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
Feb 11, 2021 • 34min
The Fluidity of Nuclear Doctrine
It is common to consider nuclear doctrine as a fixed, unmoving and largely successful element of the Western Way of War. Dr Heather Williams talks to Peter Roberts about why this just isn't the case. The pair also debunk some myths about the nuclear domain including the myths surrounding the 'escalate to de-escalate' doctrine, allaying concerns about third party nuclear weapon proliferation. They also address the question of whether AI might bring stability to nuclear decision-making in the future.
Feb 4, 2021 • 35min
No More Walking Away: No More Policy Vacuums
Peter Roberts talks to former US Ambassador to Iraq Paul Crocker about the foreign and security policy assumptions of the current Biden administration, and comes to some surprising conclusions.
Jan 28, 2021 • 33min
The Future Rules of Warfare
Technological change is creating an inflection point for Western states that will have radical implications on how they will fight in the future. Even if such rates of change are not so radical, the gap between how the West and adversaries are behaving on the battlefield nonetheless continues to diverge at an alarming rate. Norms and behaviours in contemporary conflict are markedly different to our expectations and it is not clear that the West is adapting in the appropriate way. What does it tell us about the future? Dr Paddy Walker, principal investigator in a new project on 'The Future Rules of Conflict', talks to Peter Roberts about the scope of his important work and where this trend might lead us.
Jan 21, 2021 • 25min
Is the West Developing Innovation Fatigue?
In this engaging discussion, Laura Schousboe, a PhD fellow specializing in military innovation at the Royal Danish Defence College, and host Peter Roberts tackle the pressing issue of innovation fatigue in Western militaries. They highlight how the relentless push for military innovation may lead to disillusionment and hinder future advancements. The conversation dives into the challenges of integrating new technologies, the misconceptions within the American way of war, and the fragmented strategies of innovation in both US and UK forces.
Jan 14, 2021 • 58min
It Was The Surge In Ideas That Mattered Most.
In this bumper episode, General David Petraeus talks to Peter Roberts about handling national agendas in coalition management, command compression, the pol/mil relations facing a deployed commander and the task of raising your intellectual sights beyond the range of an M16.
Jan 7, 2021 • 29min
Vapourwear, Transformations and AirLand Battle
Dive into the complexities of Western military strategy as guests challenge traditional thinking. Explore the risks of relying on technology for quick victories and the limitations of simulated training in combat. Unpack the evolution of military doctrine from the 1980s and the need for adaptable leaders in modern warfare. Discuss the critical disconnect between Western forces and their adversaries, emphasizing the dangers of complacency. Wrap up with a reflection on engaging conversations and a hint of what's to come in the next season!
Dec 31, 2020 • 34min
When Did We Stop Inventing Stuff?
Nick Colosimo, a visiting professor at Cranfield University and principal technologist in defence, delves into the shift from invention to disruptive technology in military contexts. He questions the buzz surrounding 'disruptive' versus 'innovative' technologies and highlights their profound implications for modern warfare. The conversation uncovers the ethical dilemmas in Western warfare, the potential of AI creating strategic stalemates, and the crucial need for genuine invention to spark true technological advancement. Colosimo emphasizes global collaboration in driving future innovations.
Dec 24, 2020 • 31min
Is the Era of Manoeuvre Warfare Dead?
Tony King, a Professor of War Studies at Warwick University with expertise in small unit cohesion, discusses the potential end of the era of manoeuvre warfare. He argues that recent conflicts suggest a shift towards positional warfare characterized by indecisive campaigns. King emphasizes the need to adapt military strategies for urban combat and critiques the historical foundations of current military doctrines. He also highlights the urgent necessity for improved training infrastructures for modern warfare scenarios.
Dec 17, 2020 • 30min
Electronic Warfare and Cumulative Risk
Above all other competitors, Russia is the pre-eminent authority in Electronic Warfare. The US military is trying to catch up with their generational deficit in this domain but there is little sign that the rest of the West is taking it seriously. Decades of poor investment decisions, marginalisation of expertise, and presumptions of technological advantage have led the West to a most precarious position. Peter Roberts talked to Dave Hewitt about SQEP, data, personalities, and whether the West can catch up. An important conversation, but not one that will leave you full of confidence.
Dec 10, 2020 • 37min
Soothsaying, Prophecy and Luck
Historically, the British have been averse to funding a standing army, and perhaps that feeling endures today, in the belief that it is possible to raise and train an army to meet any threat in a short time. Allan Mallinson contends it takes a decade to generate an army, but a momentary decision to decimate the underpinning culture. If the British Way of Warfare has rested for a large part on luck, then the current fad for soothsaying and prophecy about the future of war will have to increasingly rely on it. Plus, the controversial view that stability has more to do with military success than radical change.
