Modern War Institute

Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, joins to discuss the rising threats posed by drones to national airspaces. She highlights the differences between civilian and military drone incidents, emphasizing NATO's challenges in countering these threats. Pettyjohn delves into necessary investments in detection technology and automation for swift responses. She also explores the complexities of scaling drone production and the promise of future defeat technologies like lasers and high-power microwaves.

Sam Bendett, an advisor with the Russia Studies Program at CNA, delves into the technological arms race in Ukraine, characterized by rapid innovation from both sides. He explains how Ukraine's integrated use of drones and electronic warfare has played a pivotal role, particularly during the Kursk offensive. Sam highlights the significance of volunteer-driven tech ecosystems in Ukraine, the evolution of counter-UAV tactics, and the implications of commercial dual-use technology. He also discusses how lessons from this conflict may resonate globally.

Ali Wyne, a senior advisor for US-China relations at the International Crisis Group, delves into the complex dynamics of U.S.-China strategic competition. He discusses the contrasting narratives stemming from historical conflicts, especially World War II. Wyne highlights China’s view as a stabilizing force amidst shifting global alliances with Russia and North Korea. He examines the strategic narratives crafted through military parades and the psychological factors contributing to China’s competitive edge, urging for an understanding that fosters coexistence despite rising tensions.

The US Army is in a period of transformation. And much of that transformation centers on technology—from artificial intelligence and robotics to drones and directed-energy weapons. But leaning forward technologically brings both advantages and new challenges. To explore the way the Army is approaching those challenges and pursuing technology-driven battlefield advantage, John Amble is joined on this episode by Dr. Alex Miller, senior science and technology advisor and chief technology officer to the chief of staff of the Army. He describes the ways small-unit experimentation is driving change from the tactical edge, how senior leaders are rethinking the systems and processes through which the Army acquires new technology, and some of the specific military problems for which the Army is actively pursuing technology-enabled solutions. The MWI Podcast is produced with the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974.

Morgan Bazilian, Director of the Payne Institute for Public Policy, highlights the pressing issues surrounding the U.S. military's dependency on critical minerals, especially rare earth elements. He discusses the shrinking National Defense Stockpile and the vulnerabilities posed by China's dominance in mineral supply chains. Bazilian emphasizes the need for domestic production and strategic partnerships to enhance national security. The conversation also touches on the shift towards innovative military technologies and the evolving landscape of defense procurement in a geopolitically tense environment.

Join retired Air Force Colonel Melvin Deaile, a seasoned B-2 bomber pilot and instructor at Air Force University, as he explores the intricacies of strategic bombing. He shares insights on the GBU-57, a bunker-busting munition used in recent military operations, and discusses the evolution of precision-guided munitions. Deaile also delves into the complexities of B-2 operations, highlighting the teamwork and challenges faced during long missions. The podcast offers a compelling look at modern warfare's technical and strategic dimensions.

Becca Wasser is the Deputy Director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security and coauthor of a key report on revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base. In this discussion, she highlights the importance of integrating software and data in defense readiness. The conversation dives into the complexities of global supply chains, especially concerning semiconductors, and the urgent need for onshoring. Wasser also emphasizes the critical adaptability required in defense strategy to address contemporary military challenges for future conflicts.

Ed Arnold, a Senior Research Fellow for European Security at the Royal United Services Institute, joins to explore the seismic shifts in Europe’s defense landscape following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He discusses how this event has galvanized NATO and the EU, enhancing collective defense strategies among member states. Arnold highlights the varying roles of smaller nations and the complexities within Europe's defense industry. The conversation delves into the pressing need for military readiness and the implications of upcoming NATO summits for Euro-Atlantic unity.

Retired Australian Army Major General Mick Ryan, a keen observer of the Ukraine war, shares insights on the future of warfare in a rapidly evolving security landscape. He discusses how lessons from Ukraine inform strategies in the Indo-Pacific, stressing the importance of human agency and the role of drones. Ryan emphasizes the need for effective command dynamics and strategic alliances in confronting authoritarian threats. He champions the necessity of adaptability and innovation in military leadership to navigate the complexities of modern conflict.

Mara Karlin, a professor at Johns Hopkins and former assistant secretary of defense, delves into the evolving nature of warfare. She challenges the traditional continuum of conflict, explaining how events like the Hamas attacks and the war in Ukraine demonstrate a blend of warfare characteristics. The discussion touches on the necessity for modern deterrence strategies, the complexities of comprehensive conflict, and the cultural shifts needed in the military to align with contemporary security challenges.