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
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.
9 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.
14 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.
30 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 38min
Ep 256: Nadia Schadlow on Strategic Depth
Nadia Schadlow, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy, explores the vital concept of strategic depth. She explains its relevance amidst modern threats like cyber warfare. Historical examples like Napoleon’s campaigns illuminate how territory impacts conflict. The discussion also touches on the importance of allies and proactive defense strategies to maintain freedom of choice. Ultimately, they argue that strategic depth still matters, albeit in more complex forms today.
10 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 53min
Ep 255: Roya Hakakian on the Islamic Revolution
Roya Hakakian, an acclaimed author and journalist specializing in Iranian history, shares her insights on the 1979 Islamic Revolution. She reflects on life in pre-revolutionary Tehran and her family's experiences with antisemitism. Hakakian discusses Khomeini's rise to power, the pivotal shift from liberal ideals to religious extremism, and the international misinterpretations of Iran's revolutionary movements. She emphasizes the ongoing repercussions of the revolution, the regime's surprising resilience, and how it continues to influence global narratives today.
44 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.
