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
7 snips
Nov 5, 2024 • 44min
Ep 156: Nicholas Eberstadt on North Koreans in Russia
Nicholas Eberstadt, Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute, joins the show to discuss the North Korean regime and the geopolitical impact of its decision to send troops to support Russia in Ukraine.▪️Times • 01:36 Introduction • 01:49 Finding North Korea • 04:00 The Sung dynasty • 09:24 Beijing and Moscow • 14:43 Kim Jong Il • 22:14 Mackinder’s World-Island • 26:29 Interconnected • 33:18 Why commit to Russia? • 36:55 Limited imaginations • 39:03 New differencesFollow along on InstagramFind a transcript of today’s episode on our School of War Substack
Oct 29, 2024 • 55min
Ep 155: Nick Lloyd on World War I’s Eastern Front
Nick Lloyd, Professor of Modern Warfare at King's College London and author of 'The Eastern Front: A History of the Great War, 1914-1918,' dives into the critical yet often overlooked Eastern Front of World War I. He discusses the significance of the Battle of Tannenberg, revealing its strategies and the chaos within the Russian army. Lloyd explores the impact of munitions shortages on Russia's war effort, the collapse of their forces leading to revolution, and Lenin's dramatic return, challenging the very fabric of the war and reshaping geopolitics.
10 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 31min
Ep 154: Ben Noon on the U.S.-China Chip Wars
Ben Noon, an expert on US-China rivalry and a contributor to the Vandenberg Coalition, shares insights on the high-stakes semiconductor competition. He explains the significance of both legacy and advanced chips, detailing their roles in everyday technology and cutting-edge innovations. The discussion highlights the importance of robust trade policies to counter China's market strategies and emphasizes how this chip dominance is crucial for national security and economic competitiveness amid rising tensions.
Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 17min
Ep 153: Scott Hartwig on the Battle of Antietam
Scott Hartwig, author ofI Dread the Thought of the Place: The Battle of Antietam and the End of the Maryland Campaign, joins the show to discuss the single bloodiest day in American military history, the Battle of Antietam.▪️Times • 01:46 Introduction • 02:19 Why Antietam? • 09:09 Sourcing history • 12:45 Limited to total war • 21:24 McClellan • 28:00 Lee in Maryland • 34:57 Geography • 46:20 South Mountain to Antietam • 55:49 The fighting • 01:02:12 Mass and maneuver • 01:04:44 Lee escapesFollow along on InstagramFind a transcript of today’s episode on our School of War Substack
10 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 42min
Ep 152: Jacqueline Deal on China’s Strategy
Jacqueline Deal, President and CEO of the Long Term Strategy Group and a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, discusses the complexities of U.S.-China competition. She reveals how U.S. policies may inadvertently empower China. The conversation dives into China's strategic rivalry, its military mindset resembling early 20th-century Germany, and the critical vulnerabilities in supply chains influencing national security. Deal emphasizes the importance of boosting domestic production to navigate this competitive landscape successfully.
Oct 11, 2024 • 52min
Ep 151: Nicholas Morton on the Crusades
Nicholas Morton, a Senior Lecturer in History at Nottingham Trent University and author of a detailed military history on the Crusader States, shares insights into the Crusades. He breaks down the complex dynamics between the Franks and Turks, discussing innovative military tactics and the significance of sieges. Morton analyzes the rise and eventual failure of the Crusader states, highlighting key figures like Saladin. He also draws connections between historical conflicts and modern Middle Eastern issues, showcasing the fluidity of warfare in both eras.
Oct 8, 2024 • 46min
Ep 150: Katherine Kuzminski on the Draft
Katherine Kuzminski, Director of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at CNAS and author of "Back to the Drafting Board," dives into the complexities of military recruitment amid looming global tensions. She discusses the significance of mobilization in a post-volunteer force era and challenges like declining youth interest in service. Kuzminski also explores lessons from Israel's conscription model and the evolving role of women in the military, highlighting societal perceptions of the draft and its implications for national security.
Oct 1, 2024 • 37min
Ep 149: Mark Dubowitz on the Iran-Israel War
Mark Dubowitz, chief executive of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, provides crucial insights into the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. He discusses Iran’s missile strikes and the geopolitical impact on regional stability. The conversation delves into the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, emphasizing the need for stronger approaches to prevent nuclear escalation. Dubowitz also critiques past strategies and advocates for supporting the Iranian populace amidst regime change discussions, offering a detailed look at the challenges ahead.
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Oct 1, 2024 • 41min
Ep 148: Alex Miller on Battlefield Technology
Alex Miller, the Chief Technology Officer to the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, shares insights into the future of warfare. He discusses the U.S. Army's response to the evolving battlefield, emphasizing the role of drones and electromagnetic warfare. Miller highlights the shift from anti-terror operations to large-scale conflict and the urgent need for agile procurement strategies in military technology. He also touches on the integration of AI and automation in operations, while balancing human involvement to navigate ethical considerations.
13 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 53min
Ep 147: Frank Ledwidge on War in Space
Frank Ledwidge, a Senior Fellow in Air Power and International Security at the Royal Air Force College, dives into the future of warfare in space. He discusses the transformation of aerial tactics for this new domain, highlighting the competitive tension between nations, especially the U.S. and China. Ledwidge elaborates on the dangers of space debris, anti-satellite technology, and the ethical implications of advancements like Starlink. He emphasizes the necessity for international norms to mitigate risks as space becomes a critical battlefield.
