School of War

Stephen Kotkin, a Kleinheinz Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and author on Russia, dives into the intricate dynamics of the Ukraine conflict. He argues both sides have incurred significant losses and discusses the urgent need for a new path to peace. Kotkin examines the pressures on Putin and the strategic complexities affecting U.S. foreign policy. He also highlights the roles of NATO and European allies in shaping geopolitical responses, emphasizing the growing need for coherent strategies in a shifting landscape.

Phillips O’Brien, Chair of Strategic Studies at the University of St. Andrews, delves into the intricacies of strategic decision-making in World War II. He discusses how individual leadership styles influenced wartime strategies, highlighting FDR's navalist approach and Churchill's adaptability. O’Brien challenges the 'Germany First' doctrine and examines Stalin's underestimations of Hitler. The impact of personal agency in shaping military outcomes and the flawed decisions of leaders like Hitler are also explored, revealing the human element in grand strategy.

Mark Montgomery, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral and senior director at the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, discusses America's readiness for cyber warfare. He elaborates on how the U.S. is a 'target-rich environment' and the significant risks posed by Chinese cyber operations like Salt and Volt Typhoon. Montgomery highlights vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the urgent need for resilience and clear doctrines in responding to cyber threats. He also emphasizes the evolving dynamics of warfare and the critical importance of adaptive leadership in this new landscape.

Christopher Kolakowski, director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and military history expert, shares insights into the life of Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr., the highest-ranking U.S. officer killed in WWII. He highlights Buckner's overlooked legacy, his transformative command during the Okinawa campaign, and the logistical complexities of the 10th Army. The discussion also touches on the unique military strategies in Alaska and the crucial decisions made by leaders like Buckner that shaped the Pacific Theater, culminating in a poignant reflection on the human cost of war.

David Betz, a Professor of War in the Modern World at King’s College London, specializes in military strategy. He delves into the surprising relevance of fortification in today's warfare, revealing how ancient strategies still influence modern conflicts. Betz shares insights on the intersection of urban landscapes and military planning, illustrating this with the ongoing situations in Ukraine and Israel. He discusses the balance between security and aesthetics, questioning how economic factors shape contemporary defensive tactics.

Mick Ryan, a retired Major General in the Australian Army and author of 'War Transformed,' talks about the intersection of war and fiction. He explores the influence of military-themed narratives, like Tom Clancy's, in shaping public perceptions of conflict. Ryan highlights the importance of deterrence in the Pacific, the complexities of modern warfare in places like Ukraine and Israel, and the vital role fiction plays in understanding soldier experiences and geopolitical realities. His insights bridge the gap between military strategy and civilian awareness.

Hal Brands, a distinguished global affairs professor and author of The Eurasian Century, dives deep into the complexities of geopolitics. He explores the strategic significance of Eurasia and the historical rivalries between land and sea power theories. The conversation touches on the rise of authoritarianism, the burdens of defense, and the ongoing struggle for power in the region. Brands also analyzes the implications of China’s nuclear aspirations and compares them with historical context to understand current dynamics.

Tom Karako, Senior Fellow at CSIS and missile defense expert, shares insights on America's missile defense landscape. He discusses the implications of President Trump’s missile defense executive order and delves into the evolution of the Iron Dome concept. The conversation highlights the historical context of missile defense treaties and the challenges posed by modern threats like North Korea. Karako also examines the effectiveness of current systems, emphasizing their role in national security and the need for advancements in air defenses against complex attack scenarios.

Eric Chewning, EVP of Strategy at Huntington Ingalls, and Thomas Moore, a 39-year Navy veteran, dive deep into America's shipbuilding crisis. They explore the erosion of the defense industrial base and the urgent need for strategic improvements by 2025. The discussion highlights the challenges posed by Chinese competition and workforce shortages. They also address the integration of unmanned systems in naval operations and underline the importance of modernizing training and infrastructure to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of naval warfare.

Gabe Scheinmann, grandson of André Scheinmann and Executive Director of the Alexander Hamilton Society, joins author Diana Mara Henry to discuss the remarkable life of his grandfather. They explore André's journey from a German Jew to a French Resistance fighter and British spy during World War II. Topics include his harrowing experiences in Dachau, the complexities of espionage, and the relentless spirit of resistance against Nazi oppression. The conversation highlights the legacy of courage, resilience, and the profound impact of personal history on broader narratives.