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
14 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 48min
Ep 242: Michael Sobolik on On Donald Trump’s Trade War with China
Michael Sobolik, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and author, dives deep into U.S.-China relations and trade tensions. He shares insights on Trump's historical trade strategy and the geopolitical stakes surrounding the upcoming Trump-Xi summit. Sobolik explains China's use of rare earth resources as leverage and the implications of recent export controls. They also discuss the challenges of decoupling from China and what a 'good deal' should encompass beyond just trade, including issues like Taiwan and information warfare linked to TikTok.
20 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep 241: Julian Jackson on Nazi-Occupied France and Pétain
Julian Jackson, Emeritus Professor of Modern French History at Queen Mary University of London, dives into the complexities of Philippe Pétain and Vichy France. He describes how Pétain transformed from the 'Hero of Verdun' to a controversial leader during Nazi occupation. The discussion covers France's 1940 armistice decision and debates around its legality. Jackson also sheds light on Vichy’s anti-Semitic policies and the harsh treatment of Jews. His insights reveal the lasting impact of Pétain's legacy on contemporary French politics.
8 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 57min
Ep 240: Lance R. Blyth on Mountain Warfare
Lance R. Blythe, a command historian at NORAD and author of Ski, Climb, Fight, dives into the captivating history of mountain warfare. He discusses how his Wyoming roots and Marine background fueled his interest in this niche battlefield. Blythe sheds light on the evolution of tactics, from early mountaineering to the formation of the 10th Mountain Division. He reveals the impact of the Winter War on U.S. ski troops and highlights critical battles in Italy, such as Riva Ridge, showcasing how elevation shapes military strategy.
40 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 58min
Ep 239: Charles C. Mann on How the System Works
In a captivating discussion, Charles C. Mann, a renowned science journalist and author, dives into the intricate systems that underpin our daily lives. He highlights the hidden vulnerabilities of modern infrastructure, such as the challenges of global freshwater scarcity and the complexities of food production brought about by the Green Revolution. Mann also sheds light on the precarious nature of our energy grids and the critical importance of transparent public health communication, especially in light of recent crises.
22 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 44min
Ep 238: James Titterton on Medieval Deception
Historian James Titterton, an expert in medieval warfare and author of 'Deception in Medieval Warfare,' delves into the art of trickery from the High Middle Ages. He explores the moral tensions between chivalric honor and deceit in warfare. Discover how medieval oaths justified deception, the role of bribery and espionage, and the impact of intelligence on ambush tactics. Titterton shares fascinating examples of disguises and the evolution of deception as armies became more professionalized, revealing how these cunning strategies resonate even today.
29 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 58min
Ep 237: Toshi Yoshihara on China’s Subversive Strategies
Toshi Yoshihara, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments and expert on Chinese military strategy, dives deep into the subversive tactics employed by the PLA. He discusses the 'Peaceful Liberation' of Beijing and unpacks how years of tactical infiltration could mirror strategies for Taiwan today. Yoshihara reveals the 'dark arts' of manipulation that date back to the 1920s and warns about the vulnerabilities within Taiwan's military that could be exploited. His insights shed light on how coercion and subversion complicate U.S. policy responses.
47 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 51min
Ep 236: Joshua Rovner on Grand Strategy
Joshua Rovner, an Associate Professor of International Relations at American University and author, delves into the intricate dance between military victory and national security. He examines the contrasting grand strategies of Athens and Sparta during the Peloponnesian War, revealing how unrealistic plans led to prolonged conflict. Discussing contemporary parallels, Rovner highlights the strategic asymmetries between the U.S. and China, and the impact of nuclear weapons on modern strategy. His insights into historical and current military tactics make for a captivating discussion.
4 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 18min
Ep 235: Tyler Grey on Serving in Delta Force and the Warrior’s Journey
Tyler Grey, a former Delta Force operator and author of "Forged in Chaos: A Warrior's Origin Story," shares his intense journey from a chaotic childhood in Bakersfield to the elite ranks of U.S. special operations. He reflects on his experiences during significant events like 9/11, the brutal realities of combat in Fallujah and Sadr City, and the chaos that comes with war. Tyler also introduces the concept of LTSD—an addiction to chaos stemming from early trauma—and discusses the struggles of transitioning back to civilian life after injury.
53 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 58min
Ep 234: A. Wess Mitchell on Diplomacy
Wes Mitchell, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, historian, and author of "Great Power Diplomacy," dives into the intricacies of diplomacy. He argues that diplomacy is crucial for great power competition and dispels common misconceptions about its nature. Mitchell discusses the strategic use of appeasement, differentiating it from deception, and emphasizes the importance of trained diplomats in today’s geopolitical landscape. He also evaluates diplomatic strategies regarding Ukraine, highlighting modern challenges and opportunities.
48 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 42min
Ep 233: Mick Ryan on the Ukraine War’s Urgent Lessons
Mick Ryan, a retired Major General of the Australian Army and a Senior Fellow for Military Studies at the Lowy Institute, shares his insights on translating lessons from the Ukraine war to the Pacific theatre. He discusses the crucial role of ground forces and the complexities of Australia's defense posture amidst rising Chinese influence. Ryan emphasizes the importance of partnerships over traditional alliances and critiques the current defense budget, advocating for increased spending to meet emerging threats. His analysis provides a sobering look at modern warfare and national resolve.
