Best Irregular Warfare Initiative Podcasts (2025)

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Kings, Usurpers, and Shadow Wars: Lessons on Irregular Warfare from Shakespeare 13:15

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23h ago13:15

13:15

In this episode, we explore how Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Julius Caesar, Richard III, and Coriolanus offer surprising insights into the psychology and strategy of irregular warfare. From narrative control to the weaponization of public sentiment, Shakespeare’s dramas reveal how legitimacy, loyalty, and perception shape modern conflict more than firep…

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Unrestricted Innovation: The Supply Chain Battlefield 50:23

1d ago50:23

50:23

Episode 139 examines how supply chains have become instruments of strategic competition and the implications for U.S. defense capabilities. Our guests discuss how China gained control over critical drone components originally invented in the United States and what this means for economic security and irregular warfare. Our guests begin by analyzing…

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Proxy Armies and Principal–Agent Problems: A Review of Militias in Eastern Ukraine 12:28

2d ago12:28

12:28

In this episode, we explore Martin Laryš’ Rebel Militias in Eastern Ukraine: From Leaderless Rebellion to Proxy Army. The discussion unpacks how Russia leveraged local militias in the Donbas through principal–agent dynamics, exposing the risks, costs, and fragmentation that shaped the early Russo-Ukrainian War. We examine how weak social ties, dece…

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South America in Competition Conference: Bonus Episode 1 53:53

8d ago53:53

53:53

Episode 138 is a bonus episode built out of conversations held with panelists from the 2025 Irregular Warfare Initiative and Special Operations Association of America South America in Competition Conference. The South America in Competition Conference brought together over 250 researchers, practitioners, and members of industry for two days at the …

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Policing the Pacific: How China Expands Influence Where the US Looks for Allies 7:47

12d ago7:47

7:47

This episode explores how China expands its influence across the Pacific Islands through policing partnerships rather than military force. We examine Beijing’s growing reach, examples of its law enforcement ties, and why the United States must adapt its engagement strategy to counter these efforts with regional partnerships and information campaign…

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Future of War Part II: On Their Own 1:00:33

15d ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Episode 137 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast continues our four-part series on the future of war, pairing renowned author and futurist August Cole with senior special operations leaders to explore how tomorrow’s conflicts may unfold. Our conversation centers on Cole’s short story On Their Own, which imagines U.S. Army Special Operations Forces advi…

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Interwar Adaptations: Leveraging Partner Experiences for Future Conflicts 12:37

17d ago12:37

12:37

The War in Ukraine has transformed how nations fight. This episode explores how the U.S. can apply those lessons through the Military Personnel Exchange Program (MPEP), leveraging Ukrainian combat experience to modernize American doctrine and strengthen interoperability for future conflicts.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Failure Bias in Air Advisory Missions 9:57

19d ago9:57

9:57

In this episode, we explore how “failure bias” has influenced U.S. Air Force decisions for decades, leading to the neglect of successful air advisory missions that advanced American strategic interests—from the Philippines to Afghanistan—and what lessons should guide future engagement with allies and partners.…

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Hezbollah’s Information Warfare in the Post-October 7 Era 13:49

23d ago13:49

13:49

This episode explores Hezbollah’s evolving information warfare strategy in the wake of October 7. Drawing on interviews with cyber operatives and experts, it reveals how the group is rebuilding its digital arsenal through AI, cyber operations, and psychological tactics while contending with Israel’s superior technology and intelligence capabilities…

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Israel’s Irregular Warfare Paradox: Reconciling Precision Abroad and a “Killing Field” Next Door 12:27

26d ago12:27

12:27

By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Insurgent Armies and State Formation after Victory 54:38

30d ago54:38

54:38

Episode 136 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines the fate of victorious rebel groups after civil wars—and why some remain loyal to post-war governments while others fragment, defect, or even overthrow the regimes they helped create. Our guests begin by exploring the core puzzle: conventional wisdom suggests that decisive victory produces stabi…

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Imposing Costs in the Indo-Pacific: Lessons from Operation Spider Web 9:24

1M ago9:24

9:24

This episode examines Operation Spider Web, Ukraine’s drone strike on Russian bases, and the lessons it offers for imposing strategic costs on China using drones and AI-enabled conventional weapons.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Maximizing The Indigenous Approach: Using Secondment to Enable Our Partners and Constrain Our Adversaries 5:47

