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
29 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 54min
Ep 186: Walter Russell Mead on Trump, Strategy, and Mercantilism
Walter Russell Mead, an expert in strategy and statecraft from the University of Florida, dives into Trump’s economic worldview. He discusses the historical roots of Trump’s mercantilist approach and its influence on trade policies. The conversation shifts to the outsourcing of defense to China and how this affects national security. Mead also highlights the changing dynamics between Congress and the Executive, and examines the U.S. dollar's critical role in global economics and military power. Expect insightful critiques and historical contexts!
Mar 18, 2025 • 57min
Ep 185: Lara Burns on the Hamas Threat in America
Lara Burns, a retired FBI Special Agent and current head of terrorism research at George Washington University, discusses the insidious presence of Islamist groups in America. She delves into the historical context and ideological foundations of Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, exposing their strategies to influence American society. The conversation highlights funding complexities behind activist organizations and the challenges of addressing anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses. Burns emphasizes the importance of education in combating misinformation and promoting societal awareness.
6 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 43min
Ep 184: Alexander Burns on the Dawn of the Modern Battlefield
Alexander Burns, an Assistant Professor of History at Franciscan University and author of "Infantry in Battle 1733-1783," dives into the evolution of combat from Marlborough to Napoleon. He discusses how 18th-century warfare transformed into chaotic confrontations, emphasizing the psychological shifts in soldiers and the rise of firearms. The conversation also covers Prussian military innovations, the blending of European strategies with American tactics during the Revolutionary War, and the ideological motivations that began to shape modern enlistment.
11 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 36min
Ep 183: Tom Cotton on China
Tom Cotton, a U.S. Senator from Arkansas and author of "Seven Things You Can't Say About China," shares insights from his military service and political career. He discusses the CCP’s global ambitions and highlights bipartisan concerns over China's influence on human rights and security. Cotton analyzes China's early COVID-19 response and its potential economic stagnation, which could lead to increased aggression towards Taiwan. He also delves into the challenges posed by geopolitical threats from Russia and Iran, emphasizing the importance of a strong U.S. defense.
22 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 48min
Ep 182: Sean McMeekin on Communism
Sean McMeekin, a Professor of European History at Bard College and author, dives into the intriguing relationship between communism and warfare. He discusses Lenin's strategic vision during the Russian Revolution and how his tactics shaped future foreign policies. The conversation explores the CCP's complex alliances during the Chinese Civil War, Stalin's dual role in the Cold War, and the evolution of Chinese communism from Mao to Xi Jinping. Prepare for a compelling journey through the ideological underpinnings that have influenced global conflicts.
43 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 46min
Ep 181: Michael Cook on the Islamic Conquests
Michael Cook, a Princeton University professor and author of "A History of the Muslim World," delves into the explosive Arab expansion of the 7th century. He discusses the socio-political landscape before Islam, highlighting tribal dynamics and self-defense strategies. Cook also examines how Muhammad unified a fragmented society and the emergence of a distinct Arab identity. Additionally, he explores the internal conflicts after Muhammad's death, revealing how these historic power struggles influence modern politics and warfare.
74 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 54min
Ep 180: Stephen Kotkin on Endgames in Ukraine
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.
48 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 54min
Ep 179: Phillips O’Brien on Grand Strategy in WW2
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.
14 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 53min
Ep 178: Mark Montgomery on Cyber War
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.
36 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 52min
Ep 177: Christopher Kolakowski on Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr.
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.
