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
9 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 42min
Ep 220: Marc LiVecche on Hiroshima and Morality
Marc LiVecche, a McDonald Distinguished Scholar of Ethics, dives deep into the moral intricacies of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He tackles Just War Theory, questioning if these historic actions can be justified ethically. The discussion unravels the concept of moral injury faced by soldiers and considers conflicting perspectives on the necessity of nuclear warfare. LiVecche's insights prompt listeners to reflect on the complex legacies of wartime decisions and their implications for modern warfare ethics.
6 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 56min
Ep 219: Stephen Platt on Mao's China and the Original Marine Raider
Stephen Platt, a Professor of Chinese history at UMass Amherst and author, dives into the fascinating life of Marine Evans Carlson. He discusses Carlson's surprising shift from anti-communism to supporting Chinese communists, influenced by his experiences in Nicaragua. The conversation highlights Carlson’s vital role as a bodyguard for FDR and his insights on U.S.-China relations. Listeners will also learn about the formation of the Marine Raiders and their heroic yet complex legacy in World War II.
10 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 41min
Ep 218: Lawerence Freedman on Endless Wars
Lawerence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King’s College London and author of ‘The Age of Forever Wars’, shares his insights on the nature of protracted conflicts. He discusses the challenges military planners face balancing quick victories with the reality of enduring wars, using Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine as key examples. Freedman critiques current military strategies and emphasizes the need for clear political goals. He also explores historical mistakes and the ongoing resilience of conflicts like Israel and Hamas, while questioning Putin's persistent aggression.
9 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep 217: Steven Rabalais on Ike’s Mentor
Steven Rabalais, a litigator and author of "General Fox Conner: Pershing's Chief of Operations and Eisenhower's Mentor," dives into the remarkable yet overlooked influence of General Fox Connor on military history. He discusses Connor's mentorship of Eisenhower, revealing how it shaped his strategic thinking. Rabalais also touches on Connor's significant role during World War I, the evolution of the U.S. Army, and the personal resilience reflected in Southern narratives. Join him as he uncovers the vital lessons from this historical connection.
7 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 42min
Ep 216: Will Somerindyke on Making Munitions in America
Will Somerindyke, Chairman of Regulus Global and CEO of UNION, is passionate about revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base. He shares fascinating insights into transforming Regulus from a support group to a comprehensive manufacturer in defense contracting. The conversation highlights the intricate logistics of munitions production amid global conflicts, the need for domestic manufacturing, and innovative methods like forging versus casting. Somerindyke underscores the importance of flexibility and modernization in ensuring national security.
Jul 18, 2025 • 38min
Ep 215: Ryan McDermott on Invading Iraq in 2003
Ryan McDermott, an Army veteran of the 2003 Iraq invasion and author of *Downriver: Memoir of a Warrior Poet*, shares gripping insights from his combat experiences. He discusses his journey from West Point to the battlefield, emphasizing the profound impact of 9/11 on military careers. McDermott recounts the intense adrenaline rush of his first combat moments and the critical tactical adaptations of the 3rd Infantry Division. He also reflects on the deep bonds formed within his platoon, highlighting the emotional complexity of transitioning from training to real warfare.
50 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 58min
Ep 214: Bryan Clark on the Coming Sensor War with China
Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and a submariner, shares his insights on the potential for conflict with China. He delves into the evolving role of sensor technology in warfare and discusses the U.S.'s challenges, particularly concerning Taiwan. Clark highlights the complexities of military command structures in China, emphasizing the dual roles of political officers. He also explores how to deter adversaries through deception and the importance of adaptive leadership in chaotic environments.
Jul 8, 2025 • 58min
Ep 213: Paul Lay on Cromwell and the English Civil War
In this discussion, Paul Lay, Senior Editor of Engelsberg Ideas and author of *Providence Lost*, unpacks the complex world of the English Civil War. He explores Cromwell's unexpected rise from minor gentry to military leader, detailing how this shaped the Commonwealth. Lay intriguingly connects Cromwell's governance to modern political figures like Margaret Thatcher, revealing the historical echoes in today's political landscape. He also examines anti-Catholic sentiment and how 17th-century English struggles influenced American political thought.
8 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
Ep 212: Arnold Punaro on Fighting in Vietnam and Washington
Arnold Punaro, a retired USMC Major General with 35 years of military experience, shares gripping tales of his service in Vietnam and later in Washington, D.C. He recounts intense jungle battles, the camaraderie among soldiers, and his harrowing injuries. Punaro discusses the complexities of decision-making in wartime and the emotional toll on returning veterans. He also addresses the intricacies of the Senate confirmation process, emphasizing the need for qualified leaders in government and advocating for reforms to improve military reporting accuracy.
12 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 54min
Ep 211: Daniel Samet on the Origins of the U.S.-Israel Relationship
Daniel Samet, a George P. Shultz Fellow, explores the intricate history of the U.S.-Israel relationship. He delves into President Truman's swift recognition of Israel just 11 minutes after its declaration and the geopolitical tensions of the late 1940s. Samet highlights the complexities of U.S. support for Israel amid the Cold War, the impact of Soviet-Arab relations, and pivotal moments like the USS Liberty incident and the Yom Kippur War. This rich discussion reveals how strategic decisions shaped alliances and continue to influence modern Middle Eastern dynamics.
