What do a soldier, an aid worker and a refugee have in common? They all share the experience of war. And while one is an active participant, one seeks to heal its wounds and one deals with its impact, their personal, raw and oftentimes visceral stories are rarely heard. Rather, war is too often depicted as clean, precise, and distant. It occurs ‘over there’ and happens to ‘them’. Hi everyone, my name is Vedran ‘Maz’ Maslic and I am the host of ‘The Voices Of War’, a podcast with a simple vision—to bring to life the true costs of war, through the voices of those who have lived it. My first experience of war was during the siege of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where, as a ten-year-old, the world I knew came apart. Not long into the war, I became a refugee in Germany where our life was precarious at best and outright dangerous at worst. Nearly four years later, my family was lucky to migrate to Australia, where I later joined the Army. Having served in Afghanistan and Timor Leste, I again saw the impact of war, except this time as a uniformed participant. Since then, I’ve established a not-for-profit in Bosnia, studied in Sweden, worked as a consultant in Iraq, lectured on intercultural and interpersonal communication, and now, back in the Army, I manage doctrine and instruct on interpersonal communication and human terrain analysis. Over the years, I’ve realised that most of our social narratives of war are simple, sanitised and rarely account for its true horrors and abject inhumanity. It is this gap in our social discourse of war that this podcast seeks to fill. I speak with development workers, soldiers, refugees, negotiators, academics, medical practitioners, and anyone else whose life has been shaped by war, be they a survivor, perpetrator, mediator, or healer of it. My aim is to dissect war into its most-basic definitive parts to demystify and, perhaps more-importantly, deglorify it. I want to make lucid the magnitude and scale of human suffering caused by war within those professionally engaged with it—be they an advocate or prosecutor of it—as well as within those who merely observe and judge it from afar through mainstream and social media. By doing this I hope to dislodge, ever so slightly, our collective tendency to view war as the solution to our many local, regional and global challenges. Thank you for joining me.
David McBride, a retired Major and former legal officer in the Australian Army, discusses his actions of leaking information to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that ultimately led to the exposure of alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. David highlights the political manipulation of the war narrative and emphasises the need for clear rules of engagement. David became disillusioned with the Australian military's handling of war crimes and the seeming politicisation of the war in Afghanistan. He observed a lack of proper investigations into war crimes and a focus on appearances rather than effectiveness. McBride suspected that the Australian government was trying to cover up war crimes to maintain their alliance with the US. David decided to take action and expose the political games played by leaking classified documents to the media. David McBride discusses his career and the challenges he faced when he discovered evidence of mishandling of allegations by Defence and political seniors. He highlights the lack of accountability and poor leadership within the military, and the difficulty he faced in trying to bring attention to these issues. McBride emphasises the need for a fair trial and public support to address the systemic problems within the military. He also shares his thoughts on ANZAC Day and the importance of genuine care for veterans. Key Takeaways David McBride, a former legal officer in the Australian Army, leaked information about alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. He highlights the excessive investigation of special forces soldiers and the political manipulation of the war narrative. McBride emphasises the need for clear rules of engagement and the importance of holding soldiers accountable for their actions. He also discusses how the Australian military mishandled war crimes and prioritised appearances over justice. The government may have tried to cover up war crimes to maintain their alliance with the US. David McBride took action by leaking classified documents to expose political games. The military leadership needs to be held accountable for potential war crimes and poor leadership. There is a need for a fair trial and public support to address systemic problems within the military. ANZAC Day should be a day of genuine care for veterans, not just political window dressing. Chapters 03:00 Uncovering Alleged War Crimes 12:01 The Power of Narratives 35:46 The Australian Military's Mishandling of War Crimes 01:02:06 David McBride's Whistleblowing and Exposing the Truth 01:12:22 The Problem Starts at the Top 01:21:09 The Need for Accountability and Leadership 01:32:11 The Legal Dilemma
Summary The conversation with Meron Rapoport, an Israeli journalist, focuses on the use of AI in Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza. The investigation reveals that an AI machine, called Lavender, was used to create a list of targets, resulting in a high death toll and destruction. The conversation covers the level of involvement in the investigation, the role of military censorship in Israel, the surprise at the article passing censorship, and the lack of awareness about this process globally. The main themes include the technological side of AI in warfare, the use of private homes as targets, the collateral damage caused, and the allocation of munitions based on target importance. The conversation explores the principal themes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the trauma experienced by Jewish Israelis, the goals of the Israeli military campaign, the impact on the Gaza population, the lack of reporting in Israel, and the long-term consequences for Israeli society. The conversation also touches on the use of AI technology in warfare and the potential dangers it poses. The main takeaways include the need for a political solution, the fear and insecurity felt by Jewish Israelis, and the importance of understanding the human cost of the conflict. Keywords AI, Israel, Gaza, bombing campaign, investigation, military censorship, surprise, technological side, private homes, collateral damage, munitions, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, trauma, military campaign, Gaza, reporting, AI technology, political solution, fear, insecurity, human cost Takeaways AI was used in Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza, resulting in a high death toll and destruction. The military censorship in Israel requires approval for any information related to the army, leading to self-censorship and limited dialogue. The use of private homes as targets and the high collateral damage raises ethical concerns. The allocation of munitions based on target importance shows a pragmatic and systematic approach to warfare. The trauma experienced by Jewish Israelis is a significant aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The goals of the Israeli military campaign include destroying Hamas and making life in Gaza impossible. There is limited reporting on the conflict in Israel, leading to a lack of awareness of the human and infrastructure costs in Gaza. The use of AI technology in warfare raises ethical concerns and can lead to large-scale destruction. A political solution is necessary to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure long-term peace.
Chris Gunness discusses the role and mandate of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, and the challenges it faces amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He highlights the size and scope of UNRWA's operations, providing education, healthcare, and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Chris also addresses the historical context of the Palestinian refugee crisis and the failure to find a durable solution. He explores the motivations behind Israel's opposition to UNRWA and its campaign to delegitimise the organisation. The conversation delves into the impact of the information war and the desensitisation of the Israeli population to the suffering of Palestinians. The conversation then delves into the impact of the smear campaign against UNRWA, the role of media in shaping narratives, and the asymmetry in the information war. We discuss the systematic efforts to dismantle UNRWA and the consequences of its defunding. The conversation also explores the enduring impact of the recent events in Gaza on geopolitics and the potential for a just and durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Keywords UNRWA, Palestine, refugees, Gaza, genocide, humanitarian, Israel, mandate, education, healthcare, social services, history, right of return, durable solution, occupation, genocide, asymmetry, information war, desensitisation, UNRWA, smear campaign, media, information war, defunding, humanitarian organisations, Gaza, geopolitics, Israeli-Palestinian conflict Key Takeaways • UNRWA is a massive organisation that provides education, healthcare, and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. • The Palestinian refugee crisis is a result of the 1948 Middle East War and the failure to find a durable solution, including the right of return for refugees. • Israel opposes UNRWA and seeks to delegitimise the organisation due to its fear of a demographic shift and the potential loss of a Jewish majority. • The information war and asymmetry in power contribute to the desensitisation of the Israeli population to the suffering of Palestinians. • The international community must read and understand the history and context of the conflict to challenge false narratives and work towards a just and lasting solution. The smear campaign against UNRWA and the defunding of humanitarian organisations have had a significant impact on their operations and reputation. • The asymmetry in the information war, with right-wing Zionists dominating the narrative, has hindered the dissemination of accurate information. • The recent events in Gaza have further damaged the prospects for a just and durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. • The enduring impact of the events in Gaza includes a loss of faith in international law and a potential increase in regional instability. • There is a need for independent investigations and accountability for the crimes committed during the recent conflict.
In this monologue, I reflect on my absence before expressing frustration with the limited and oversimplified coverage of war and conflict, especially Israel's war on Gaza. I unequivocally criticise Israel's actions, highlighting the need to look beyond headlines and focus on immediate reduction of human suffering. I also announce upcoming interviews with experts to shed light on geopolitical machinations and analyse global conflicts, including Chris Gunness, Francesca Albanese, and David Petraeus.