1M ago5:47

5:47

This episode explores how the indigenous approach in Special Operations Forces can be maximized through secondment. Learn how embedding SOF with Indo-Pacific partners builds trust, frustrates Chinese influence, and strengthens U.S. alliances.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Applying the Alaska Territorial Guard Concept to Modern Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare 5:38

1M ago5:38

5:38

In this episode, we explore Patrick Latham’s award-winning analysis on applying the Alaska Territorial Guard concept to Indo-Pacific irregular warfare. Learn how local knowledge, unconventional partnerships, and preemptive preparation can help U.S. allies strengthen resilience against modern threats.…

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Austronesian Identity as “Networked Deterrence” in the Indo-Pacific 6:26

1M ago6:26

6:26

This episode explores how Austronesian identity strengthens networked deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. From cultural exchanges to security cooperation, learn how heritage and trust can counter China’s gray zone strategies and build resilience among regional allies.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Future of War Part I: Raiders at the Edge of Tomorrow 49:37

1M ago49:37

49:37

Episode 135 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast kicks off a four-part series on the future of war, pairing renowned author and futurist August Cole with senior special operations leaders to explore how tomorrow’s conflicts may unfold. Our conversation centers on Cole’s short story Safe Harbor II, which envisions Marine Raiders operating in a near-futu…

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Irregular Solutions for Irregular Threats: Maritime Lessons from Dutch Counterpiracy Operations in Colonial Indonesia 14:50

2M ago14:50

14:50

This episode explores how Dutch counterpiracy operations in colonial Indonesia shaped maritime strategy. We connect historical lessons to today’s challenges in piracy, irregular threats, and global shipping security.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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The Boiling Moat: Urgent Steps to Defend Taiwan 46:23

2M ago46:23

46:23

Episode 134 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast explores the rising risks of conflict over Taiwan and how the United States and its allies can strengthen deterrence against Beijing. Our guests begin by assessing why deterrence is faltering globally, from the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and how those events inform …

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The History of U.S.-Iranian Irregular Warfare 15:55

2M ago15:55

15:55

This podcast explores the complex history of U.S.-Iranian irregular warfare. From the 1953 coup and Iranian Revolution to cyberattacks, proxy conflicts, and the twilight war, Dr. Lumpy Lumbaca examines how unconventional tactics shaped today’s geopolitical landscape.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Winning Without Fighting: Economic Power and Information Warfare (Part 2) 38:36

2M ago38:36

38:36

Episode 133 is the second installment in our two-part series exploring how the United States can leverage non-kinetic instruments of power to compete effectively without resorting to military force. Building on our previous discussion, our guests examine America's strategic blind spots in treating economics and information as support tools rather t…

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Preparing for the Silent Surge: Countering North Korea’s Gambit in a Dual Contingency 12:51

2M ago12:51

12:51

This episode explores how North Korean irregular warfare could unfold in a dual contingency with China, threatening U.S., Japanese, and South Korean security. We discuss SOF tactics, sabotage scenarios, lessons from Ukraine, and why resilience must become a strategic priority.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Rebuilding Combat Electromagnetic Warfare for U.S. Ground Forces 14:26

2M ago14:26

14:26

This episode explores the future of combat electromagnetic warfare and why U.S. ground forces must modernize to meet the growing threat from Russia and China. From the lessons of the “Wild Bill” prototype to a reimagined CEWI 2.0, discover how spectrum dominance will define success in irregular and conventional conflicts.…

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Democratized Intelligence: How Open-Source Intelligence is Reshaping Asymmetric Advantage 15:33

3M ago15:33

15:33

In this episode, we explore how open-source intelligence (OSINT) is transforming global security. From Bellingcat’s investigations to the OSINT revolution, discover how non-state actors now challenge state dominance in intelligence, reshape irregular warfare, and shift the balance of information power.…

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Winning Without Fighting: Strategic Culture and Gray Zone Competition (Part 1) 37:52

3M ago37:52

37:52

Episode 132 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast explores how strategic culture shapes approaches to irregular warfare and competition in the gray zone. This is part one of a two-part series examining why nations conceptualize irregular warfare differently and how cultural biases affect competition below the threshold of armed conflict. Our guests disc…

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Russia’s Shadow Fleet: The Dangerous Tanker Network Threatening Global Waters 16:05

3M ago16:05

16:05

Explore how Russia’s Shadow Fleet has evolved from a sanctions workaround into a weapon of irregular warfare. This podcast unpacks how aging, uninsured tankers exploit legal gaps to spread environmental risks, destabilize critical waterways, and challenge global maritime security. Learn why targeting the fleet’s enabling infrastructure—not just the…

