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
Dec 20, 2024 • 46min
Ep 166: Rachel Kousser on Alexander the Great
Rachel Kousser, a professor of Classics and Art History at CUNY and author of 'Alexander at the End of the World,' dives into the complex legacy of Alexander the Great. They discuss his pragmatic military strategies, including his dramatic conquest of Persia and the controversial burning of Persepolis. Kousser elaborates on the challenges he faced in Central Asia, battles against Darius, and pivotal moments that defined his leadership. The conversation also touches on the heavy toll of ambitious empire-building and the cultural clashes Alexander encountered.
22 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 39min
Ep 165: Shyam Sankar on a Defense Reformation
Shyam Sankar, Chief Technology Officer at Palantir Technologies, shares his insights on defense technology and acquisition challenges. He critiques the Pentagon's outdated procurement processes, emphasizing the need for agility and collaboration. Highlighting the disconnect between corporate leadership and frontline realities, he discusses how software innovation is paramount for future warfare. Sankar also celebrates both established heroes and lesser-known innovators who defy convention in the defense sector, advocating for a shift towards software-driven military strategies.
17 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 52min
Ep 164: Mark Dubowitz on Syria’s Collapse
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a Middle East security expert, dives into the collapse of Assad's regime. He discusses the rising influence of Syrian rebels and the implications for Israel and Iran. Mark highlights the challenges posed by extremist groups and analyzes the precarious balance of power in the region. He emphasizes the need for a strong U.S. strategy regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions while underscoring the fragile state of regional dynamics amid renewed conflicts.
95 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 18min
Ep 163: School of War Goes to Israel—Lessons from a Savage Year
Yishai Ben Zion, an Israeli officer with combat experience against Hezbollah, and Sarit Zehavi, a Lieutenant Colonel in the IDF reserves directing the Alma Center, share vital insights. They delve into Hezbollah's tactics, the complexities of ceasefire negotiations, and Israel's military strategies in response to persistent threats. Discussions also highlight the emotional toll on soldiers and local communities amidst ongoing conflict. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the precarious balance between military operations and civilian safety in Israel's northern front.
Dec 6, 2024 • 29min
Ep 162: Michael Leggiere on Military History on Campus
Michael Leggiere, Professor of Humanities at the University of Florida and editor of War Studies Journal 1, joins the show to discuss the sad state of military history in higher education.▪️Times • 01:17 Introduction • 02:48 Military history in academia • 03:53 PME • 05:22 What is “new” military history? • 11:55 “History shouldn’t be a mystery” • 17:55 The Journal • 20:45 Suggested pieces • 24:32 Napoleon • 26:58 LeeFollow along on Instagram or YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcastFind a transcript of today’s episode on our School of War Substack
33 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 49min
Ep 161: Mackenzie Eaglen on China’s Military Spending and Ours
Mackenzie Eaglen, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and an expert in defense strategy and budgets, delves into the stark realities of U.S. military funding. She highlights the alarming gap between China's reported and actual defense spending, stressing its implications for U.S. military readiness. Eaglen also discusses the critical need for strategic responses to China's advancements and the long-term impacts of budget constraints on national security and education. Her insights reveal the urgent necessity for the U.S. to modernize its defense approach.
24 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 59min
Ep 160: Thomas Barfield on Empire and Imperial Strategies Today
Thomas Barfield, a renowned anthropologist and author, shares his insights on imperial strategies and the historical dynamics of empires. He discusses the complexities of Afghan politics and the clash between American assumptions and local realities. Barfield examines the governance structures of different empires, highlighting their unique approaches to authority. He also explores the evolution of imperial strategies, the impact of nostalgia on political power, and how America's maritime legacy shapes current global dynamics, particularly in relation to China.
Nov 19, 2024 • 45min
Ep 159: Rebeccah Heinrichs on the Morality of Nuclear Weapons
Rebeccah Heinrichs, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and author of Duty to Deter: American Nuclear Deterrence and the Just War Doctrine, joins the show to make the moral argument for why the United States should modernize and grow its nuclear arsenal. ▪️Times • 01:15 Introduction • 01:48 A net good • 04:50 Tactical nuclear weapons • 10:25 The argument of disarmament • 14:03 Cold War strategy • 19:53 Capability and will • 26:06 Downside of “no first use” • 32:03 The nuclear triad • 37:20 Russia and China • 40:56 The moral argumentWatch today’s episode on YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcastFollow along on InstagramFind a transcript of today’s episode on our School of War Substack
Nov 12, 2024 • 48min
Ep 158: Randall Schriver and Dan Blumenthal on an Economic Strategy for China
Randall Schriver, Chairman of the Board at The Project 2049 Institute, and Dan Blumenthal, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, join the show to discuss a road map for economic competition—and warfare—between the U.S. and China. ▪️Times • 01:55 Introduction • 02:30 Planning for economic warfare • 06:27 Endstate • 10:18 Leadership • 12:21 NSDD • 14:59 Starting points • 17:10 Decoupling • 20:03 Where is the stuff coming from? • 23:50 Degrading the Chinese economy • 27:33 A dream of cooperation • 32:17 Slow the growth • 36:08 Wargaming • 41:41 Protraction • 44:49 International and Congressional concernsClick the link to read the report - DEFEATING THE CCP A RUNNING STARTFollow along on Instagram or YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcastFind a transcript of today’s episode on our School of War Substack
Nov 8, 2024 • 1h 27min
Ep 157: Frank Cohn—Veterans Day Special
Watch this episode on YouTube. Frank Cohn joins the show to talk about his life: fleeing Hitler’s Germany, his return as a U.S. soldier tasked with hunting Nazi’s, his service in Vietnam, and more.▪️Times • 01:55 Introduction • 02:15 A Nazi in the classroom • 05:47 Martin and Ruth • 17:35 Leaving Germany • 19:22 New York City • 22:50 Pearl Harbor • 30:47 Back to Europe • 35:30 Nazi Hunter • 39:48 POW for a moment • 42:32 The Dutch lady • 50:40 Camps • 52:30 Crossing the Elbe • 59:20 Interrogations • 01:05:40 Paying back the country • 01:08:51 Paula • 01:14:50 Military Police and Vietnam • 01:18:40 Angus • 01:21:12 LessonsFollow along on InstagramFind a transcript of today’s episode on our School of War Substack
