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
7 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 54min
Ep 254: Frank Gavin on History and Statecraft
Frank Gavin, a leading historian and director at the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, shares insights on the intricate relationship between history and statecraft. He discusses the vital role of historical thinking in informing policy decisions and critiques common errors such as overconfidence and misuse of history. Gavin dives into Putin's manipulation of historical narratives and offers a checklist for policymakers to rethink assumptions. This thought-provoking conversation emphasizes the messy, nuanced nature of history and its impact on contemporary strategy.
16 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 56min
Ep 253: Michael Pack on the Battle of Fallujah
Michael Pack, a filmmaker and president of Palladium Pictures, dives into his documentary 'The Last 600 Meters,' focused on the brutal battles of Najaf and Fallujah. He reveals the journey of creating the film, highlighting the human stories amidst combat and valor. Explore the political decisions that influenced military strategy, the ongoing insurgency despite tactical victories, and the personal toll of war on Marines. Pack also discusses the importance of recognizing veterans’ service and the significance of moral injury in their experience.
10 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
Ep 252: Andrew Lambert on the British Empire’s Strategic Challenges and America’s Today
In this intriguing discussion, Andrew Lambert, Laughton Professor of Naval History, shares his expertise on the British Empire's strategic maneuvers from Waterloo to World War One. He explores the complexities of studying war through an interdisciplinary lens and highlights the naval dominance that shaped British defense strategies. Lambert dives into critical moments and decisions leading to 1914, emphasizing the importance of the Scheldt River. He also draws parallels between Britain's historical strategies and modern U.S. dilemmas, providing a captivating look at military history and strategy.
39 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 48min
Ep 251: John Lee on Ukraine, Peace, and What China Wants
John Lee, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and former Australian national security advisor, dives into the strategic implications of Ukraine's war for the Indo-Pacific. He discusses the challenges of negotiating peace, analyzing the controversial 28-point plan. Lee connects the dots between the Ukraine conflict and China, arguing that it serves as a proxy for Chinese interests. He also explores nuclear deterrence, the importance of NATO concessions, and Japan's evolving stance on regional security, revealing the broader geopolitical stakes at play.
38 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep 250: Jeremy Armstrong on Ancient Rome’s Myths and Warfare
Jeremy Armstrong, a Professor of Classics & Ancient History at the University of Auckland and author of Children of Mars, delves into the fascinating history of early Rome. He explores the clan-based military structure and the personal nature of warfare, revealing how myths like those of Aeneas and Romulus shaped Roman identity and served political purposes. Armstrong emphasizes the significance of early republic transitions and the impact of trauma from events like the sack of Rome, illustrating the complex foundations of imperial ambitions in Rome's development.
60 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 50min
Ep 249: Mick Ryan on the Ukrainian Way of War
Major General Mick Ryan, a retired Australian Army leader and military expert with recent experience in Ukraine, dives into the complexities of the ongoing war. He discusses the tactical innovations employed by both Ukraine and Russia, including the critical role of drones. Ryan explains how the Ukrainian military adapts to Russian tactics while reflecting on historical patterns from World War I. He also addresses the challenges of manpower, the industrial capacities of both nations, and the strategic thinking guiding Ukraine under President Zelensky.
81 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
Ep 248: Marc Milner on D-Day and the US-UK Battle for Hegemony
Marc Milner, Emeritus Professor of History and author specializing in WWII, shares intriguing insights on the Anglo-American rivalry during the war. He delves into how 1917 shaped political tensions and the ambivalence of American attitudes toward Nazi fascism. The discussion unfolds around FDR's strategic decisions at the Tehran Conference and the delay of the Western second front. Milner also addresses the complexities behind Allied choices and how D-Day symbolized a shift in global power dynamics, revealing the intricate balance of imperial politics.
10 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 53min
Ep 247: Nicholas Wright on the Brain Science of War
Nicholas Wright, a neuroscientist and author of 'Warhead,' delves into how neuroscience shapes wartime behavior. He discusses the brain’s architecture relevant to military tactics and the importance of mental models. The conversation covers enhancing military training through AI and realistic simulations, and how understanding fear can explain historical events like the fall of France in 1940. Wright also explores the relationship between AI and human cognition, emphasizing how technology will influence our decision-making and identity.
8 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 14min
Ep 246: Veterans Day Special — Remembering Angus MacLean
Host Aaron MacLean honors his father, World War II and Vietnam veteran Angus MacLean. He shares powerful reflections on wartime photos, battlefield valor, and family legacy. Tales of combat on Monte Rotondo and Anzio highlight Angus's bravery and promotions. Aaron recounts formative lessons from his father's military experiences and addresses the impact of trauma and denial. The tribute emphasizes family connections, survival, and the values passed down to future generations.
11 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 52min
Ep 245: Edward Luce on Zbigniew Brzezinski’s Twentieth Century
Edward Luce, U.S. national editor at the Financial Times and author of 'ZBIG', dives into the life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, a pivotal figure during the Cold War. He explores Brzezinski's profound influence on Carter's foreign policy and contrasts his strategic vision with Kissinger's. Luce shares insights on how WWII shaped Brzezinski's worldview, his role in the Vietnam War, and the significance of human rights in foreign policy. The conversation also touches on Brzezinski's legacy and warnings in a post-Cold War world.