As 2023 draws to a close, I want to take a moment in this special year-end episode to reflect on the enlightening journey we've embarked on together through 'The Voices Of War.' This year, we've traversed a wide array of topics, spanning more than 35 hours of interviews across 26 episodes, reaching over 100,000 downloads, and connecting with listeners in more than 150 countries. Our conversations have taken us deep into the heart of current global conflicts, including the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, where we've attempted to unravel the complex layers of these protracted struggles. We've dived into the dark waters of radicalisation, seeking to understand the roots and paths that lead individuals down this route. We explored the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications in both civilian life and warfare, highlighting how technology is reshaping the character of war, if not its nature. We've grappled with the ethics of war, questioning the moral dilemmas faced by those on the front lines and the decision-makers behind them. We delved into war's impact on mental health, and the unseen scars it leaves on individuals and societies, offering a sombre yet necessary reflection on the unspoken costs of conflict. We've looked at dehumanisation, the impact of information on our behaviour and we explored how our desire for status makes us vulnerable to exploitation. All these topics sought to contribute to the same goal—to scratch below the simple narratives of war, that dominate our mainstream and social media channels. Lastly, as I prepare for my transition from the Army to civilian life (a surprise to some but not to others), these conversations have certainly enriched my perspective on the world we live in. I hope they have done the same for you. Thank you for joining me on this journey and here's to continuing our quest for nuance and depth in 2024. #TheVoicesOfWar #2023WrapUp #Podcast #Reflections #GlobalConversations #WarAndPeace
Today, I spoke with Jason Pack, author of the acclaimed book ‘Libya and the Global Enduring Disorder', and a recognised expert on the Middle East. Jason also hosts the excellent Disorder podcast and serves as a senior analyst for emerging challenges at the NATO college in Rome. With over two decades of research in the Middle East, Jason brings a unique perspective to understanding the complexities of the region's geopolitics. This is Jason's second appearance on the show. We first spoke back in May of 22, in Episode 55. That time, we explored Jason's excellent book and his concept of the Global Enduring Disorder. You can listen to that episode here. Today, Jason joins me to discuss the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East, how it relates to the idea of the Global Enduring Disorder and what we might need to consider when looking for an enduring and just peace in the region. 00:00 Introduction to Jason Pack Jason discusses his background and the relevance of his work in current global affairs. Jason shares his transition from studying to focusing on Middle East geopolitics post-9/11, including his experiences in Beirut, Egypt, Syria, and Libya. 06:20 The Concept of Global Enduring Disorder and Orderers vs Disorderers Jason explains his concept of 'Global Enduring Disorder', contrasting the current global landscape with the past, focusing on the shift from order to disorder. Jason proposes a perspective to view global politics as a struggle between forces of order and disorder, expanding beyond traditional ideological divides. 13:15 The Impact of American Foreign Policy in the Middle East An Analysis of the influence and consequences of American hegemony in the Middle East, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. 15:15 Interconnected Global Conflicts Jason discusses how various global conflicts, including the Israel-Palestine issue, are interconnected and influence each other. Exploring the involvement of Russia and Iran in fostering global disorder, including their potential roles in the Israel-Palestine conflict. 23:05 The Three Blocks of Middle East Geopolitics Jason categorises the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape into three distinct groups, focusing on their respective roles and alliances. 25:56 The Pivotal Role of Qatar in Middle Eastern Peace Jason discusses Qatar's unique position in the Middle East and its potential role in bringing peace and stability to the region. 33:15 The Middle East Peace Process: A New Approach Exploring a novel approach to the Middle East peace process, involving regional players and addressing underlying causes. 39:10 Addressing Root Causes of the Israel-Palestine Conflict Discussion about the necessity of addressing the underlying causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict, including the creation of a Palestinian state and the role of external influences. 42:15 The Complexity of the Israel-Gaza Conflict in Global Perception Jason delves into the reasons behind the global attention on the Israel-Gaza conflict, highlighting the unique position of Jews and Israel in global dynamics and the disproportionate global response to the conflict. 52:38 The Potential of Qatar in Resolving Middle East Conflicts Jason reiterates the strategic importance of Qatar in bringing peace to the region, emphasising its unique position as a mediator among various conflicting parties. 55:09 The Influence of Gulf States in Global and Regional Politics Jason discusses the growing influence of Gulf states like the UAE and Qatar in global and regional politics, highlighting their roles in funding, cultural influence, and diplomacy. 01:02:14 Closing Thoughts: Challenges and Hope for Middle East Peace Jason concludes with his thoughts on the ongoing challenges in achieving peace in the Middle East and the potential for a new approach involving Gulf states to bring stability to the region. Resources: The Road to Middle East Peace Runs Through Doha, Foreign Policy: https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/11/07/qatar-israel-hamas-gaza-war-middle-east-peace/ Episode 55. Jason Pack - On the 'Global Enduring Disorder: https://thevoicesofwar.com/55-jason-pack-on-the-global-enduring-disorder/ Jon Wiener Podcast on plan to end war in Gaza: https://www.thenation.com/podcast/world/sms-guttenplan-powers-113023/ Finally, don't forget to review, rate, and share The Voices of War to help us continue exploring the complex narratives of war. To comment or take the conversation further, please connect with us here: https://www.thevoicesofwar.com https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/thevoicesofwar https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/thevoicesofwar
Join The Voices Of War at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/. Can't afford a subscription? Email me for an alternative solution. Universities and educational institutions can always reach out for full free access to episode files. --- Today, I spoke with Professor Greg Barton, a prominent Australian academic with a distinguished career specialising in global Islamic politics and countering violent extremism. His expertise, particularly in the realm of Islamic thought, positions him as a leading authority on issues of terrorism, extremism, and the development of effective interventions. Author of several influential articles and books, Professor Barton offering deep insights into the convergence of religion, politics, and societal challenges. This is Greg's second appearance on the show. Last time he joined me was on Episode 81, where we discussed the process of radicalisation generally. On that occasion, we used the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Covid pandemic as well as far fight extremism as the vehicle for our discussion. Today, Greg joins me for a follow-up with a particular focus on the events unfolding in the Middle East and their impact globally. Main topics we covered include: 0:00 Introduction to Professor Greg Barton: A brief introduction to the episode and Professor Barton's background in global Islamic politics and countering violent extremism. 5:52 Deliberate Provocation by Hamas: Analysis of Hamas' tactics in Gaza and their global impact, including use by extremist groups for support generation. 8:10 Waning global support for Israel: An assessment of how global support for Israel might be shifting in the face of their response to the October 7th attack. 16:43 International Humanitarian Law: A reflection on Israeli application of the laws of war on their military operations in Gaza 23:42 Jihadism vs. Islamism: Clarifying the Concepts: A discussion aimed at differentiating between Jihadism and Islamism, with a focus on Hamas. 39:06 Decoding the Radicalisation Process: Exploring the 'triple P model' of radicalisation and how individuals are drawn to extremist ideologies. 44:08 Battle for Hearts and Minds: An analysis of the likely impacts of current military actions in Gaza on future cycles of violence. 53:34 Radicalisation at scale: A reflection on the ongoing global polarisation via mainstream and social media 57:25 Human Nature and Extremism: Emphasising the inherent potential for good in human beings and how this can be leveraged to counteract extremist ideologies. 1:08:20 Greg's biggest concern: A reflection on how the current situation can descend into an even greater calamity. Professor Barton's insights offer a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics of global Islamic politics, terrorism, and the ongoing challenges in countering violent extremism. His unique perspective combines academic rigour with a deep understanding of the human elements at play in these critical global issues. I hope you get as much out of this conversation as I have. Resources: • You can listen to Greg's previous episode here. • You can view my short reflection on the current situation here. Finally, don't forget to review, rate, and share The Voices of War to help us continue exploring the complex narratives of war. To comment or take the conversation further, please connect with us here: https://www.thevoicesofwar.com https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/thevoicesofwar https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/thevoicesofwar
