School of War
Nebulous Media
This podcast seeks to learn what war teaches. There has been a steady decline in the study of military history and its associated theoretical discipline, strategy.This podcast seeks to fill that gap through in-depth interviews on military and diplomatic history. Our guests have included former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the Cold War historian John Lewis Gaddis, and former China Select Committee chairman Mike Gallagher. We discuss the battlefield commanders, diplomats, strategists, policymakers, and statesmen who have had to make wartime decisions in the ancient and modern eras. The subject of an episode may be an historical battle, campaign, or conflict; the conduct of policy in the course of a major international incident; the work of a famous strategist; the nature of a famous weapon; or the legacy of an important military commander or political leader. Aaron MacLean is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute. He has worked as a foreign policy advisor and legislative director to Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and spent seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps.Visit our Substack for episode transcriptsFollow along on Instagram
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 16, 2026 • 48min
Ep 266: Blake Seitz & Mike Watson—Were the Founders Isolationists?
Blake Seitz, a content strategist at Palantir and former policy advisor, teams up with Mike Watson, Executive Director of the Alexander Hamilton Society, to explore America's Founding Fathers and their foreign policy approach. They delve into the 18th-century geopolitical landscape, discussing Yorktown's significance and how diplomacy shaped early America’s global stance. The duo contrasts isolationist impulses with universalist ideals, while also drawing parallels between historical debates and today’s U.S.-China rivalry, ultimately emphasizing the enduring spirit of American exceptionalism.
39 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 35min
Ep 265: Mark Dubowitz on Is Iran Next?
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Iran policy, dives into the ongoing protests in Iran and potential U.S. and Israeli intervention. He discusses the implications of American strikes on the regime and argues that such actions could empower protesters. The episode also examines the rising influence of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah, and how fragmentation among Iranian elites is shaking the regime. Dubowitz critiques the Western left’s hesitance to confront the Islamic Republic directly.
52 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 40min
Ep 264: Mark Montgomery on Seizing Venezuela’s Shadow Fleet
Mark Montgomery, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral and senior director at FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, dives into Venezuela’s shadow fleet operations. He explores the complexities of tracking these vessels and the implications of sanctions on global oil trade. The conversation highlights the critical role of cyber capabilities in contemporary warfare, while also discussing operational risks and the future state of the U.S. Navy, including debates around modern battleship proposals. Montgomery provides a thought-provoking analysis of maritime strategy and readiness.
22 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 46min
Ep 263: Elliott Abrams on the Venezuela Raid and Risks Ahead
Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela and Iran, shares his expertise on the geopolitical landscape of Venezuela. He discusses the recent successful raid and the evolving role of the CIA, alongside Maduro’s reliance on Cuban bodyguards. Abrams highlights the challenges of oil recovery and the complexities of U.S. policy, cautioning about the risks for Chavista leaders. He also examines the precarious state of Cuba's economy and its implications for regional stability.
41 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 47min
Ep 262: Mark Jones Jr. on Special Air Operations and American Military Dominance
Mark Jones Jr., a former U.S. Air Force test pilot and special operations commander, shares his insights on air operations in this engaging discussion. He recounts the unique dynamics of special air operations and the pivotal role they played during Desert Storm. Jones also contrasts test piloting with remote operations and reflects on the emotional challenges faced during the Kabul withdrawal. With a focus on innovative tactics used to neutralize threats, he highlights how lessons from past missions inform modern air power strategies.
28 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 42min
Ep 261: Behnam Ben Taleblu on the (Next!) Iran-Israel War
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies specializing in Iran's missile and security programs, joins the discussion. He delves into Iran's missile advancements and the implications for U.S. and Israeli defense strategies. The conversation covers Iran's reliance on China for missile components, the risks posed by its ballistic missile capabilities, and the balancing act of regional power between Israel, Iran, and Turkey. Ben Taleblu also emphasizes the need for effective U.S. strategies to address the evolving threat landscape.
22 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 40min
Ep 260: Kevin Passmore on the Maginot Line and the Battle of France
Kevin Passmore, a history professor at Cardiff University and author specializing in modern French military history, delves into the intriguing story of the Maginot Line. He discusses why this extensive fortification failed despite its sophistication. Key topics include the conflicting French strategies post-WWI, the political implications of fortification decisions, and comparisons to contemporary Ukrainian defenses. Passmore also highlights the Maginot Line's legacy, emphasizing its stubborn defenses and the challenges faced by attackers.
12 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 53min
Ep 259: Christian Brose on Rethinking How We Fight
Christian Brose, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Anduril Industries and author of The Kill Chain, shares insights on the future of warfare. He discusses the alarming erosion of U.S. military advantage and the misconceptions hindering long-term preparedness. Brose emphasizes the need for innovative procurement processes and learning from Ukraine without simply copying its systems. He advocates for leveraging AI in defense while ensuring human oversight, and examines the importance of liberal arts in maintaining creativity in high-tech warfare.
21 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 52min
Ep 258: Eric Cline on the Collapse of Civilizations
Eric Cline, a professor at George Washington University and author specializing in the collapse of ancient civilizations, dives into the fascinating collapse of the Bronze Age. He discusses the critical role of tin in trade, the interconnectedness of ancient societies, and the intriguing mystery of the Sea Peoples. Cline also explores the multi-causal factors behind the collapse and draws parallels to modern global networks. Plus, he offers practical lessons for resilience from ancient history that are applicable today.
48 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 39min
Ep 257: Elliott Abrams on the Venezuela Crisis
Elliott Abrams, a seasoned U.S. foreign policy official and authority on Latin America, dives deep into the Venezuela crisis from his perspective as the former U.S. Special Representative. He discusses Maduro's rise and regime corruption, emphasizing drug trafficking's role in sustaining the government. Abrams contrasts Biden's and Trump's approaches to Venezuela, exploring potential military options and the resilience of the opposition, spotlighting the symbolic escape of Maria Corina Machado. He warns about the perils of U.S. retreat from the region.
