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
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.
34 snips
May 9, 2025 • 51min
Ep 196: Thomas Bruscino and Mitchell G. Klingenberg on Mapping Warfare
In this discussion, military historians Thomas Bruscino and Mitchell G. Klingenberg dive into the intricate world of military mapping. They share insights on the limitations of traditional military maps and their vital role in strategic decisions. Exploring the Gettysburg Campaign, they highlight key moments of leadership under pressure, such as Meade's command. The duo emphasizes the importance of modern visualization techniques and teamwork in enhancing operational effectiveness, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of historical warfare.
69 snips
May 6, 2025 • 47min
Ep 195: John Hillen on Strategic Thinking
John Hillen, a military veteran turned business leader and professor, dives into the art of strategic thinking across war and corporate life. He shares gripping stories from the Gulf War, particularly the pivotal Battle of 73 Easting, and reflects on witnessing the fall of the Iron Curtain. Hillen emphasizes that strategy is more than just setting goals; it requires real-time decision-making and foresight. Furthermore, he explores the surprising connections between gaming and military history, revealing how the Call of Duty franchise enhances civics education.
29 snips
May 2, 2025 • 54min
Ep 194: Mark Moyar on the Vietnam War
Mark Moyar, a military historian and author, shares insights on the Vietnam War's pivotal moments. He discusses the orthodox versus revisionist views on U.S. involvement and the influence of the anti-war movement. The complexities of Ho Chi Minh’s dual identity as a nationalist and communist are explored, alongside the consequences of the 1963 coup that deepened American engagement. Moyar also examines Nixon's strategies, including Vietnamization, and reflects on the war's fallout, emphasizing the lasting impact on American memory.
31 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 56min
Ep 193: Douglas Murray on Israel’s War and its Global Consequences
Douglas Murray, a renowned journalist and author of 'On Democracies and Death Cults,' discusses pivotal issues around Israel's ongoing conflict and its broader implications. He critiques oversimplified historical comparisons, labeling some ideological groups as ‘death cults.’ Murray explores the intricate relationships between anti-Semitism and identity, reflecting on the influence of events like 9/11. He also examines the shifting dynamics of the American Right, urging a nuanced understanding of political ideologies in today’s complex landscape.
Apr 25, 2025 • 48min
Ep 192: Raymond Jonas on Europe’s War on the Monroe Doctrine (~165 years ago)
Raymond Jonas, Jon Bridgman Endowed Professor in History, delves into the dramatic 19th-century European attempts to undermine the Monroe Doctrine. He uncovers the complexities of transatlantic relations during the American Civil War, the ambitions of Napoleon III, and Maximilian I's intriguing yet doomed reign in Mexico. The conversation highlights how European powers aimed to alter the political landscape and the resilience of Mexican forces. Jonas also reflects on the unexpected implications for American sovereignty and modernization in the wake of these initiatives.