Join The Voices Of War at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/. Can't afford the subscription? Email me for an alternative solution. Universities and educational institutions can always reach out for full access to episode files. --- Today, I spoke with Nadim Shehadi, a distinguished Lebanese economist and academic, who delved into the intricate mesh of Palestinian, Israeli, and broader Middle Eastern politics, economics, and conflicts. With a rich background that spans prestigious positions at the Fletcher School, Chatham House, and Oxford as well as personal experiences of previous wars in Lebanon and beyond, Nadim brings a nuanced perspective to the complexities and tragedies of the region. Some of the key topics we covered are: · Gaza Dynamics: Analysing recent events in Gaza, Nadim offers an expert take on the guerrilla warfare tactics of Hamas and the cyclical nature of the conflict with Israel. · Global Reactions: The discussion turns to the diverse international reactions to the Gaza conflict, highlighting the polarising effect on global politics. · Trap Warfare: Nadim introduces the concept of 'trap' warfare, elucidating how Hamas's tactics bait international disapproval for Israel. · Lebanese Sovereignty: The conversation addresses Hezbollah's role in Lebanon, discussing the challenges to Lebanese sovereignty and governance. · Civilians in Conflict: An exploration of the civilian experience in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the human cost of ongoing tensions. · Resistance and Negotiation: Nadim contrasts the methodologies of armed resistance and negotiation in political struggle. · Lebanon's Political Mosaic: A historical overview of Lebanon's political evolution, with insights into its unique culture and the legacy of empires. · Intricacies of Conflict: Nadim delves into the intricate connections between local politics and broader regional dynamics, underscoring the international community's involvement. · Regional Dynamics: The discussion highlights the strategic roles of Arab states, the Gulf region, Egypt, Jordan, the European Union, and the United States in fostering stability. · Critique of U.S. Policy: Nadim offers a critical analysis of the U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, noting a misalignment with the complex regional context. · Security Concerns for Israel: Insights into Israel's security priorities and the existential challenges it faces from regional adversaries. · Underestimating Iran: A critique of the U.S. administration's oversight of Iran's influence in the region, particularly in relation to the JCPOA. · Policy Proposals Examined: Nadim assesses Antony Blinken's policy proposals, suggesting they lack the depth required to grasp the region's nuanced challenges. · Survival Mentality: The conversation closes with a personal reflection on living under constant threat, depicting the day-to-day reality of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Nadim Shehadi's expertise sheds light on the historical and current challenges facing the Middle East, offering a profound examination of the power dynamics at play. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the deeper narratives that shape this complex region. Resources: Lebanon is revisiting the ghost of the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war by Nadim Shehadi Some reflections on events unfolding in Gaza by Vedran 'Maz' Maslic Finally, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share The Voices of War to help us continue exploring the complex narratives of war. To comment or take the conversation further, please connect with us here: https://www.thevoicesofwar.com https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/thevoicesofwar https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/thevoicesofwar
Join The Voices Of War at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/. Can't afford the subscription? Email me for an alternative solution. Universities and educational institutions can always reach out for full access to episode files. --- Today, I spoke with Dr David Livingstone Smith, who is a philosophy professor at the University of New England. He specialises in the study of dehumanisation and mass violence. David is the author of several award-winning books, including ‘Less Than Human: Why We Demean, Enslave and Exterminate Others' as well as ‘On Inhumanity: Dehumanization and How to Resist It'. David's most recent book that is: 'Making Monsters, The Uncanny Power of Dehumanisation'. David joined me to provide his expert opinion on dehumanisation we are witnessing as part of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Key Topics Covered: Dehumanisation and Its Roots: David delves into the psychological and social aspects of dehumanisation, explaining how it serves as a precursor to violence. Israel-Hamas Conflict: A focus on the risks and implications of dehumanisation in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The Role of Fear: David discusses how politicians, particularly authoritarian ones, capitalise on fear to manipulate behaviour. Social Dynamics: The conversation touches on how social forces and community behaviour can either inhibit or encourage violence. The Power of Public Opinion: David emphasises the need for influential voices to steer public opinion towards constructive solutions. Resources: You can find my previous discussion with David here. David's Substack, which includes all the essays he mentioned is available here. Less Than Human: Why We Demean, Enslave and Exterminate Others On Inhumanity: Dehumanization and How to Resist It Finally, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share The Voices of War to help us continue exploring the complex narratives of war. To comment or take the conversation further, please connect to us here: https://www.thevoicesofwar.com https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/thevoicesofwar https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/thevoicesofwar #Dehumanisation #IsraelHamasConflict #SocialDynamics #TheVoicesOfWar #DavidLivingstonSmith #IsraelPalestineWar #IsraelHamasWar #Israel #Palestine #Hamas
My guest today is Chris Gunness who is a seasoned journalist and diplomat with decades of experience reporting on and working in the Middle East. Chris began his career at the BBC in 1982, and for 23 years, he served in numerous capacities including reporter and foreign correspondent. In 2005, he transitioned to diplomacy, joining the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and later became the Spokesman for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNWRA). Post-UN, Chris founded the Myanmar Accountability Project in 2021, which brings criminal prosecutions against members of the Myanmar Junta and he is currently the Director of this initiative. Chris joined me for his reflections on the tragic escalation of violence in Israel and across Gaza and the West Bank. Some of the topics we covered include: Underlying Causes of Conflict: Chris delved into the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the blockade of Gaza, the ongoing Israeli occupation and unfettered settlement expansion. The Blockade of Gaza: Chris discussed Israel's control over Gaza's land, sea, and air borders, emphasising the humanitarian crisis this has caused. Dehumanisation: Chris talks about the ‘Red Lines' policy and how it reflects the dehumanisation of Palestinians. Role of the International Community: Critical reflection on the international community's role in perpetuating the conflict, particularly the U.S.'s unwavering support for Israel. Need for a Mandela Figure: Chris suggested that the conflict needs a leader with a vision of peace and the courage to see it through. Israeli Cabinet's Rhetoric: He points out the dehumanising language used by some Israeli cabinet ministers, such as ‘Gaza needs to be put on a diet' Resources: Professor Rashid Khalidi - Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: An Exploration of Root Causes and Geopolitical Dynamics Finally, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share The Voices of War to help us continue exploring the complex narratives of war. To comment or take the conversation further, please connect to us here: https://www.thevoicesofwar.com https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/thevoicesofwar https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/thevoicesofwar
Join The Voices Of War at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/. Can't afford the subscription? Email me for an alternative solution. Universities and educational institutions can always reach out for full access to episode files. --- In today's episode, I am honoured to host Professor Rashid Khalidi, a distinguished scholar and the Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University. Known for his profound insights into Middle Eastern politics, Professor Khalidi is also the author of the ground-breaking book ‘100 Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017'. He joined me to discuss the intricate dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the geopolitics of the Middle East, and the role of international actors in shaping the region. Given the ongoing escalation of violence in Israel and across the Occupied Territories, the importance of nuance cannot be understated. Some of the topics we covered include: Historical Roots of Zionism: Understand the pivotal roles played by Britain and the United States in the creation of Israel and support of Zionism. Israeli Settlement Expansion: Explore the controversial policies surrounding Israeli settlement expansion and their impact on the region. Life Under Occupation: Gain insights into the daily struggles faced by Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Western Hypocrisy in International Politics: Examine the dichotomy between interests and values, and how Western nations often display hypocrisy in their international political stances. Religious Influence in Israeli Politics: Delve into the role of religious ideologies in shaping Israeli political policies. De Facto Annexation of Palestinian Territories: Learn about the unofficial yet impactful annexation of Palestinian lands by Israel. Challenges in Palestinian Diplomacy: Understand the hurdles faced by Palestinian leadership in their diplomatic efforts. Global Geopolitics and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Explore how the conflict fits into broader geopolitical trends and alliances. The 'Shared Values' Argument Between the U.S. and Israel: Examine the evolving narrative of 'shared values' and its implications for U.S.-Israel relations. Potential for Change in Israeli-Palestinian Relations: Discuss the possibilities for meaningful change in the conflict, particularly in the context of shifting global public opinion. Don't miss this enlightening episode that offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Middle Eastern geopolitics, and the role of international actors. Resources: Professor Rashid Khalidi's book: The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017 Finally, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share The Voices of War to help us continue exploring the complex narratives of war. To comment or take the conversation further, please connect to us here: https://www.thevoicesofwar.com https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/thevoicesofwar https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/thevoicesofwar
Join The Voices Of War at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/. Can't afford the subscription? Email me for an alternative solution. Universities and educational institutions can always reach out for full access to episode files an no cost. --- Today, I welcome back Carl Miller, a leading expert in the ethics of artificial intelligence and the Research Director at Demos, a UK-based think tank. After his insightful discussion on information warfare, cyber-attacks, and weaponisation of social media in Episode 51, Carl returns to delve deeper into the ethical, social, and political ramifications of AI. From exploring the centralisation of power in AI development to discussing real-world case studies on deepfake technology and ethical risks, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the complex landscape of AI governance and ethics. Carl also shares inspiring stories of AI's potential for social good, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of AI and its impact on society. As you'll hear, Carl also shared details about his latest project Recursive Public, an experiment in identifying areas of consensus and disagreement among the international AI community, policymakers, and the public on key questions of governance. Please consider supporting this important and worthwhile AI governance project. You can register here. Some of the other topics we covered are: A Think Tanker's Foray into AI Ethics Carl's background in public policy and his role at Demos, a leading UK think tank with a focus on AI ethics and governance. Understanding Power Dynamics in the AI Era Carl defines the concept of power in the digital age and its implications for AI governance. Categorising different forms of power, including economic and coercive power, and how they relate to AI development. Who Holds the Reins of AI? The Centralisation of Power An in-depth look into the entities that hold the levers of power in AI, from tech giants to governmental bodies. Centralisation of AI Technologies Discussion on the centralisation of AI technologies like GPT and its societal implications. Fostering a Collaborative Community in AI Carl emphasises the need for a less hostile, more collaborative approach to AI ethics and governance. Ethical Concerns: AI's Potential for Social Harm Exploration of the ethical risks associated with AI, particularly in polarised societies and areas lacking human rights frameworks. The Agency of AI: A Risk Assessment Discussion on the conditions under which AI could become a dangerous entity, including the potential for autonomous action. Deepfakes and Misinformation: A Case Study A real-world example of how deepfake technology was utilised to create misleading news broadcasts in Venezuela. Positive AI Use Cases: Empowering the Marginalised Inspiring stories from India where AI is bridging the digital divide and improving access to government services. Future of AI Ethics The episode concludes with a look at what's next in the field of AI ethics and governance. Resources: Carl Miller's Book: The Death of the Gods Intelligence Squared Podcast Episode 51 with Carl Miller Finally, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share The Voices of War to help us continue exploring the complex narratives of war. To comment or take the conversation further, please connect to us here: https://www.thevoicesofwar.com https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/thevoicesofwar https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/thevoicesofwar
