, is a gunfighter?The rules of the duel“Boys, I’m killed”How to win friends while killin’ people“What is more equalizing than a man alone with a gun?”Olive, Isom PrenticeHistoriography of the gunfighterModern bank robbers are boringThe cattle business is the perfect vehicle for violenceThe future belongs ... to pirates?Buy The Gunfighters from an independent bookstore or from AmazonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/warcollege. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bleddyn Bowen, an associate professor of astropolitics with expertise in war studies, and Cameron Hunter, a postdoctoral researcher specializing in China's military, dissect the troubling concept of AI generals in warfare. They argue that the narrow capabilities of AI make it ill-suited for complex command decisions. The conversation critiques the misconceptions about military tech, the folly of relying on AI for strategy, and emphasizes the necessity of human judgment in combat. Their insights highlight the limitations of automated systems in grasping the chaotic nature of war.

Kevin Knodell, a Hawaii-based reporter and military expert, shares insights on the U.S. military's pivot to the Pacific. He recently returned from covering joint exercises in the Philippines, shedding light on tricky U.S.-Philippines relations. The discussion reveals China's growing influence, maritime tensions, and historical grievances in the South China Sea. Knodell also touches on the complexities of regional partnerships and the impacts of military dynamics, all while highlighting the intricate balance of power in this geopolitically charged area.

Listen to this episode commercial free at https://angryplanetpod.comRecorded 5/7/25India and Pakistan have been unhappy neighbors since 1947 and Britain’s decolonization of the subcontinent. They’ve fought four wars and there have been countless skirmishes. As Indian jets streak over Pakistani skies and that Muslim nation threatens retaliation, it’s unclear if this is war or just another blip between nations that plain don’t like each other.Joining us is Sushant Singh, a man with a background that includes academic, journalist and 20-year veteran in the Indian army. He’s written an article on the situation in Foreign Affairs, and brings us up to date.The state of play on the morning of May 7thThe Pahalgam attack‘The Switzerland of India’Matthew almost gets everyone into a lot of troubleHow Pakistan creates instability in KashmirThe entire history of the conflict between India and Pakistan in about five minutesChina’s looming presence‘These are non-escaltory strikes’Comparing the militariesGetting into the nuclear optionsPakistan’s tactical nuclear arsenalThe incredible monetary cost of uncertain missile defenseWe go out on a happy note for onceMore than 20 killed after gunmen open fire on tourists in Indian-administered KashmirSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/warcollege. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stacie Goddard, a Wellesley College political science professor and expert on international relations, dives into the troubling trends of contemporary geopolitics. She discusses how Trump’s approach mirrors 19th-century dynamics with leaders like Putin and Xi. Stacie connects today's 'great power collusion' to the historical Concert of Europe, emphasizing the risks of territorial ambitions and aging dictators lacking vision. The conversation also touches on Taiwan's critical role in the semiconductor industry and its effects on global power dynamics.

Listen to this episode commercial free at https://angryplanetpod.comConquest is back baby! Eastern Europe, Taiwan, Greenland, Canada? It’s all on the table—and maybe up for grabs. Here to help us sort through this new age of empire building is University of Chicago political scientist Michael Albertus.As always, climate changeWhither Canada?The coming Canadian century“Territorial ambitions sometimes bite back”The biggest caveats ever uttered on the show“An empire eats”The stories nations tell themselves“Getting more America”Picking the winners and losersA little optimism at the endHow land confers powerThose Were The DaysThe false promise of abundanceThe Coming Age of Territorial ExpansionLand Power: Who Has It, Who Doesn’t, and How That Determines the Fate of SocietiesSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/warcollege. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steven Cook, an expert on Middle Eastern and Turkish politics at the Council on Foreign Relations, dissects the troubling rise of authoritarianism under Erdogan. He discusses the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, a significant political rival, and the implications of competitive authoritarianism in Turkey. The conversation touches on Erdogan's controversial political strategies, including constitutional changes and purges against dissent. They further explore the broader decline of democratic institutions and the youth's disconnection from a ruler who appears increasingly autocratic.

Gil Guerra, an immigration policy analyst at the Niskanen Center, dives deep into the intersection of immigration and foreign policy. He discusses how U.S. immigration policies once bolstered national defense but now have shifted dramatically. Listeners learn about the bizarre cost of citizenship, the strategic value of dissident refugees, and the surprising dynamics of U.S.-Mexico relations. Guerra also highlights the influx of Chinese migrants at the southern border and how social media influences modern immigration trends. It's a fascinating blend of policy, politics, and real-world implications.

Listen to this episode commercial free at https://angryplanetpod.comFor mercenaries, death is a business. It’s all about finding the right market. Wagner and other Russian mercenary groups have found willing markets in Africa. Journalist John Lechner spent years in Africa among the mercenaries and he’s on the show today to tell us about what he learned.Lechner tells us how Wagner’s men think the U.S. media killed Prigozhin, why every theater (or market) is different, and the training regimen of a fresh convict recruit. It’s all in his new book Death Is Our Business: Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare.The threats change…but the mercenaries stay the same.Interlinking militant Islam and the rise of modern mercenariesRussian mercenaries before WagnerPrigozhin risingPutin’s Chef was the father of ‘Hybrid War’Wagner in Africa‘No one said mercenary life was gonna be easy.’Life inside Wagner‘Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.’You can’t judge intent by resultsThe Russian “royal” court is full of self starters and entrepreneursThe Tip of Russia’s SpearDeath Is Our BusinessPardoned for Serving in Ukraine, They Return to Russia to Kill AgainTaliban Bureaucrats Hate Working Online All Day, ‘Miss the Days of Jihad’Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/warcollege. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Max Read, journalist and author of the Reed Max Substack, unpacks the cult-like nature of rationalism in Silicon Valley. He reveals how rationalism, a blend of movement and self-help, shapes tech ideologies and influences decisions regarding artificial intelligence. Read discusses the dangers posed by superintelligent systems and critiques the oversimplified thinking prevalent in these communities. He emphasizes the moral ambiguities that arise in effective altruism, while questioning the belief that technology can solve complex human issues.