Center of Gravity

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Center of Gravity is a podcast about strategy, war, and international relations theory. Hosted by Jake Mezey and Henry Suckow Ziemer, it aims to present complex issues in each of these subjects in a manner that is accessible, insightful, and fun. Sponsored by the Yale Review of International Studies.

Henry Suckow Ziemer and Jake Mezey


    • Mar 22, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 14m AVG DURATION
    • 6 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Center of Gravity

    Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 78:52


    In this episode, Henry and Jake discuss the first weeks of Russia's invasion of Ukraine: the situation on the ground, each side's strategies, operations, and tactics, as well as what may be ahead. In a follow on episode, we will answer audience questions which you can submit at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0cmFIU-2Egie0Ol9jkPS74ihgG9-ZVzuGpecD1lv6OZWVgw/viewform

    Dearly Departed

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2021 64:11


    In this episode we remember our professor Nuno Monteiro and discuss the rhetoric around the American withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    Better Late Than Never!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 64:08


    In this episode Henry and Jake discuss the Capitol Break-in and its national security implications and answer some listener questions. Tune in to hear who we think the sexiest strategists in history are. 

    3. Moldova, and Guatemala, and Questions, Oh My!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2021 78:06


    Get to know your podcast hosts better in this episode as they both share their ongoing thesis projects. Jake will share his work on identity, strategic thinking, and conflict in Moldova, while Henry will discuss his project looking at the early stages of the Guatemalan civil war. Afterwards there will be a Q&A session with questions posed by our listeners. This is a great episode for learning a little more about the research interests of the Center of Gravity hosts and getting your voice heard as well!

    Battlefield Performance Anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2020 72:35


    On this episode we discuss what makes armies win or lose in battle. Helping us answer these questions is Dr. Stephen Biddle, author of Military Power: Explaining Victory and Defeat in Modern Battle one of the most impactful works in this field. Dr. Biddle discusses his theory, research methods, and the connection between battlefield performance and grand strategy in this interview. Whether you are already steeped in battlefield performance studies or have never heard of this field before, this episode will unpack some of the biggest debates and questions surrounding this topic. 

    Cliffs Notes Carl

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2020 90:01


    Welcome to the first episode of Center of Gravity! A podcast exploring themes in grand strategy and international relations, with a side of humor and pop culture analysis. In this episode, we unpack Carl von Clausewitz's seminal book On War, going over major themes as well as ongoing scholarly debates. One of the most famous (and controversial) thinkers on the nature of war, strategy, and leadership, Carl von Clausewitz casts a long shadow. Yet the complex, and at times contradictory nature of his theory makes it difficult to digest, and highly susceptible to misrepresentation. This episode lays out some of the basic ideas presented by Clausewitz, ranging from the political nature of war, to the role of genius among commanders. Whether you are a seasoned Clausewitz enthusiast or if you have never heard about On War until today, we hope this episode will draw out new insights, and clarify some of the more challenging aspects of Clausewitz's thought process.

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