In this compelling episode, we explore the challenges and realities of anti-war activism in Russia with Moscow-based educator and activist, Vlad Sakovich. From the risks of questioning the regime to the complexities of fostering dialogue, Vlad provides a nuanced look into the intricacies of activism in a restrictive environment. Brief Summary of Vlad Sakovich: Vlad Sakovich is a Moscow-based educator, psychologist, and anti-war activist. Despite the risks associated with his work, Vlad has been deeply involved in grassroots dialogue initiatives and anti-war movements since the 2014 Donbas War and Crimea's annexation. He facilitates open forums for Russians to discuss the war and runs an online course on civic facilitation, aiming to change the Russian narrative surrounding the conflict. Key points covered in the conversation: Introduction to Vlad Sakovich Background as an educator, psychologist, and anti-war activist Initiatives like open forums and online courses on civic facilitation Motivations for Activism Gradual involvement sparked by a series of incidents Initial focus on societal change while being apolitical Turning Point in Activism Connection and subsequent disconnect with a Ukrainian mediator at an international conference Realisation of the need for dialogue in conflict situations Challenges and Realities in Russia The diverse profiles of those supporting the invasion The risks associated with questioning the Russian regime The difficulties of fostering dialogue in a restrictive environment The sparse network of anti-war activists in Russia The impact of legislation criminalising dissent The emotional toll of activism in a high-risk setting Work and Objectives The compelling need to take action Various trials and efforts in fostering dialogue The importance of grassroots initiatives in a country where top-down change is unlikely This episode offers a rare glimpse into the challenges of anti-war activism in Russia, a topic often shrouded in complexity and risk. While this episode remains free to all, please consider subscribing to The Voices Of War here, to gain access to all other episodes. I thank you for supporting the show. Lastly, to find out more about the excellent initiative by my friends over at IN2 Comms I mentioned in the intro, please go here. Thank you for listening. To comment or take the conversation further, please connect to us here: https://www.thevoicesofwar.com https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/thevoicesofwar https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/thevoicesofwar https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/thevoicesofwar
Join The Voices Of War at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/. Can't afford the subscription? Email me for an alternative solution. Universities and educational institutions can always reach out for full access to episode files. **** In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Jonathan French Flint, an Inamori Research Associate at Case Western Reserve University with a focus on military ethics and strategic theory. Dr. Flint has a background in teaching in the UK and has presented his work at a range of academic venues, including the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He has also made contributions to military ethics literature, notably with the International Committee of the Red Cross, and has appeared on the Canadian CTV Network as an expert discussing the war in Ukraine and broader issues in military and international affairs. Our conversation aims to explore the complexities of Strategic Theory, particularly its role in informing decisions about war. Dr. Flint brings a unique perspective to this subject, advocating for the inclusion of ethical considerations in strategic planning for conflict. Here are some of the key topics we cover: **Pathway to Specialisation**: Dr. Flint shares how he entered the niche field of military ethics and Strategic Theory. **Unlocking Strategic Theory**: We examine what Strategic Theory entails and the problems it seeks to solve. **Defining 'Victory'**: We discuss the often-ambiguous term 'Victory' in the context of warfare. **'Wars of Choice' Conundrum**: Dr. Flint elaborates on the difficulties tied to defining victory in wars of choice. **Ethics vs. Interests**: A look into the tension between moral values and geopolitical interests in 'wars of choice'. **Moral Injury**: An exploration of the concept of 'moral injury' as it relates to ‘wars of choice'. **Ethical Frameworks**: We discuss General McChrystal's concepts of 'Courageous Restraint' and 'Insurgent Math'. **Moral Compass**: The conversation turns to defining the difference between morals, morality, and ethics in warfare. **Case Studies**: Dr. Flint briefly outlines his thesis, examining the Falklands and Kosovo conflicts through an ethical lens. **Accountability**: We close with a discussion on the responsibility of senior political and military figures for unethical actions on the battlefield. This episode provides a nuanced exploration of the ethical considerations in Strategic Theory and warfare. It's a thought-provoking listen for those interested in going beyond surface-level discussions about conflict. **Join the Conversation** For listeners looking to engage with this discussion further, follow us and comment: https://www.thevoicesofwar.com https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/thevoicesofwar https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/thevoicesofwar https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/thevoicesofwar **Thank You for Listening!** We invite you to share, comment, and subscribe. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-voices-of-war/id1551498657 or your preferred podcast platform.
Join Resolute's inaugural 'Clinical Masterclass – Caring For Those Who Serve' on the 2nd of September, featuring an impressive line-up of experts. Every cent raised supports the Soldiers & Sirens Western Australia charity. Find out more at https://www.resolute.support/events. **** Join The Voices Of War at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/. Can't afford the subscription? Email me for an alternative solution. Universities and educational institutions can always reach out for full access to episode files. **** Today's episode is a compelling and insightful conversation with Yousuf Sediq, a former Afghan Special Forces Operator and the author of '5000 Days of War: The Firsthand Account of an Afghan Special Forces Operator.' **About Our Guest, Yousuf Sediq** Yousuf's book is an honest and vivid portrayal of his experiences in the Afghan war, offering unparalleled insight through the eyes of a native Afghan who grew up under Taliban rule. Following the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Yousuf's journey took him from an interpreter for the Coalition Forces to becoming a squadron commander in the ultra-secret Task Force-241. He also played a key role in the security of the Kabul International Airport during the chaotic withdrawal in August 2021. **In This Episode, You'll Learn About** Life Under the Taliban: Growing up under the oppressive rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Joining the Battle: The personal journey of Yousuf Sediq in joining with the Coalition Forces in the fight against the Taliban. Interpreter on the Frontline: Yousuf's initial experiences and the vital role of interpreters in the Afghan war. The Plight of Coalition Interpreters: A detailed discussion on the challenges and misunderstood lives of interpreters. Private Company Treatment of Interpreters: An exploration of employment conditions for interpreters in Afghanistan. Understanding Afghan Local Context: The significance of cultural and local insight in military operations. Surviving Explosions and Brain Injury: The effects and recovery from severe war injuries. The Rise to Task Force 241: Yousuf's entry and progression through the Afghan Commandos to Task Force 241. Inside Task Force 241: An in-depth look at the secret unit, its missions, impact, and capabilities in Afghanistan. Legal Prosecution of Taliban Fighters: The legal complexities and challenges surrounding the prosecution of the Taliban. Engagement Rules within Task Force 241: An examination of ethical guidelines and conduct within the secretive unit. CIA-Funded Units & War Crime Allegations: A critical discussion on controversial actions and allegations within Afghanistan. Trust in the Shadows of Task Force 241: Why trust plays a crucial role within military units. Defending Kabul with Task Force 241: The vital role of Task Force 241 during the fall of Kabul in 2021. Afghan Civilians & Security Forces: Insights into how Afghan civilians perceive their security forces. Post-Taliban Takeover Allegiances: The shifting political and tribal alliances following the resurgence of the Taliban. Afghanistan's Uncertain Future: Reflections and predictions on the prospects for Afghanistan. **Join the Conversation** For listeners looking to engage with this discussion further, follow us and comment: https://www.thevoicesofwar.com https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/thevoicesofwar https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/thevoicesofwar https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/thevoicesofwar **Thank You for Listening!** We invite you to share, comment, and subscribe. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-voices-of-war/id1551498657 or your preferred podcast platform.
Join The Voices Of War at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/. If subscription costs are prohibitive, email me for alternate solutions. Universities and educational institutions can always reach out for full access to episode files. --- In today's episode, my guest is Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Cutright, a prominent Associate Professor in the Department of English and Philosophy at the US Military Academy, West Point. Kevin's extensive in-the-field experiences have fuelled his exploration into the ethical aspects of military planning and conduct, the role of empathy, and the concept of moral injury. We delve deep into the significance of empathy in military operations, a subject comprehensively covered in Kevin's newly published book, 'The Empathetic Soldier.' Not only relevant but his insights on empathy are also crucial for military personnel and those responsible for making war decisions. During our conversation, we shed light on several pivotal points: - Kevin's military background and experiences. - Benefits of the US Military's academic approach. - Origins of Kevin's interest in empathy. - Defining empathy: challenges and nuances. - Differentiating between etic and emic perceptions of the world. - Role and value of empathy in operational contexts. - Security Force Assistance Brigades: their purpose and capabilities. - Mitigating the potential risks of operational empathy. - Intersection of empathy with the principles of 'Just Cause' and 'Right Intention' in warfare. - Exploring 'Moral Injury': its definition and its ties with empathy. - Methods and significance of empathy training. - Using empathy as an instrument for understanding adversaries, mitigating bias, and enhancing decision-making. - Discussing the critical role of 'strategic empathy.' Join us in this engaging dialogue as we unpack these topics, offering a fresh perspective on empathy's role within the military realm. Thank you for listening. To comment or take the conversation further, please connect to us here: https://www.thevoicesofwar.com https://www.twitter.com/TheVoicesOfWar https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.facebook.com/thevoicesofwar https://www.youtube.com/thevoicesofwar
