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
10 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.
22 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.
34 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.
47 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 53min
Ep 232: Ran Baratz on the Gaza War and Israel’s ‘Postmodern’ Military
Ran Baratz, a military historian and former senior Israeli official, dives deep into the complexities of the Gaza conflict. He critiques the IDF's 'postmodern' military approach, highlighting issues in operational readiness and officer training. Baratz discusses the challenges of ground combat, intelligence gaps, and the influence of political constraints on military decisions. He also explores the shift from conventional strategies to modern deterrence tactics, raising concerns about the military's evolving doctrine and its impact on achieving decisive victories.
60 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 36min
Ep 231: Peter Rough on Russian Drone Incursions into NATO
Peter Rough, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, discusses alarming Russian drone incursions over Poland and Romania. He explores NATO's military response and the broader implications for regional security. The conversation delves into Europe's varied political dynamics, shaped by ongoing conflicts, and highlights the rise of populism amid decreasing American influence. Rough also examines the strategic motivations behind Russia's drone tactics and the need for NATO to adapt to evolving threats in a complex geopolitical landscape.
52 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 46min
Ep 230: Prit Buttar on the Great Soviet Offensive of 1944
Prit Buttar, a historian and former British Army doctor, explores the Great Soviet Offensive of 1944, notably Operation Bagration. He discusses the dramatic impact this offensive had on the German Army and its strategic significance amid WWII. Buttar highlights the interplay of Soviet counterintelligence versus German strategies, the implications of Bolshevism, and the complexities of international relations during this period. He also examines the moral responsibilities of the German officer corps and the chaotic backdrop of the Warsaw Uprising.
50 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 48min
Ep 229: Nadège Rolland on China’s Borderlands
Nadège Rolland, a Distinguished Fellow in China Studies, sheds light on China's evolving vision of its frontiers and its strategic maneuvers regarding border regions. She discusses the complexities of territorial disputes with neighbors like India and Bhutan and how historical narratives shape China's perception of sovereignty. Rolland highlights the intricate balance between asserting influence and managing security through initiatives like the Belt and Road project, offering a nuanced view of China's geopolitical ambitions.
42 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 50min
Ep 228: Brad Bowman and Ryan Brobst on “Axis” Military Cooperation
Brad Bowman and Ryan Brobst, experts in national security and military affairs from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, delve into the growing military cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. They discuss the implications of these alliances for U.S. interests and explore the complexities of military procurement, especially the delays in delivering crucial weapon systems like the Harpoon missile to Taiwan. The conversation also highlights lessons from Ukraine's military innovations and the urgent need for a strategy shift in defense production.
