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
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.
15 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 45min
Ep 146: Eric Edelman and Thomas Mahnken on America’s Defense Strategy Crisis
Eric Edelman and Thomas Mahnken, defense strategy experts from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, discuss crucial insights on America’s military posture. They delve into the evolution of the National Defense Strategy and its implications amid global tensions with China and Russia. The conversation highlights the need for a 'multiple theater force construct' to address diverse threats and argues for increased defense spending to meet modern challenges. Their analysis reveals a pressing call for adaptability in U.S. military capabilities.
Sep 20, 2024 • 48min
Ep 145: Christopher Lynch on Machiavelli at War
Christopher Lynch, a Political Science Professor at Missouri State University and contributor to Machiavelli on War, delves into the turbulent world of Renaissance warfare and Niccolò Machiavelli. He discusses the chaos sparked by the French invasion of 1494, which led to the rise of republicanism in Florence. Lynch critiques Machiavelli’s views on mercenaries versus a native military and examines his strategic insights during the campaign for Pisa. The conversation also touches on Machiavelli's exile and the complex morality in his works, revealing whether he was a reformer or a proponent of cunning politics.
Sep 17, 2024 • 55min
Ep 144: Mark Montgomery on Defending Taiwan (Boiling Moat #2)
Mark Montgomery, senior director at the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at FDD, shares insights on Taiwan's defense amidst growing tensions. He discusses the necessity of a strategic military stance to counter China's aggression, emphasizing innovative resource prioritization. He shares lessons from naval service and the importance of missile defense. Montgomery critiques shortsighted military decisions while exploring advanced sensor technologies and their implications for U.S. readiness, stressing the urgent need for effective deterrence.
Sep 13, 2024 • 59min
Ep 143: Sabin Howard on WWI, Art, and Honoring Veterans
Sabin Howard, a renowned sculptor and creator of 'A Soldier’s Journey' at the World War I Memorial in DC, shares his artistic journey and dedication to honoring veterans. He discusses the emotional weight of memorial art, blending classical techniques with modern themes. Howard delves into the complexities of war narratives, emphasizing the real human experiences behind sculptures. He also reflects on the impact of bicultural influences and the challenges faced in public art commissions, highlighting art's role in memorializing sacrifices.
11 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 29min
Ep 142: Andrew Roberts Debunks Darryl Cooper on Winston Churchill
Andrew Roberts, a renowned Churchill biographer, joins the conversation to challenge Darryl Cooper's controversial views on Winston Churchill. They explore the debates around Churchill's legacy during WWII, discussing whether he deserves to be seen as a villain. Roberts highlights the misconceptions about American involvement and Operation Barbarossa, emphasizing that Hitler, not Churchill, is the primary antagonist. The discussion also delves into the moral complexities of wartime decisions and the importance of understanding historical nuance.
18 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 43min
Ep 141: Matt Pottinger on the Defense of Taiwan (Boiling Moat #1)
Matt Pottinger, a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and Chairman of FDD's China Program, dives into the urgent defense of Taiwan. He analyzes how a potential conflict could ignite and the crucial need for deterrence against China. Pottinger draws historical parallels, discussing military preparedness and its paradoxical effects on peace. He warns against the myth of accidental wars, emphasizing that leadership decisions shape conflicts. The conversation highlights Taiwan's strategic importance in global supply chains and the necessity for coordinated defense among allies.
Aug 27, 2024 • 24min
Ep 140: Roger Wicker on Defense Spending and Peace through Strength
Roger Wicker, a U.S. Senator from Mississippi and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, shares insights from his military background and current defense priorities. He advocates for increasing U.S. defense spending to 5% of GDP and stresses the significance of military readiness in a changing global landscape. Wicker emphasizes the need for modernizing the nuclear arsenal, reforming procurement processes for better equipment, and strengthening alliances, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Europe, to counter rising threats.
Aug 20, 2024 • 41min
Ep 139: Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. on CENTCOM
General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., a retired USMC general and former commander of U.S. Central Command, shares insights on military strategy in the Middle East. He discusses the evolution of CENTCOM and the challenges of balancing resources in a changing geopolitical landscape. McKenzie elaborates on the rising tensions between Israel and Iran, highlighting the implications for regional security. He also reflects on the importance of a liberal arts education in developing strategic thinking and the emotional impact of military service.
Aug 13, 2024 • 49min
Ep 138: Joshua S. Treviño on the Southern Border Crisis
Joshua S. Treviño, Chief of Intelligence and Research at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, discusses the pressing issues surrounding the U.S. southern border. He emphasizes that immigration isn't the root problem but rather a symptom of broader security concerns. The conversation touches on historical conflicts in Texas and their ongoing impact on border dynamics. Treviño also highlights cartels as quasi-state actors and suggests reevaluating U.S.-Mexico relations through integrated security measures, citing historical cases like the Caroline Affair.
