Ben Noon, an expert on US-China rivalry and a contributor to the Vandenberg Coalition, shares insights on the high-stakes semiconductor competition. He explains the significance of both legacy and advanced chips, detailing their roles in everyday technology and cutting-edge innovations. The discussion highlights the importance of robust trade policies to counter China's market strategies and emphasizes how this chip dominance is crucial for national security and economic competitiveness amid rising tensions.

Scott Hartwig, author ofI Dread the Thought of the Place: The Battle of Antietam and the End of the Maryland Campaign, joins the show to discuss the single bloodiest day in American military history, the Battle of Antietam.▪️Times     •      01:46 Introduction     •      02:19 Why Antietam?    •      09:09 Sourcing history    •     12:45 Limited to total war    •      21:24 McClellan     •      28:00 Lee in Maryland     •      34:57 Geography     •      46:20 South Mountain to Antietam     •      55:49 The fighting    •      01:02:12 Mass and maneuver    •      01:04:44 Lee escapesFollow along  on InstagramFind a transcript of today’s episode on our School of War Substack

Jacqueline Deal, President and CEO of the Long Term Strategy Group and a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, discusses the complexities of U.S.-China competition. She reveals how U.S. policies may inadvertently empower China. The conversation dives into China's strategic rivalry, its military mindset resembling early 20th-century Germany, and the critical vulnerabilities in supply chains influencing national security. Deal emphasizes the importance of boosting domestic production to navigate this competitive landscape successfully.

Nicholas Morton, a Senior Lecturer in History at Nottingham Trent University and author of a detailed military history on the Crusader States, shares insights into the Crusades. He breaks down the complex dynamics between the Franks and Turks, discussing innovative military tactics and the significance of sieges. Morton analyzes the rise and eventual failure of the Crusader states, highlighting key figures like Saladin. He also draws connections between historical conflicts and modern Middle Eastern issues, showcasing the fluidity of warfare in both eras.

Katherine Kuzminski, Director of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at CNAS and author of "Back to the Drafting Board," dives into the complexities of military recruitment amid looming global tensions. She discusses the significance of mobilization in a post-volunteer force era and challenges like declining youth interest in service. Kuzminski also explores lessons from Israel's conscription model and the evolving role of women in the military, highlighting societal perceptions of the draft and its implications for national security.

Mark Dubowitz, chief executive of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, provides crucial insights into the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. He discusses Iran’s missile strikes and the geopolitical impact on regional stability. The conversation delves into the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, emphasizing the need for stronger approaches to prevent nuclear escalation. Dubowitz also critiques past strategies and advocates for supporting the Iranian populace amidst regime change discussions, offering a detailed look at the challenges ahead.

Alex Miller, the Chief Technology Officer to the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, shares insights into the future of warfare. He discusses the U.S. Army's response to the evolving battlefield, emphasizing the role of drones and electromagnetic warfare. Miller highlights the shift from anti-terror operations to large-scale conflict and the urgent need for agile procurement strategies in military technology. He also touches on the integration of AI and automation in operations, while balancing human involvement to navigate ethical considerations.

Frank Ledwidge, a Senior Fellow in Air Power and International Security at the Royal Air Force College, dives into the future of warfare in space. He discusses the transformation of aerial tactics for this new domain, highlighting the competitive tension between nations, especially the U.S. and China. Ledwidge elaborates on the dangers of space debris, anti-satellite technology, and the ethical implications of advancements like Starlink. He emphasizes the necessity for international norms to mitigate risks as space becomes a critical battlefield.

Eric Edelman and Thomas Mahnken, defense strategy experts from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, discuss crucial insights on America’s military posture. They delve into the evolution of the National Defense Strategy and its implications amid global tensions with China and Russia. The conversation highlights the need for a 'multiple theater force construct' to address diverse threats and argues for increased defense spending to meet modern challenges. Their analysis reveals a pressing call for adaptability in U.S. military capabilities.

Christopher Lynch, a Political Science Professor at Missouri State University and contributor to Machiavelli on War, delves into the turbulent world of Renaissance warfare and Niccolò Machiavelli. He discusses the chaos sparked by the French invasion of 1494, which led to the rise of republicanism in Florence. Lynch critiques Machiavelli’s views on mercenaries versus a native military and examines his strategic insights during the campaign for Pisa. The conversation also touches on Machiavelli's exile and the complex morality in his works, revealing whether he was a reformer or a proponent of cunning politics.