Join The Voices Of War exclusive community by subscribing today. Connect our private feed with your favourite pod-catcher at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/ As a former refugee and migrant, I can appreciate that even a few dollars per month might be too much to spare on a podcast. If you are in this situation and cannot afford a subscription, please email me as I have an alternate solution for you. Any universities or other educational establishments need only email me and I will share the full file with them of any episodes they wish to use. — My guest today is Heidi Langbein-Allen who recently published the memoirs of her father, Willi Langbein, who at the age of 13 was forced to fight for the Nazis. The book is called ‘Save the Last Bullet: Memoir of a boy soldier in Hitler's Army' and it vividly explores the use of propaganda and misinformation to give moral weight to an otherwise losing and abhorrent cause. It is also a story of lost innocence and despair in the face of circumstances beyond the control of fully grown adults, let alone children and teenagers. But it is also a story of determination, resilience, and hope, nurtured in the ruins of post-war Germany. Some of the topics we covered are: Nazi propaganda's deliberate targeting of children and youth Indoctrination techniques used in organisations like the Jung Volk and Hitler Jugend Structural changes made to history and national narrative to align with Nazi ideology Willi Langbein's personal motivation to share his story and experiences The brutal enforcement of collective punishment and forced submission to authority by the SS The significance behind Willi's first battle and the concept of ‘saving the last bullet' Willi's experiences during the physical end of the war and his treatment as a person under confinement How German soldiers and citizens perceived German atrocities during the war Germany's handling of collective guilt in the aftermath of World War II Transforming despair into hope in the face of post-war challenges Heidi's upbringing with an emotionally unavailable father and its impact on her life The positive reception of the book and its ability to resonate with young readers The reasons behind positive reviews from the Jewish community regarding the book Heidi's ongoing projects and plans for the future
Today, I spoke with Dr Mike Martin who is one of the go-to voices for insights and analysis of the war in Ukraine. Mike has authored several books, amongst which is still one of my favourites on conflict titled ‘Why We Fight'. Mike also recently released a new book titled, ‘How to Fight a War', that details why wars are won and why they are lost. The book is getting released in Australia on the 1st of July and can be ordered here. Mike joins me today for an update on the war in Ukraine, especially on the events that transpired in Russia over the past week. Some of the themes we discussed are: Reasons for brittleness of autocratic regimes Sawing of dissent within Russian ranks The potential impact of the mutiny on the battlefield in Ukraine Discussion on the seeming purge of Prigozhin's allies The possible shift of position by China Potential future scenarios Recent previous episodes with Dr Mike Martin: https://thevoicesofwar.com/68-special-release-dr-mike-martin-and-john-spencer-an-update-on-ukraine/ https://thevoicesofwar.com/58-dr-mike-martin-and-ltgen-ret-arne-dalhaug-update-on-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/ https://thevoicesofwar.com/20-dr-mike-martin-update-on-unfolding-situation-in-afghanistan/
Join The Voices Of War exclusive community by subscribing today. Connect our private feed with your favourite pod-catcher at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/ As a former refugee and migrant, I can appreciate that even a few dollars per month might be too much to spare on a podcast. If you are in this situation and cannot afford a subscription, please email me as I have an alternate solution for you. Any universities or other educational establishments need only email me and I will share the full file with them of any episodes they wish to use. --- Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Neil Greenberg, an esteemed clinical and academic psychiatrist based at King's College London. With a remarkable 23 years of experience in the United Kingdom Armed Forces, Neil has provided psychiatric care and conducted extensive research in challenging environments, including Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition to his invaluable practical experience, Neil has made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry, with over 120 published scientific papers and book chapters. He is widely recognised as an expert speaker on topics such as psychological well-being in the UK Armed Forces, traumatic stress management, and occupational mental health. Notably, Neil was also involved in the appeal trial of Royal Marine Sergeant Alexander Blackman, a high-profile case concerning the killing of an injured Afghan insurgent. During our conversation, Neil shared valuable insights on the crucial issue of mental health within military and veteran communities. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: · Neil's background in the UK Armed Forces and qualification as a Green Beret · Most common mental health issues faced by military personnel · Distinguishing between PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and Depression · Risk factors of mental health challenges in the military · How to reduce the risk of mental health injuries · Understanding Moral Injury and its three primary causes · The inoculating effect of a meaningful narrative · What makes otherwise morally sound people do unethical deeds · The role of leadership in maintaining mental health · Individual moral degradation vs group moral degradation · Distinguishing between a psychologically good and psychologically bad war · Blurring of the morality line by operational ineffectiveness · The case of Royal Marine, Sergeant Blackman, associated war crimes trial, and appeal · Finding solutions in combat that may clash with our moral compass and society's expectations · The unique nature of Sergeant Blackman's case and its role as a precedent to account for the impact of war on soldiers' mental health · The importance of considering how mental health challenges impact families and the broader community #TheVoicesOfWar #mentalhealth #military #veterans #psychiatrist #research #traumaticstress #PTSD #occupationalhealth #peerledsupport #TRiM #UKArmedForces #King'sCollegeLondon #deployment #hostileenvironments #traumamanagement #organisationalhealth #psychologicalwellbeing #combatstress #veterancommunity #mentalhealthawareness #warcrimes #moraldrift
Join The Voices Of War exclusive community by subscribing today. Connect our private feed with your favourite pod-catcher at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/ As a former refugee and migrant, I can appreciate that even a few dollars per month might be too much to spare on a podcast. If you are in this situation and cannot afford a subscription, please email me as I have an alternate solution for you. Any universities or other educational establishments need only email me and I will share the full file with them of any episodes they wish to use. --- My guest today is Hasan Aygun, who is a prominent Turkish security analyst with an extensive career in international relations, global security issues and conflict management both as a diplomat and later as a political adviser. Some of our long-time listeners might recognise Hasan's biography, as he appeared on the show all the way back in June of 2021. To hear more about Hasan's extensive background and experiences, listen here. Today, however, Hasan joins me to discuss the results of the recent Turkish elections and possible implications for the country, the region, and the rest of the world. Some of the topics we discussed are: Hasan's observations of the electoral process in Turkey The historical context to Turkish politics and Erdogan's rise to power Description of the three dominant social groups determining election results Gradual decline into authoritarianism and its effects on the ‘fairness' of Turkish elections Analysing the arrest of Istanbul's mayor and credible rival to Erdogan, Ekrem Imamoglu Exploring the factors behind Turkey's rapid economic decline Ownership of television and print media in Turkey and its impact on public discourse Suppression of dissenting voices and threats to journalists in Turkey The exploitation of migrants and Syrian refugees for political gain in Turkey The influence of the February earthquake on voter sentiment in Turkey The diminishing state of democracy in Turkey and its consequences Evaluating the geopolitical winners and losers following Erdogan's victory Examining Turkey's relationship with NATO and its implications The ‘F-35 Affair' and its effects on Turkey-US relations Turkey's ties with Russia and the consequences of Finland joining and Sweden's imminent entry into NATO Exploring rumours surrounding Erdogan's health issues
Join The Voices Of War exclusive community by subscribing today. Connect our private feed with your favourite pod-catcher at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/ As a former refugee and migrant, I can appreciate that even a few dollars per month might be too much to spare on a podcast. If you are in this situation and cannot afford a subscription, please email me as I have an alternate solution for you. Any universities or other educational establishments need only email me and I will share the full file with them of any episodes they wish to use. --- Today, I spoke with Dr Greta Uehling, who is a lecturer at the University of Michigan and whose scholarship is concerned with international migration and forced displacement. Her most recent project explored the subjective experience of the military conflict and forced displacement in Ukraine. Based on years of research living in Ukraine, she documented how the military conflict that started in 2014 reconfigured social worlds and how these social worlds became the site of a different, everyday kind of war. She recently published a book stemming from this research titled ‘Everyday War: The Conflict over Donbas, Ukraine'. Some of the topics we covered are: · Greta's background, entry into anthropology, and her fieldwork in Ukraine · The birth of her book 'Everyday War: The Conflict over Donbas, Ukraine' · Meaning and manifestations of 'Everyday War' · Unique identity of the Donbas in Ukraine and its role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict · Importance of cultural and social immersion for understanding context · Perception differences of the war in different parts of Ukraine (2014-2022) · Impact of war on interpersonal relationships and fallout management strategies · Defining and contextualising 'Everyday Peace' · The story of the 'Black Tulips' · Influence of war on risk perception and redefinition of 'normal' · Prospects of peace in Ukraine During this episode, I referred to a discussion with a previous guest, Tomislav Cvitanusic. You can listen to that episode here.