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Boko Haram and Beyond: The Paradox of Local Militias in Nigeria's War on Terror 11:08

3M ago11:08

11:08

This episode examines the rise of local militias in Nigeria, their role in combating Boko Haram, and the risks of escalating violence and alternative governance.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Reclaiming U.S. Engagement in Latin America: Strategy Beyond Competition 17:18

3M ago17:18

17:18

In this episode, we explore why revitalizing the U.S.-Latin America strategic partnership is crucial for countering external influence, combating transnational crime, and strengthening democratic institutions across the region.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Space and Ice: Envisioning Special Operations Forces’ Role in Future Operational Environments 16:38

3M ago16:38

16:38

In this episode, we explore the future of Special Operations Forces, examining their potential roles in space and the Arctic. Learn how a Space Joint Terminal Attack Controller (SJTAC) and “reverse” security force assistance from Nordic allies could redefine NATO’s ability to fight and win in extreme environments.…

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Development or Dependence? Rethinking China’s Economic Playbook in the Americas 18:12

4M ago18:12

18:12

In this episode, we explore how China’s expanding economic footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean is reshaping the region's sovereignty and strategy. From deepwater ports to vaccine diplomacy, we unpack the tactics behind Beijing’s influence and what policymakers can do to push back.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Security Hybridization: U.S., China, and the Future of Global Security Assistance 54:55

4M ago54:55

54:55

Episode 131 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast explores the growing phenomenon of "security hybridization," where countries receive simultaneous security assistance from both the United States and the People’s Republic of China. While the U.S. tends to emphasize regional defense, interoperability, and support for the global commons, China focuses on …

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Hezbollah’s Hybrid Model Under Strain: Relative Decline and the Evolving Dynamics of Irregular Warfare in Lebanon 14:28

4M ago14:28

14:28

In this audio version, we examine how Hezbollah’s hybrid warfare model is unraveling under the strain of leadership loss, reduced Iranian support, political shifts in Lebanon, and exposure to illicit trade. The episode dissects how irregular warfare theory applies to Hezbollah’s relative decline and why this matters for global security.…

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Exploring African Perspectives on Irregular Warfare 15:57

4M ago15:57

15:57

This episode explores African perspectives on irregular warfare based on a new study by the U.S. Irregular Warfare Center. Drawing on interviews with defense leaders from Angola, Nigeria, Kenya, Liberia, and Zambia, we discuss how these nations define IW, what threats they face, and how colonial history and regional instability shape modern conflic…

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Operation Spider’s Web and the Future of Asymmetric Warfare 55:06

4M ago55:06

55:06

Episode 130 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast takes listeners inside Operation Spider’s Web—Ukraine’s bold campaign of long-range drone strikes targeting Russian military and industrial infrastructure. Our guests begin by examining why Ukrainian defense planners opted for this unprecedented strike operation and how it was designed to disrupt Russian…

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Preparedness and Parallels: Lessons in Crisis Preparedness from Sweden and Latin America 14:46

4M ago14:46

14:46

This podcast episode explores how Sweden’s civil defense handbook and Latin America’s disaster response strategies reveal critical lessons in national crisis preparedness. From irregular warfare awareness to community-based drills, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in security, resilience, and public policy.…

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Putting Operation Spider’s Web in Context 14:11

4M ago14:11

14:11

In this podcast episode, we explore the long history of airfield raids and drone warfare, pushing back against the notion that modern tech revolutionizes war. Drawing on examples from WWII to the war in Ukraine, this article-turned-audio examines why understanding historical context is essential for grasping today’s military dynamics.…

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Once Upon a Proxy War: Chinese Support to the People’s Army of Vietnam 11:35

5M ago11:35

11:35

In this episode, we explore China’s indirect approach to the First Indochina War through Xiaobing Li’s Building Ho’s Army, analyzing how Beijing trained, armed, and advised North Vietnamese forces to defeat the French. The discussion dives into the strategic context of China's geostrategic encirclement, the PLA's pivotal role in military advising, …

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Agile, Adaptable, AFSOC: Building Edge in Contested Skies 43:31

5M ago43:31

43:31

Episode 129 examines how Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is recalibrating for great-power competition while still answering today’s crisis-response and counter-VEO demands. Lieutenant General Michael E. Conley and Dr Kerry Chávez join the Irregular Warfare Podcast to unpack strategy, technology, and talent development at the sharp edge…

