Lessons Lost in Time

Explore the intriguing strategies of the Syrian rebels that led to their fight against the Assad regime. Discover how uniting former foes played a crucial role in their success. Financial incentives became a game-changer, undermining Assad’s forces while rebels controlled key resources. Lessons from the Taliban’s actions illuminate the importance of external support. The rebels’ deliberate distancing from extremism helped them gain legitimacy and foster trust. These insights resonate in today's geopolitical landscape, offering valuable lessons for contemporary conflicts.

Dr. Grant Martin, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and expert in military strategy, shares insights from his extensive career in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He delves into the 1982 South Lebanon War, discussing the consequences of groupthink and the illusion of control in warfare. The conversation unpacks the complex motivations behind military strategies of Israel and the PLO, and reflects on how past conflicts shape current geopolitical challenges. Martin emphasizes the importance of understanding narratives and decision-making processes to avoid repeating historical mistakes.

What lessons can we learn from Cold War deterrence theory that can blunt Iran's influence in the Middle East?I hope you're ready to join me and my new friend and expert Dr. Carter Malkasian in discussing how a new approach to deterrence in the Middle East applies to us today.America’s Crisis in Deterrence, Foreign Affairs Article https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/americas-crisis-deterrenceLink to Dr. Carter Malkasian’s Workshttps://a.co/d/4TRt35O Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What lessons can we learn from a surprise attack over 51 years ago that maximized emerging technology but still failed?I hope you’re ready to join me and my friend Aaron Ritzema in discussing the 1973 Yom Kippur War and how the lessons of warnings and indicators, cognitive bias, and technology and tactics apply to us today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What lessons can we glean from that past that shed some light on the future of Hamas and Hezbollah?I hope you're ready to join me for a special bonus episode to discuss how the lessons of decentralized leadership, popular support, and strong political integration and adaptability apply to Hamas and Hezbollah today. Great article - must readThe Tamil Tigers Were Completely Crushed. Is Hamas Next?Ajai Sahni, Foreign Policy article https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/10/30/tamil-tigers-hamas-gaza-sinwar-survive/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore President Zelensky’s strategic approach to the Russo-Ukraine war, emphasizing the importance of NATO and Western support. Delve into Ukraine’s defense strategies and economic reconstruction efforts, drawing parallels with countries like Germany and Israel. Discover global reactions to the victory plan, highlighting supportive voices versus skepticism. The discussion unpacks crucial lessons from the past that inform Ukraine's path toward military resilience and economic recovery.

What can we learn from a Realistic Approach to warfare that counters the futuristic view that is so popular in current strategic and military thinking?  I hope you're ready to join me and my friend and expert Dr. Amos Fox in discussing his book "Conflict Realism" and how the lessons of thinking about the probable versus possible, realistic principles of war, and the limits of a precision strike strategy apply to us today. On Attrition - An Ontology for Warfarehttps://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/military-review/Archives/English/September-October-2024/On-Attrition/On-Attrition-UA.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can we learn from an impoverished tribe from Yemen that went from obscurity 15 years ago to commanding one of the most strategic locations in the world?I hope you're ready to join me and my new friend and expert Nadwa Al-Dawsari in discussing the rise of the Houthis and how lessons learned over the past 15 years can help shape a more coherent and complete future strategy. Link to Nadwa Al-Dawsari's page at the Middle East Institute https://www.mei.edu/profile/nadwa-al-dawsariLink to Nadwa Al-Dawsari's page at the Centre on Armed Groupshttps://www.armedgroupscentre.org/nadwa-aldawsari Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can we learn from a failed US and UN operation that was intended to help millions of starving Somalis and ended in an 18-hour battle with 18 US soldiers killed and 73 wounded, along with 500 Somalis killed and 1000 wounded, and a quick US exit?   I hope you're ready to discuss the Battle of Mogadishu and Operation Gothic Serpent, with my New Friend Colonel Retired Daniel Roper, and how lessons of mission creep, the cobra effect, and disregard of your enemy’s logic apply to us today. Link to Message from Mogadishu: Memo Highlights Deadly Dowbfalls of Mission Creephttps://www.ausa.org/articles/message-mogadishu-memo-highlights-deadly-downfalls-mission-creep Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What lessons can we learn from a series of wars that occurred over two hundred years ago between the fledgling United States and some North African countries halfway around the world?I hope you're as pumped as I am to discuss the Barbary Wars, with my friend Dr. & Navy Captain Brian O'Lavin, and how lessons from those conflicts apply to us today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.