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
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.
48 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.
33 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 52min
Ep 227: Yaakov Katz on What Went Wrong on 10/7
Yaakov Katz, a senior fellow at The Jewish People Policy Institute and former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, dives into the intelligence and military failures surrounding the shocking events of October 6-7, 2023. He discusses overlooked warnings and communication breakdowns within Israel's security forces. Katz highlights cultural gaps in military discipline that contributed to vulnerabilities and reflects on the moral responsibilities of military leaders in safeguarding personnel. The complexities of governance and hostage negotiations in Gaza also take center stage.
28 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 59min
Ep 226: Geoffrey Wawro on the Vietnam War
Geoffrey Wawro, founding director of the Military History Center at the University of North Texas and author of *The Vietnam War: A Military History*, dives deep into the complex failures of the U.S. in Vietnam. He discusses the evolving interpretations of the war, contrasting early perceptions with modern insights. Wawro highlights strategic miscalculations, the influence of the Korean War, and the tension in decision-making among U.S. leaders. He also draws parallels between Vietnam and contemporary Afghanistan, emphasizing lessons in governance and military strategy.
18 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 14min
Ep 225: Geoff Ball on the Evacuation of Kabul
Major Geoff Ball, a Marine Corps officer and co-founder of the Connecting File, shares gripping insights from the evacuation of Kabul in 2021. He recounts the chaos and courage of his troops during the desperate evacuation at Abbey Gate, where critical decisions were made under extreme pressure. Geoff discusses the intense camaraderie among Marines, the emotional toll of that mission, and reflects on the sacrifices made, including the profound personal impacts on those involved. His stories illuminate the complexities of leadership in crisis.
17 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 47min
Ep 224: Barry Strauss on Ancient Rome’s Wars with Israel
Barry Strauss, an expert on ancient Rome and author of Jews vs. Rome, dives deep into the tumultuous relationship between Ancient Rome and its Jewish subjects. He discusses the significant Jewish revolts and strategic warfare tactics that emerged in response to Roman governance. Strauss highlights Herod's complex reign, showcasing his alliances and architectural feats, while also drawing parallels between ancient conflicts and modern geopolitics. They explore the cultural dynamics within Judea and the enduring implications of these historical struggles.
