Insider: Short of War

Interwar Adaptations: Leveraging Partner Experiences for Future Conflicts

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.

Failure Bias in Air Advisory Missions

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.

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

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.

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

This episode explores Israel’s irregular warfare paradox—how its precise operations in Iran contrast sharply with its brutal campaign in Gaza. Through analysis of recent conflicts, shifting U.S. support, and expert commentary, we examine how these dual strategies threaten Israel’s security and global standing.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

The History of U.S.-Iranian Irregular Warfare

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.