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The Balkans Model & Conditions for Peace in Ukraine 14:22

5M ago14:22

14:22

In this episode, we explore how historical lessons from the Balkan wars can inform Ukraine’s struggle for peace amid Russia’s hybrid warfare. We break down why irregular warfare—not just legal agreements—must guide any future resolution, and what steps Ukraine and its allies can take to build lasting resilience and sovereignty.…

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Influence by Design: Reassessing U.S. Military Advising 15:23

5M ago15:23

15:23

This podcast explores why U.S. military advising missions succeed or fail, drawing on Frank Sobchak’s in-depth case studies from El Salvador to Afghanistan. We examine key variables such as advisor relationships, mission design, and institutional reform. Whether you're a policy expert or a military professional, this episode breaks down critical le…

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Does China’s Growing Security Outreach Matter? Tracing Implications for Irregular Warfare and U.S. Security Cooperation 11:44

5M ago11:44

11:44

This episode explores “security hybridization,” a growing global trend where states engage both the U.S. and China for different types of security support. We examine how this dual cooperation shapes policy, highlights contrasting approaches to internal versus external threats, and raises implications for practitioners working in irregular warfare …

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Five Years of IWI: From Podcast to Platform 1:03:12

5M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

Episode 128 marks a special milestone as the Irregular Warfare Podcast celebrates its five-year anniversary. Our guests reflect on the journey from a simple podcast idea in a graduate school classroom to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with over 70 volunteers worldwide. They share the origin story of IWI, trace its evolution from podcast to comp…

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Winning Without Fighting: Resilience as National Security Imperative 11:22

6M ago11:22

11:22

In this narrated article, we explore the major themes of Winning Without Fighting, a book that challenges traditional U.S. national security thinking. The authors argue for a new strategic approach rooted in long-term competition and national resilience in the face of global shocks like pandemics and climate disasters. From critiques of strategic c…

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Streamlining US Army Security Cooperation: Why Coordination is Key to Global Influence 13:24

6M ago13:24

13:24

In this episode, we explore how disjointed Army Security Cooperation efforts—across SFABs, ARSOF, and SPP—are missing the mark. From command silos to overlapping missions, we unpack why better coordination is critical to building lasting partnerships and deterring adversaries. Learn about three powerful structural fixes that could unleash the full …

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The Inheritance: America's Military After Two Decades of War 54:24

6M ago54:24

54:24

Episode 127 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast explores the lasting impact of the Global War on Terrorism and what the United States has inherited—militarily, politically, and socially—after twenty years of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our guests begin by examining how the U.S. military has historically navigated post-war transitions, particular…

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Hostile Influencing and Finland’s Vulnerabilities 12:45

7M ago12:45

12:45

This episode explores Finland's struggle against escalating hybrid threats, including Russian GPS jamming, disinformation, and democratic vulnerabilities. Tune in for insights on national resilience, freedom of expression, and what other NATO countries can learn from Finland’s evolving security landscape.…

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Waterborne Assault: A Constant in Both Irregular and Conventional War 18:37

7M ago18:37

18:37

In this episode, we examine overlooked amphibious and riverine operations in irregular warfare, from French Indochina to modern Syria. Discover how waterborne missions have shaped—and continue to shape—conflict across centuries and why Western militaries must rethink their force design assumptions.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Plausible Deniability: Proxy Actors and the Hybrid Threat Ecosystem 39:12

7M ago39:12

39:12

Episode 126 examines the evolution of proxy warfare and hybrid threats in the current security environment. Our guests explore how states increasingly delegate conflict to non-state actors and leverage hybrid approaches to achieve strategic objectives below the threshold of conventional war. Our guests begin by exploring the conceptual foundations …

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Secret Alliances and Silent Sabotage: Q & A with Dr Tony Insall 17:05

7M ago17:05

17:05

In this episode, we dive into the Norwegian resistance during WWII—its clandestine operations, intelligence networks, and the heroic efforts that helped shape the war’s outcome. Join us as we explore the impact of SOE, SIS, and key figures like Colin Gubbins in countering German occupation.By Irregular Warfare Initiative

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Strategy Through Action: Harriet Tubman as an Underappreciated Forebearer to Special Operations 13:30

8M ago13:30

13:30

In this episode, we explore how Harriet Tubman’s intelligence work and her leadership in the Combahee River Raid reflect the core principles of U.S. special operations. From building networks to achieving political goals through force, Tubman’s legacy offers valuable lessons for today’s military strategies.…