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
9 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 50min
Ep 206: Cleo Paskal on China’s Central Pacific Strategy
Cleo Paskal, a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and author of Crossroads of Competition, dives into China's strategic maneuvers in the Central Pacific. She highlights the historical significance of these islands during WWII and their current geopolitical relevance. Paskal discusses China's investments in infrastructure and the impact on local governance, emphasizing the delicate balance of power in the region. The conversation navigates the intricate dynamics of U.S.-China relations and the future of Pacific island nations amidst rising tensions.
28 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 31min
Ep 205: Mark Dubowitz on Israel’s Unfolding Campaign in Iran
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, sheds light on Israel’s recent airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear program. He discusses the ongoing tensions in U.S.-Iran relations and the strategic implications of Israel's military actions. Key topics include disrupting Iran's nuclear ambitions, the intelligence advantage Israel holds, and the potential for regime change in Iran. Dubowitz also highlights the use of drones and the geopolitical risks involved, painting a complex picture of the Middle East landscape.
Jun 10, 2025 • 55min
Ep 204: Annie Jacobsen on Nuclear War
Annie Jacobsen, a journalist and the author of "Nuclear War: A Scenario," dives deep into the intricacies of nuclear warfare and its global implications. She discusses the risks of 'launch on warning' policies and examines the precarious balance of deterrence, especially regarding volatile leaders like North Korea. Through her journey from fiction to national security reporting, Jacobsen highlights the challenges of effective missile defense and the dark humor surrounding societal collapse in an apocalyptic scenario. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of a dangerous reality.
12 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 51min
Ep 203: Stephen Rabe on the Invasion of Normandy
Stephen Rabe, a historian and the author of The Lost Paratroopers of Normandy, delves into the emotional and layered history of the Normandy invasion. He shares a personal connection through his father's experiences as a WWII paratrooper. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by the 507th Regiment, including unexpected flooding and the villagers' critical support. Rabe also sheds light on the tragic fate of unarmed medical personnel, emphasizing the moral complexities of war and the long-term impacts on soldiers and communities.
37 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 43min
Ep 202: Fred Kagan on Ukraine’s Attack and the Future of War
Fred Kagan, a senior fellow and director of the Critical Threats Project at AEI, discusses Ukraine’s bold drone strikes on Russian air assets. He highlights the remarkable tactics employed and the implications for modern warfare. The conversation delves into the complexities of nuclear deterrence and the risks of escalation. Kagan also emphasizes the importance of surprise in combat, examining how traditional strategies adapt to high-tech warfare. Ultimately, he critiques the dynamics influencing military strategies and peace negotiations in the ongoing conflict.
May 30, 2025 • 46min
Ep 201: Zachary Griffiths & McKinsey Harb on the U.S. Army
Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Griffiths, a Special Forces officer and director of the Harding Project, joins Major McKinsey Harb, a strategist and lead author of the new Army Field Manual 1. They delve into the evolution of military mindsets, the significance of fostering a warrior ethos, and the balance between leadership and followership. Their insights also reveal the challenges of military communication and the impact of historical figures, like a WWII dentist-turned-hero, on the modern understanding of military identity.
May 27, 2025 • 54min
Ep 200: Rick Atkinson on the American Revolution at 250
Rick Atkinson, a renowned historian and author of several acclaimed works on the American Revolution, shares a deep dive into the causes and consequences of this pivotal conflict. He examines British strategies and the mindset leading up to the Battle of Lexington and Concord. The discussion also highlights George Washington's leadership and Benjamin Franklin's diplomatic efforts in Paris. As Atkinson reflects on the upcoming 250th anniversary, he encourages a nuanced understanding of America's revolutionary legacy, celebrating achievements while recognizing historical flaws.
20 snips
May 23, 2025 • 41min
Ep 199: Jonathan Hackett on Our Failures in Iraq & Afghanistan
Jonathan Hackett, a former U.S. Marine Corps interrogator and author of Theory of Irregular War, delves into the complexities of irregular warfare following America’s post-9/11 conflicts. He discusses the evolution of interrogation techniques, highlighting the shift from coercive methods to rapport-building. Hackett critiques U.S. military strategies in Iraq and Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for local engagement and understanding cultural contexts. He calls for a rethinking of military approaches and underscores the importance of non-military solutions in modern geopolitics.
70 snips
May 20, 2025 • 38min
Ep 198: Robert D. Kaplan on Crisis
Robert D. Kaplan, the Robert Strausz-Hupé Chair in Geopolitics, dives into the world's enduring crises. He reflects on his formative experiences in Far Rockaway and the significant literary influences that shaped his worldview. Kaplan draws parallels between historical and contemporary conflicts, notably the Balkans and Weimar Germany. He critiques the decline of Western leadership in a rapidly changing global landscape, while also discussing the impact of AI on education and individualism in modern cities. A captivating exploration of political and cultural dynamics!
34 snips
May 13, 2025 • 42min
Ep 197: Mick Ryan on the Ukrainian Battlefield
Mick Ryan, a retired major general in the Australian Army and author of The War for Ukraine, dives into the complexities of the Ukrainian battlefield. He shares firsthand insights on the evolving roles of drones and the adaptability of military strategies. Ryan discusses the necessity of rethinking procurement for rapid response, and challenges the notion that artillery is obsolete. The conversation also touches on Putin's ambitions, the potential for a ceasefire, and the surprising resilience of military tactics in modern warfare.
