Western Way of War
The Royal United Services Institute
A collection of discussions with those in the Profession of Arms that tries to understand the issues around how to fight, and succeed, against adversaries in the 2020s. We pose the questions as whether a single Western Way of Warfare (how Western militaries fight) has been successful, whether it remains fit for task today, and how it might need to adapt in the future? It is complemented by the ‘Adversarial Studies’ project that looks at how adversaries fight.
The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by RUSI employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of RUSI.
The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by RUSI employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of RUSI.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 22, 2021 • 29min
Michèle Flournoy: The Enemy Went to School
Former US Under Secretary for Defence for Policy Michèle Flournoy talks to Peter Roberts about technology, concepts, young minds and competitive spaces in warfare. The conversation is predicated on the idea of obeying the just war principles until deterrence fails. Thereafter, we (the West) want a distinctly unfair fight.
Apr 15, 2021 • 34min
No Neat Battlefields
Peter Maurer, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, sees no distinction between how the West and other belligerents wage war. In discussion with Professor Peter Roberts, Dr Maurer evinces a grimmer reality in which the cumulative effects of climate change, poverty and poor governance combine with the ‘democratisation’ of access to sophisticated weapons, which are now held by a multitude of actors. The result is a modern battlefield torn asunder by precision weapons, one which more resembles Armageddon than ideas of the beautiful ’surgical’ use of force that are often rehashed by military and political leaders. Sobering stuff.
Apr 8, 2021 • 31min
Revolutions Of War
In this discussion, Mary Kaldor, a leading expert in Global Governance and the Conflict Research Programme at LSE, shares her pioneering insights on the evolution of warfare. She outlines her 'New Wars, Old Wars' theory, illustrating the shift from state-centric conflicts to identity-driven battles. Kaldor emphasizes the importance of human security, challenging the traditional military mindset and advocating for strategies that focus on community well-being and addressing the roots of violence. Her thoughts on the implications for modern militaries spark engaging reflections on future conflict dynamics.
Apr 1, 2021 • 32min
Evolving the Western Way of War into (and out of) COIN
Ben Barry, a Senior Fellow for Land Warfare at IISS with extensive operational experience, discusses the rapid evolution of Western military strategies, particularly in counterinsurgency. He argues that militaries often overlook valuable lessons learned from past conflicts. The conversation highlights challenges faced in adapting to new warfare, the significance of leadership in fostering effective military capabilities, and the impact of combat experience on military leadership, contrasting it with China’s military structure.
Mar 25, 2021 • 34min
Using the War Law to Assert Legitimacy
Western military personnel often feel that laws restrict the way they can undertake warfare. Dr Janina Dill, Oxford University's expert in war law and ethics, explains why this restrictive view is wrong and how law can empower tactics on the battlefield. Peter Roberts explores with her how law can enable more than it already does on operations, in ways currently more familiar to Russian and Chinese military commanders than to Western ones. This is as much a philosophical conversation as it is a legal one. Be prepared to grapple with your conscience.
Mar 18, 2021 • 31min
Distinctions in war
Since war is a reciprocal relationship with the enemy, the idea of a Western Way of Warfare which is detached or abstract from the human adversary is nonsense, argues Sir Hew Strachan. In conversation with Peter Roberts, one of Britain's foremost military historians discusses 'Carnage and Culture', decisive battles, mobilising societies, fear, loathing and death as a choice on the battlefield. Sobering stuff.
Mar 11, 2021 • 29min
Just War Theory and Not Just War
Joining Peter Roberts is Beatrice Heuser, Chair of International Relations at the University of Glasgow and a leading expert in military strategy and nuclear issues. They delve into the evolution of Western warfare, questioning how democratic nations perceive conflict. Heuser emphasizes the complexities of peace treaties, asserting that a good treaty doesn’t guarantee lasting peace. The discussion also touches on historical military theories and the importance of understanding adversaries to navigate conflicts effectively.
Mar 4, 2021 • 33min
Fighting for the soul of Western militaries
Peter Roberts, an expert in military concepts and warfare, joins US military theorist Amos Fox to discuss the evolution of military strategies. They explore the tension between historical doctrines like maneuver warfare and the practical realities of modern conflicts, particularly urban warfare. The conversation reveals the confusion within military branches on these topics and critiques the over-reliance on maneuver tactics. They advocate for a more adaptable approach, emphasizing the importance of integrating diverse strategies to navigate the complexities of contemporary combat.
Feb 25, 2021 • 33min
Rose Roth, language and youth
Peter Roberts talks to veteran Welsh politician and former President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Madeleine Moon about her reflections on two decades of handling political-military relations, and on the challenge of answering the desire for engagement by younger generations.
Feb 18, 2021 • 33min
Hybrid is Everything and Everything is Hybrid
Since the Ukraine war of 2014, most Western governments have classified any hostile challenge as 'hybrid', 'sub-threshold', or as actions belonging to the 'grey zone' space, be those of 'little green men' seizing a TV station, or mechanized divisions invading another country. Why is the West so surprised, confused or bamboozled by the actions of competitors? Peter Roberts talks to UK psychological operations expert Ewan Lawson about lazy language, the digital revolution, and the struggle to find coherent responses (and not solely military ones).
