Irregular Warfare Initiative’s Insider: Short of War, where IWI transforms its thought provoking articles into compelling audio pieces. Our podcast bridges the gap between scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, offering in-depth analysis and expert commentary on the dynamic world of irregular warfare. Stay informed and engaged with the latest insights from leading voices in the field, right at your fingertips.
All content for Insider: Short of War is the property of Irregular Warfare Initiative and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Irregular Warfare Initiative’s Insider: Short of War, where IWI transforms its thought provoking articles into compelling audio pieces. Our podcast bridges the gap between scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, offering in-depth analysis and expert commentary on the dynamic world of irregular warfare. Stay informed and engaged with the latest insights from leading voices in the field, right at your fingertips.
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.
Hezbollah’s cyber fighters are racing to adapt to a new era of digital conflict. In this episode, learn how AI, disinformation, and cyber warfare are redefining the struggle between Hezbollah and Israel after October 7.
In this episode, we break down Israel’s irregular warfare paradox—its precision abroad versus its “killing field” next door—and what this means for Israel’s strategy, security, and reputation on the world stage.
Join us as we analyze Operation Spider Web, Ukraine’s unprecedented drone strike operation, and explore how the U.S. could leverage drones to impose costs on China’s strategic and nuclear infrastructure while exploiting asymmetric vulnerabilities.
A deep dive into the indigenous approach and secondment in Special Operations Forces. Discover how time under partnership creates enduring Indo-Pacific alliances and constrains adversaries.
Patrick Latham’s article examines how the Alaska Territorial Guard’s model of irregular defense can be adapted to today’s Indo-Pacific. By leveraging local skills, building networks, and preparing before conflict, U.S. allies can enhance resilience and deterrence against adversaries.
We dive into how Austronesian identity fosters human-centered deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, uniting culture, trust, and unconventional partnerships to resist coercion and enhance security.
We unpack the history of Dutch counterpiracy operations in Indonesia and draw parallels to modern maritime security. From piracy to private security firms, this story shows how irregular solutions remain vital for irregular threats.
Irregular Warfare Initiative’s Insider: Short of War, where IWI transforms its thought provoking articles into compelling audio pieces. Our podcast bridges the gap between scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, offering in-depth analysis and expert commentary on the dynamic world of irregular warfare. Stay informed and engaged with the latest insights from leading voices in the field, right at your fingertips.