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
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.
11 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.
11 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 58min
Ep 244: Oren Cass on a Strategy of Reciprocity
Oren Cass, founder and chief economist of American Compass, discusses his insights on U.S. strategic policy towards China. He explores the flawed assumptions that shaped American views post-Cold War, advocating for a strategy of reciprocity in alliances and trade. Cass highlights the importance of recognizing spheres of influence and argues for selective economic decoupling to safeguard critical supply chains. He also addresses how a reciprocity-based approach could redefine U.S. partnerships, presenting a nuanced view on the future of global alliances.
14 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 52min
Ep 243: Alexander Mikaberidze on Russia’s Failed Battle with Turkey… in 1809
Alexander Mikaberidze, a history professor and Napoleonic scholar, explores the strategic blunders of the Russo-Ottoman War, particularly the disastrous siege of Brăila in 1809. He discusses the importance of siege warfare alongside decisive battles and contrasts Russian and Ottoman military strategies. Mikaberidze delves into Kutuzov’s evolution as a commander, highlighting his shift from aggressive tactics to a more cautious approach. He also examines lessons on military culture, accountability, and adaptation drawn from the campaign's failures.
4 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 42min
Ep 243: Joshua S. Treviño—Is Trump After Regime Change in Venezuela?
Joshua S. Treviño, Chief Transformation Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, dives into the complexities of U.S. military strategy in Venezuela. He unpacks the state-cartel synthesis, shedding light on how drug cartels influence governance. Treviño discusses the legal justifications for military strikes and whether regime change is a goal. With insights on the Venezuelan opposition's readiness and Colombia's relationship with the U.S., he highlights the broader implications of military action in the region and the domestic impact of cartel integration.
14 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 48min
Ep 242: Michael Sobolik on On Donald Trump’s Trade War with China
Michael Sobolik, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and author, dives deep into U.S.-China relations and trade tensions. He shares insights on Trump's historical trade strategy and the geopolitical stakes surrounding the upcoming Trump-Xi summit. Sobolik explains China's use of rare earth resources as leverage and the implications of recent export controls. They also discuss the challenges of decoupling from China and what a 'good deal' should encompass beyond just trade, including issues like Taiwan and information warfare linked to TikTok.
