This podcast examines the expanding role of CFIUS in safeguarding U.S. national security against foreign investment risks. It traces the committee’s evolution from a little-known review body into a central instrument of economic warfare following FIRRMA, COVID-era reforms, and rising tensions with China. Through case studies involving energy infrastructure, agriculture, real estate, and digital platforms, the episode highlights how national security now manifests through data access, geographic proximity, and control of critical industries. The discussion concludes by assessing the strategic benefits and trade-offs of CFIUS’s secrecy, enforcement power, and growing influence in global competition.

This podcast analyzes offensive cyber operations in modern warfare through three recent conflicts: Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas, and Israel-Iran. Despite early fears of cyber-driven disruption, the evidence shows cyberattacks produced limited strategic impact compared to kinetic operations. The episode explores timing, escalation risks, hacktivist participation, and why cyber is better understood as a supporting or sabotage-style capability rather than a decisive weapon. The discussion concludes with lessons for policymakers, military planners, and cyber practitioners preparing for future conflicts.

A deep dive into the evolution of Russian maritime sabotage—from elite special operations to a widespread tool of irregular warfare. This episode explains emerging technologies, organizational shifts, and the growing risks to undersea infrastructure across Europe and NATO waters.

This episode explores Japan and irregular warfare through a historical and strategic lens. It traces how World War II, postwar pacifism, and academic taboos shaped Japan’s understanding of war, leaving it vulnerable in today’s hybrid conflict environment. The episode concludes with reforms to strengthen Japan’s strategic thinking and resilience.

A deep-dive into the Uskoks of Senj and their role as an early modern proxy force. This episode traces their transformation from displaced communities to maritime guerrillas, their tactical value to the Habsburgs, and the strategic risks that ultimately led to the Uskok War. Through historical narrative and comparison with contemporary irregular warfare doctrine, this summary highlights enduring insights into proxy dynamics, deniability, and the limits of sponsor control.

This podcast episode explains how space-based capabilities for irregular warfare are reshaping strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. It highlights the role of commercial satellite imagery, AI-driven analysis, resilient communications, and shared data architectures in exposing gray-zone aggression and empowering regional partners. The summary emphasizes how orbital tools enable early warning, strengthen narratives, and sustain long-term irregular warfare campaigns.

A concise breakdown of how civilian-linked maritime intelligence can expose gray zone coercion by accelerating clarity, attribution, and partner coordination. This summary highlights the role of community alerts, tactical analysis cells, and regional partnerships in compressing decision timelines and strengthening deterrence across the Indo-Pacific.

USSOF faces a strategic inflection point as cyber operations become essential for modern warfare. This discussion explores integrating cyber capabilities, commercial technology, and interagency partnerships to strengthen national security, support allies, and maintain the effectiveness of Special Operations Forces in future conflicts.

A concise overview of Taiwan’s 2025 National Defense Report, highlighting its focus on resisting PRC gray zone harassment and cognitive warfare while strengthening societal resilience and defense readiness. This episode explains how Taiwan integrates national resistance, psychological preparedness, and irregular deterrence to counter China’s growing pressure.

A detailed look at the rise of Russian sabotage in Europe, its strategic purpose, and why it is becoming a persistent threat. The summary highlights key trends, recruitment methods, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and emerging policy challenges for NATO and European governments.

This podcast summarizes key findings from the PfP Consortium’s 2025 workshop on proxies in hybrid operations. It unpacks Russia’s proxy tactics, regional case studies from Europe and the South Caucasus, and a proposed framework for countering hybrid threats. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how proxies influence modern conflict and what strategies democracies can use to respond.

A clear, accessible walkthrough of the Pentagon’s new irregular warfare instruction. This summary explains the updated IW definition, the shift in DOD policy, and what the changes signal for U.S. military strategy and force development.

A deep dive into Colin Freeman’s The Mad and the Brave, examining Ukraine’s Foreign Legion, the motivations of foreign fighters, and the broader lessons for strategy and resilience in modern conflict.

This episode examines how Cultural Property Protection enhances Indo-Pacific resilience and U.S. partnerships. By preserving heritage, countering trafficking, and building trust, CPP becomes a strategic tool of influence and stability before conflict begins.

This episode examines how the Kosovo Liberation Army’s propaganda strategy transformed a local insurgency into an international cause. Through media manipulation, martyrdom, and emotional appeal, the KLA guided Western perception, prompting intervention and highlighting the power of narrative in modern conflict.

Shakespeare’s plays offer a master class in irregular warfare. This episode unpacks how his characters—kings, usurpers, and insurgents—mirror today’s struggles over power, perception, and legitimacy.

A deep dive into Martin Laryš’ analysis of proxy warfare in Eastern Ukraine. Learn how principal–agent problems, fractured militias, and Russian influence shaped the Donbas conflict—and what these dynamics signal for modern warfare.

China is using police cooperation, not just military power, to build influence across the Pacific Islands. This episode unpacks how Beijing leverages policing to erode sovereignty and how the U.S. can respond with smarter partnerships and locally driven initiatives.

This episode examines how the Military Personnel Exchange Program (MPEP) can help the U.S. integrate lessons from Ukraine’s war, enhance training and doctrine, and maintain a competitive edge in future conflicts.

This episode examines the Air Force’s enduring “failure bias” in evaluating air advisory missions. Drawing lessons from Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Afghanistan, it argues that investing in sustainable partner-led airpower enhances U.S. security and prevents costly interventions.