Join The Voices Of War exclusive community by subscribing today. Connect our private feed with your favourite pod-catcher at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/ As a former refugee and migrant, I can appreciate that even a few dollars per month might be too much to spare on a podcast. If you are in this situation and cannot afford a subscription, please email me as I have an alternate solution for you. Any universities or other educational establishments need only email me and I will share the full file with them of any episodes they wish to use. --- My guest today is Dr David Kilcullen, who is a renowned military strategist, scholar, and former soldier and diplomat who has served both the Australian and United States governments for three decades now. He is an expert in the fields of guerrilla warfare, terrorism, urbanisation, and the future of conflict. David has authored several influential books, including ‘The Accidental Guerrilla', ‘Counterinsurgency', ‘Out of the Mountains', ‘The Dragons and Snakes: How the Rest Leant to Fight the West' and ‘The Ledger: Accounting for Failure in Afghanistan'. He has been named one of Foreign Policy's Top 100 Global Thinkers and has won numerous awards for his writing. His work is widely used by policymakers, the military, intelligence services, and development agencies around the world. Some of the topics we discussed are: · David's background, military life, and journey into academia · Analysis of the fall of Kabul and the current situation in Afghanistan · Reflection on the power and influence of elites in the US and how their pursuit of selfish interests affects geopolitics · Competing partisan narratives in the US and their impact on global politics · Lack of accountability for the failures in Afghanistan and Iraq and its impact · Working towards preventing a potential war between the US and China as a national priority for Australia · Discussion on the likelihood and impact of a hot war between the US and China · Analysis of what the US-China contest is actually about · A discussion on the winners and losers in the 20th century · Reflection on Iraq as a pivotal moment for US global dominance · Loss of Western moral legitimacy and its impact · Australia's position in a potential US-China conflict · Reflection on the recently announced Australian Defence Strategic Review · How Taiwan perceives China and how this shapes its strategic narrative · Reflection on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, its origins, and potential outcomes · China's attempt to mediate between Ukraine and Russia, as well as Iran and Saudi Arabia · How social media undermines conflict discourse and stifles dialogue due to parallel realities · The importance of national sovereignty, industry, resilience, and sustainability · Discussion on the fact that increased sovereignty would impact the current standard of living and national wealth · Impact of the collapse of confidence in experts, institutions, and the political elite in the West · Reflection on the ongoing domestic tensions in the US and the risks associated with the 2024 presidential election · Dave's two key risks for the immediate future—ongoing erosion of civil liberties in the West and a weaponised pandemic
Join The Voices Of War exclusive community by subscribing today. Connect our private feed with your favourite pod-catcher at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/ As a former refugee and migrant, I can appreciate that even a few dollars per month might be too much to spare on a podcast. If you are in this situation and cannot afford a subscription, please email me as I have an alternate solution for you. Any universities or other educational establishments need only email me and I will share the full file with them of any episodes they wish to use. ----- My guest today is Dr Robert ‘Bob' Bowker whose career in the politics and analysis of the Middle East spans five decades. He spent 37 years as an Australian diplomat in the region, firstly on postings to Saudi Arabia (74-06), and Syria (79-81) and later as the Australian ambassador to Jordan (89-92), Egypt (05-08) as well as non-resident ambassador to Syria, Libya, Tunisia, and Sudan. Bob also held senior roles at the United Nations Relief and Works Program for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (1997-1998,) based in Gaza and Jerusalem. Following his diplomatic career, Bob spent more than a decade as an academic, firstly as an Adjunct Professor and later as an Honorary Fellow at the ANU Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies. For a period of that time, Bob also served as an intelligence analyst with the Office of National Assessments. Bob recently published a memoir about his extensive career and personal attachment to the Middle East titled, ‘Tomorrow There Will Be Apricots: an Australian Diplomat in the Arab World'. Bob joins me today to discuss his book as well as his views on the state of the Middle East, its predominant and enduring fault lines, as well as the role of the West in the region. Some of the topics we covered are: · Bob's introduction to Islam and the Arab World · Misrepresentation of the Arab World's relationship with the West · Meaning of the book's title and why it captures the sentiment of the Middle East · Importance of cross-cultural engagement for diplomatic success and understanding of power structures · Memorable cultural exchanges and their impact · The importance of history to societies of the Middle East · Western politicians' failure to consider culture and history when dealing with the Middle East · Analysis of the 2003 Iraq Invasion, its background, and failures · Australia's involvement in the Iraq War · Whether Australia should debate a decision to go to war in the Parliament · Reconciling the tensions between national interests and promoting certain values · Bob's work in Palestine with United Nations Relief and Works Program for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA) · Analysis of the Palestine and Israel conflict and why peace remains untenable · Why the ‘Two State Solution' is dead · The unwavering US support for Israel and the possibility of change · The future of Iran's relationship with the West and the US · Prospects of Chinese success in mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia
Join The Voices Of War exclusive community by subscribing today. Connect our private feed with your favourite pod-catcher at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/ As a former refugee and migrant, I can appreciate that even a few dollars per month might be too much to spare on a podcast. If you are in this situation and cannot afford a subscription, please email me as I have an alternate solution for you. Any universities or other educational establishments need only email me and I will share the full file with them of any episodes they wish to use. ---- Today, I spoke with Will Storr, who is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in titles such as The Guardian, The Sunday Times, The New Yorker and The New York Times. He is the author of six critically acclaimed books, including ‘Selfie: How the West became self-obsessed', ‘The Heretics: Adventures with the enemies of science', as well as the Sunday Times Bestseller ‘The Science of Storytelling'. He also recently published the book 'The Status Game: On Human Life and How to Play It' and he joins me today to explore how status influences our behaviour, relationships, and how it contributes to so much of what's good as well as bad in our world. Some of the topics we covered are: The Significance of Status: Understanding Its Purpose and Implications Dominance, Virtue, and Success: The Three Types of Status Games You Need to Know Cultural Influence on Status Games: Why Understanding Culture is Key Influencing Social Groups: The Importance of Understanding their Culture and Status Dynamics The Impact of Status on Physical and Psychological Wellbeing: What You Need to Know Status Loss and Suicide Ideation: Understanding the Correlation Genocide and National Status Loss: Examining the Link Status in Culture Wars: Brexit, Trump, and the Role of Status Games The Use of Status Games by Cultural Elites Geopolitics and Status: Understanding Their Interconnection Escaping Status Games: Is It Possible? Playing a Hierarchy of Status Games: Why It Matters and How to Do It
Please note that this entire episode is available on the public channel. To gain access to all other episodes, please subscribe at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/ ---- Today, I spoke with Robert Hartley, who is a former Australian Army Officer who served for 12 years in the Artillery Corps before transitioning to a civilian career in the technology sector. During his time in the military, Robert deployed on exchange with the British Army on Operation Herrick XII (12) to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2010. In his civilian life, Robert has worked for a number of technology companies, including Microsoft, before joining a start-up where he is an Executive Director. Robert joins me today to discuss his life in the Army, how his deployment to Helmand resulted in a PTSD diagnosis, as well as his journey to recovery, which includes being part of the ketamine program that I discussed at length with Dr Alex Lim a few episodes ago. Things we covered include: Rob's entry into the Army and the Artillery Corps Rotation into Helmand with the British Army The thrill of preparing for and going to war Use of artillery as a direct-fire weapon The reality of Helmand as the ‘kinetic province' How the local population perceived the Coalition Forces Dealing with numerous casualties Reflecting on mateship, camaraderie, and sense of purpose The process of desensitisation to war and combat Reflection on the burden of command The challenge of preserving one's own moral compass The struggle of upholding the delicate facade of morality in battle The price of extreme compartmentalisation and rationalisation Returning home, signs that things weren't right and asking for help Symptoms, PTSD diagnosis, and importance of command support Short-term fixes but eventual relapse, downward spiral, and continual emotional compartmentalisation The path to recovery and reconnecting to emotions Joining Dr Alex Lim's ketamine program, onboarding, and treatment initiation A reflection on the ketamine treatment, its sensations, experiences, and insights Why ketamine remains contentious How the ketamine treatment affected Rob's relationships with his wife and children Why seeking help matters! During this discussion, we referred to the following previous episodes: Ashley Judd – On combat, mental health and the road to recovery Dr Alex Lim - On veterans' mental health: the good, the bad and the promising Given the nature of this discussion, and the fact that many in our audience are veterans, there is a risk that elements of this episode might be difficult listening for some. If this is the case, I encourage you to seek help through one of the many channels nowadays available, some of which are listed below (Australian audiences only): All-hours Support Line (1800 628 036 / +612 9425 3878 if O/S) Open Arms (VVCS) 1800 011 046 https://www.openarms.gov.au/ 1800 IMSICK (1800 624 608) Defence Community Organisation (DCO) Defence Family Helpline 1800 624 608 http://www.defence.gov.au/dco/ Lifeline 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au Suicide Call back service 1300 659 467 https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au Soldier On 1300 620 380 www.soldieron.org.au
Join The Voices Of War exclusive community by subscribing today. Connect our private feed with your favourite pod-catcher at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/ Any universities or other educational establishments need only email me and I will share the full file with them of any episodes they wish to use. As a former refugee and migrant, I can appreciate that even a few dollars per month might be too much to spare on a podcast. If you are in this situation and cannot afford a subscription, please email me as I have an alternate solution for you. ----- Today, I spoke with Dr Christopher Coyne, who is a Professor of Economics at George Mason University and the Associate Director of the F. A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the Mercatus Center. He is the author of five books and numerous academic articles, book chapters, and policy studies. He joins me today to discuss his latest book, In Search of Monsters to Destroy: The Folly of American Empire and the Paths to Peace (2022), which is a pragmatic and unashamedly critical appraisal of American foreign policy. Some of the things we talked about are: Chris' background and entry into academia and How and why training in economics shaped Chris' worldview Importance of understanding incentives and their power An argument against the concept of a 'Hobbesian world' Definition of the American Empire and its governance of 'dominion' Dangers of crony capitalism and its ties to the Military Industrial Complex Issues with broken or non-existent chains of accountability Concerns surrounding the 'revolving door' principle Origins of US militarism and the Permanent War Economy Military Keynesianism and the 'Iron Triangle' Limitations and unintended consequences of American interventionism Unpredictability of complex systems Impact of technological advances and the shift from 'defence' to 'offence' Exploring alternatives to war Previous episodes that address similar topics and were referenced in this discussion include: Samuel Moyn - On ‘Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War‘ Marc Garlasco - War through the eyes of a Pentagon Chief of High Value Targeting Amos Fox - Beyond the illusion of manoeuvre: Navigating the clash between intentions and reality in modern warfare
Join The Voices Of War exclusive community by subscribing today. Connect the private feed with your favourite pod-catcher at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/ --- My guest today is Dr Elizabeth Boulton, who is an eco-military theorist with Destination Safe Earth, and a research affiliate with the ‘Climate Change & (In)Security Project' which is a collaboration between the University of Oxford, the Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research (CHACR) and the British Army. She joins me today to discuss her thinking behind the concepts of ‘Hyperthreat', ‘Hyper-response', and Plan E as a response to tackling climate change. Some of the topics we discussed are: • Elizabeth's background and journey towards a PhD • Timothy Morton and the Hyperobject • Conceptualising climate change as a ‘Hyperthreat' • Uncovering the disguised cause and effect of the ‘Hyperthreat' • ‘Entangled Security' and why understanding it is crucial for tackling the climate crisis • The problem of establishing credibility about climate change • Corporate capture, competing priorities and corrupted incentives in the ‘Hyperthreat' • ‘Plan E' and the essential steps to fight climate change • Reframing the idea of security for a sustainable future • Why a localised response is key to addressing the climate change ‘Hyperthreat' • Unlocking global creativity to achieve a ‘Hyper-response' • Testing the viability of ‘Plan E' through wargaming • Increasing geopolitical tensions as a threat to climate change solutions To find out more about Elizabeth and her work, you can start here. #TheVoicesOfWar #PlanE, #hyperthreat, #EntangledSecurity, #ClimateChange, #Hyperobject, #Strategy, #ClimateEmergency, #Mobilization, #Transdisciplinary, #PlanetarySecurity, #SlowViolence, #SixthExtinctionEvent
Join The Voices Of War exclusive community by subscribing today. Connect our private feed with your favourite pod-catcher at https://thevoicesofwar.supercast.com/ ---- My guest today is Amos Fox, who is an officer in the US Army with more than 24 years of service in uniform. Amos has written extensively on war and conflict over the past decade, producing over 60 publications. His work focuses on causal mechanisms to explain patterns in armed conflict. Much of Amos' current writing addresses proxy war, land warfare, the Russo-Ukrainian War, and military thinking. He joined me to discuss some of his views on the state of Western military thinking, particularly our potential over-reliance on the concept of manoeuvre warfare. Some of the topics we covered are: Amos' background in the military and path into academia Influences of Amos' first operational deployment in Iraq Understanding the reality on the ground – when intentions clash Defining manoeuvre warfare and its adoption by Western militaries Lack of pragmatism and reality in Western doctrine – what you need to know Why accurate and relevant doctrine matters for success in war Learning from Liddell Hart and his relevance today Debunking the illusion of manoeuvre in modern battles Avoiding misapplication of past terminology in today's warfare Battle of Mosul – Western usage of sieges examined The Precision Paradox – what it means for modern warfare Expanding doctrine to include Sieges, Urban Warfare, Proxy Warfare and re-imagined combined arms/joint warfare Russian invasion of Ukraine – A case in point for modern warfare The importance of questioning preconceived ideas for effective learning During our chat, I made reference to my conversation with Marc Garlasco, Chief of High Value Targeting at the Pentagon between 1997 and 2003 where he led targeting teams during operations Iraqi Freedom, Desert Fox, and Allied Force. You can find that episode here. Additionally, you can find all the articles Amos mentioned at the links below: "Moving Beyond Mechanical Metaphors: Debunking the Applicability of Centers of Gravity in 21st Century Warfare," The Strategy Bridge, https://thestrategybridge.org/the-bridge/2017/6/2/moving-beyond-mechanical-metaphors-debunking-the-applicability-of-centers-of-gravity-in-21st-century-warfare. "Ukraine and Proxy War: Improving Ontological Shortcomings in Military Thinking," Association of the United States Army, Land Warfare Paper 148, https://www.ausa.org/sites/default/files/publications/LWP-148-Ukraine-and-Proxy-War-Improving-Ontological-Shortcomings-in-Military-Thinking.pdf "Maneuver is Dead? Understanding the Conditions and Components of Warfighting," RUSI Journal, https://doi.org/10.1080/03071847.2022.2058601. "On Sieges," RUSI Journal, https://doi.org/10.1080/03071847.2021.1924077. "The Reemergence of the Siege: An Assessment of Trends in Modern Land Warfare," Institute of Land Warfare, Land Power Essay 18-2, https://www.ausa.org/sites/default/files/LPE-18-2-The-Reemergence-of-the-Siege-An-Assessment-of-Trends-in-Modern-Land-Warfare.pdf. "Sieges in Modern War," Presentation delivered at Harvard Law School, 31 March-1 April 2021, http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.31870.25929. Lastly, Amos has extended an invite to anyone who may with to take this conversation further to email him on amos.c.fox@gmail.com.
Join The Voices Of War exclusive community by subscribing today. Connect our private feed with your favourite pod-catcher here. ---- My guest today is Dr Alison Broinowski AM, who is an Australian academic, journalist, writer, and former Australian diplomat. She is also the President of Australians for War Powers Reform. Alison joined me to explore the current debate on Australian troop deployment, compare it to other democracies, and discuss the possible outcome of the ongoing parliamentary enquiry into war powers. Some of the topics we discussed are: · Alison's background and motivation for war powers reform · Changes in Australian defence policy during Prime Minister Howard's tenure · Impact of Global War on Terror on defence and foreign policy · The current approval process for military interventions · Proposed changes to the war approval process and potential impact · Benefits of a parliamentary vote for accountability · Risks of inaction and views on Responsibility to Protect (R2P) · Reflection on US hegemony and ANZUS treaty misunderstandings · Arguments against war powers reform · Possible impacts of Australian involvement in US-led wars · Parliamentary inquiry outcome and report release timing · Alison's greatest fears if war powers remain unchanged
My guest today is Dr Samir Puri, who is a visiting lecturer in War Studies at King's College London and has previously taught at Cambridge and John Hopkins. He joined me for a deep dive into his two most recent books. The first one, ‘The Great Imperial Hangover: How Empires Have Shaped the World', explores how empires of the past still influence geopolitics today. And the second one, ‘Russia's Road to War with Ukraine: Invasion amidst the ashes of empires', published in late August, explores the role of imperialism in Putin's ultimate decision to invade Ukraine and traces Ukraine's fate as a nation caught in a geopolitical tug-of-war between Russia and the West. Samir has also served as an international observer at five Ukrainian elections, including during the Orange Revolution in 2004. Soon after the first Donbas war began in 2014, he spent a year in east Ukraine working on both sides of the front line as part of an international ceasefire monitoring mission. Since Russia's latest invasion of Ukraine, Samir's analyses of the war have been featured by the BBC, Al Jazeera, Bloomberg, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and other media outlets. Some of the topics we discussed are: Samir's background and how it influenced his academic interests Defining ‘empire' and understanding the role of its legacy Distinguishing between a formal and informal empire The consequences of waning US hegemony and Pax Americana The importance of history and lineage to national and individual identity Understanding how imperial legacy contributed to Russia's invasion of Ukraine How Western democracies should navigate their imperial legacy The significance of Ukraine for Russia and its imperial legacy Proximity to history as crucial in shaping contemporary narratives ‘Great power contest' as the present narrative Exploring the structural reasons why Ukraine is currently a warzone Understanding NATO and how it might be perceived outside of the alliance Samir's assessment of how the Russian invasion of Ukraine ends Exploring the impact of the Russian invasion on Chinese post-imperial aspirations Samir's greatest concern as we head into 2023
This a reminder that The Voices Of War is transitioning to a subscription model from February. More info here. Those wishing to subscribe can already do so here. --- Today, I'm speaking with Professor Greg Barton, who is a Research Professor in Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University. Greg is one of Australia's leading scholars of radicalisation, terrorism and countering violent extremism. He is frequently interviewed by the Australian and international media on these topics as well as on Indonesia and the politics of the Muslim world. He joins me today for a deep dive into radicalisation, extremism, and terrorism as well as their causes and potential solutions. Some of the topics we explored are: Greg's background and research in countering violent extremism (CVE) Defining radicalisation, extremism, and terrorism The explanation why Russia is not designated a terrorist state Terrorism as a method Dangers of ‘thought policing' How to deal with extremism before it becomes violent Explaining the ‘Push, Pull, Personal factors' model to understand radicalisation Systemic hate and its potential to fuel hateful extremism, violent extremism, and conflict violence Similarities between recruiting into a military and a terrorist group The role of social media in radicalisation How online radicalisation occurs Combating extremist propaganda Effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures The short-sightedness of military solutions to combat terrorism How to prevent violent extremism The Indonesian success in combating violent extremism as a case study The growing threat of far-right extremism Authoritarian populism as a key motivator behind far-right extremism The potential risks of military veterans joining far-right groups Pragmatic reflection about the risk to democracy in the US Greg's biggest fears for the next decade
This a reminder that The Voices Of War will adopt a subscription model. You can hear the explainer here. You can subscribe to the new channel here. -- My guest today is Dr Alexander YC Lim, who is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine with the Queensland Brain Institute. He is a Psychiatrist in private practice, and now almost exclusively looks after members of the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police, and the veteran community more broadly. In 2019, Dr Lim set up Australia's first integrated ketamine program for veterans, known as the ReVive Ketamine Program. Starting in February 2023, this program will become the subject of an ethics-approved clinical study into the long-term effectiveness and safety of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression and treatment-resistant PTSD. Dr Lim joined me today to discuss some of the mental health challenges faced by our veteran community and to shed light on some emerging treatments that could aid them on their path to wellness. Some of the topics we covered are: Dr Lim's entry into psychiatry and veteran mental health The current state of veteran mental health support Difference between civilian and military/emergency services stressors Understanding the impact of stress, trauma, and PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a multi-system dysfunction Total and Permanent Impairment and associated challenges Moral injury and what causes it How stress affects our physiology, decision-making ability, and ethical frameworks The need to indoctrinate appropriate ethical frameworks as early as possible Importance of developing trust between the patient and their clinician Treating suicidality Drop-out rates in traditional psychotherapy treatment Why medications are not the ‘silver bullet' for mental health concerns Synaptic Disconnection Syndrome and the effect of PTSD on the structure of the brain The issue of treatment-resistant illness and the promise of ketamine Preliminary findings and prospects of ketamine for treatment-resistant illness How to access the ketamine program for those with treatment-resistant illness As mentioned in the introduction, you can find Australian Defence Force personnel suicide statistics here.
To make the show sustainable into the future, The Voices Of War is adopting a subscription model starting in January 2023. Key points: This channel will air full episodes until the end of January to allow those who wish to subscribe time to transition to the new channel From February, this current channel will air only the first half of each episode and each episode will be bookended with a notice and link to the subscriber-only channel The current library on this channel will remain unchanged and access to all previous episodes will remain open The subscription fee will be $ 4 USD per month, which roughly equates to $6 AUD or €3.75 A discounted annual subscription will also be available (2 free months) Other options will exist for those who wish to give more, however, all tiers will unlock the same subscription For anyone experiencing financial hardship and who genuinely cannot afford a subscription, please email me on info@thevoicesofwar.com as I have an alternate option Any educational facility that uses the show's episodes as pre-course listening need only email me and I will make the full audio file of your desired episodes available, free of charge Link to the new subscriber only channel will be included in the show notes of all future episodes on this channel Thank you for listening to The Voices Of War and I wish you a happy and safe festive season. Maz
My guest today is Ye-Min Wu, who is the South & Southeast Asia Director at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. Ye-Min joined HD earlier this year after more than 15 years as a diplomat representing Singapore at the United Nations, World Intellectual Property Organization, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change as well as the World Trade Organisation. She has also chaired UN negotiations and represented the Group of 77 (plus China) in talks on sustainable development issues. She joins me today to discuss how multilateral negotiations are conducted and explains some of the challenges as well as opportunities inherent in the process. Some of the topics we covered are: Ye-Min's path into diplomacy Managing the ‘negotiation theatre' Finding the win-win solution Building trust and credibility in negotiations Connecting to the ‘other' and the importance of warmth How multilateral negotiations are conducted The difference between a nation's bargaining position and its interests How to successfully negotiate in Asia Challenges of growing militarisation and insecurity in Asia How Asian nations are managing China's rise Why peace agreements often fail Ye-Min's greatest fear and hope If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon page here.
My guest today is Natalia Konstantinova, who is better known by her social media handle, Natasha from Russia. She is a popular Russian blogger and vlogger whose original aim was to help explain Russia to the outside world, but since her country's invasion of Ukraine, she has become a prominent voice about how this war is perceived in Russia. Some of the questions we explored are: What does the average Russian believe is happening in Ukraine? How much support is there for the invasion of Ukraine in Russia? What information is consumed by Russians? What does Russian domestic propaganda look like? How are the ongoing military losses perceived in Russia? What are the impacts of sanctions on Russia? Some other topics we covered are: Commentating against the war from inside Russia Challenges and support for protesters in Russia Style of repression in Russia Reality about elections in Putin's Russia How everyday Russians view the ongoing invasion of Ukraine Reasons behind Russian apathy towards the invasion of Ukraine Reflection on the impact of sanctions and how Russia is adapting Information that is available in Russia and what Russians watch, read, and listen to The dominance and influence of propaganda What Russians know about the death of their soldiers Natasha's humanitarian efforts in Mariupol You can follow Natasha on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, for more of her work. If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon page here.
My guest today is Andrew Quilty, an Australian photojournalist, investigative journalist, and author. Andrew is the recipient of eight Walkley Awards, including the Gold Walkley, for his work in Afghanistan, where he has been based since 2013. He joined me to discuss his recently published book, August in Kabul: America's last days in Afghanistan, which is an intimate and deeply personal account of the fall of Kabul and the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August last year. Andrew was one of a handful of foreign journalists who remained in Kabul to witness and document this event. Some of the topics we covered are: Andrew's exit from Afghanistan Reflection on the birth and message of Andrew's book ‘August in Kabul' Hedging your bets as a means of survival in Afghanistan The reality faced by everyday Afghans after the fall of Kabul Reflection on the support for the Taliban throughout Afghanistan The muddy nature of relationships across front lines Why the Afghan government collapsed so quickly on 15 August 2021 The US-Taliban agreement in Doha Impact of US military and logistical support withdrawal on the Afghan National Security Forces Government lack of legitimacy in the eye of everyday people The fall of Kabul on 15 August 2021 as observed from the ground Survivor guilt and hardships of refugees ISIS Kabul Airport attack and hell at Abbey Gate US drone strike and impact of collateral damage The reality and challenges of regime change Andrew's future If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon page here.
The Australian Podcast Awards are taking votes for the Listeners' Choice Award! Please take 30 seconds to vote for The Voices Of War. You can do it here. Thank you! Maz
Today, I'm speaking with Dr Pauline Shanks Kaurin who is a Professor of Professional Military Ethics at the US Naval War College where she specialises in military ethics, just war tradition and applied ethics. She is the author of ‘On Obedience: Contrasting Philosophies for Military, Citizenry and Community', which is a book we discussed today. As you will find out, the subject matter this book addresses goes to the core of what it means to be a soldier and to be a citizen. Some of the topics we covered are: Military ethics as the link between international relations and philosophy Defining obedience Discussion on ‘choice' and moral responsibility Impact of mis- and disinformation on agency Trump, ‘Oath Keepers' and obedience How bias and heuristics impact responsibility The cases of Ehren Watada and Stuart Schiller The idea of ‘disciplined disobedience' When epistemological worlds collide Training for ‘critical obedience' If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon page here.
This is Part 2 of my discussion with Dr Jasmin Mujanovic. If you haven't listened to part 1 yet, I suggest you do that first, as elements of the remainder of the conversation may otherwise seem out of context. You can listen to part 1 here. Some of the topics we cover in this part are: Details of the controversial electoral law amendment made by the High Representative Perceptions, real or otherwise, of the High Representative's bias and conflict of interest Croat nationalism and its influence The role of Croatia and Serbia in Bosnia's integrity and sovereignty EU vs NATO prospects for Bosnia and Herzegovina What role Russia plays in the Western Balkans The machinations to redesign the Western Balkans Assessment of the likelihood of renewed violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina Thank you for listening and if you're getting value out of the show, please consider becoming a patron of The Voices Of War here.
My guest today is Dr Jasmin Mujanovic, who is a political scientist and policy specialist in southeast European and international affairs. He has worked as a scholar, policy analyst, consultant, researcher, and writer in both North America and Europe. Jasmin's academic research concentrates primarily on the politics of contemporary south-eastern Europe, with a particular focus on the politics of the non-EU states of the Western Balkans. He joins me today to discuss the unfolding constitutional crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some of the topics discussed in Part 1 are: The political system of Bosnia and Herzegovina Embedded tensions in Bosnian politics Political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina Impact of Serb and Croat nationalism in Bosnia Status of the 2nd of October general elections Irregularities in the election Victory of Pro-Bosnian candidates in the Federation entity Attempts of further sectarian segregation by nationalists Part 2 will be released on Thursday, 27th of October where we do a deep dive into the controversial decision by the High Representative to change the electoral law on the night of the elections. We also explore what this means for Bosnia and Herzegovina more broadly and what role regional and global powers play in the nation's future. If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon page here.
My guest today is Wolfgang Sporrer who is an Adjunct Professor at the Hertie School in Berlin and who was until 2020 the head of the Human Dimension Department of the OSCE in Ukraine. Wolfgang has joined me on the show twice before, where we discussed the lead-up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as the ultimate reasons and consequences of Putin's decision to go to war. You can find links to those episodes here and here. He joins me today to discuss the importance of diplomacy occurring in parallel to the war effort. Some of the topics we covered are: Assessment of the current situation Peace process and combat operations not mutually exclusive Explaining mediation and different tracks Relevance of a Mutually Hurting Stalemate Appreciating the wide-ranging costs of the invasion Expanding already existing dialogue mechanisms Mediation must not have an end in mind An example process with two tracks German and Austrian sentiment towards the invasion Military effort along with diplomacy essential Focus on re-establishing European security architecture If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. If you can afford $AUD 5 per month, you can also support the show on our Patreon page here.
This is Part 2 of my discussion with Dr Alex Bellamy, author of ‘World Peace And How We Can Achieve It', which was the basis for our discussion. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, I suggest you do that first as some discussions in part 2 might otherwise seem out of context. You can listen to part 1 here. Like in part 1, we covered many topics, including: Are humans wired for violence? How states can actively reduce the likelihood of war Clash of ‘Helsinki' vs ‘Yalta' visions The paradox of US hegemony The UN as a global project Discussion on Interests vs Values Military Industrial Complex and acquisition of arms The role of International Humanitarian Law Implementing the laws we already have to achieve Peace Rivalry between competing visions on how the world should be organised During this chat, Alex and I discussed Samuel Moyn's book, 'Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War'. I previously spoke with Samuel about this book and its thesis. You can find that interview here. If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon page here.
Today, I spoke with Dr Alex Bellamy, who is a professor of peace and conflict studies and director of the Asia Pacific Centre for the responsibility to protect at the University of Queensland. He is the author of numerous books, including ‘World Peace And How We Can Achieve It', which was the basis for our discussion today. However, as you'll hear, we covered many topics, including: Outline of Responsibility To Protect (R2P) Origins of the World Peace movements Similarities of the extreme left and extreme right Individual rights as a bulwark to collective violence Importance of ideology and narrative in motivating wars The paradox of nationhood – internal coherence at the cost of external differentiation Galvanising of identity when under threat Internal contest for the American identity Some of the topics we cover in Part 2, coming out on the 20th of October, are as follows: Are humans wired for violence? How states can actively reduce the likelihood of war Clash of ‘Helsinki' vs ‘Yalta' visions The paradox of US hegemony The UN as a global project Discussion on Interests vs Values Military Industrial Complex and acquisition of arms The role of International Humanitarian Law Implementing laws we already have to achieve Peace Rivalry between competing visions on how the world should be organised If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon page here.
Today, I spoke with Amanda Hsiao who is the Senior Analyst for China at the International Crisis Group. She joined me to shed some light on the increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing. Amanda did this by tackling questions such as: What are key points of difference in the US and Chinese worldviews? Why are both sides intentionally elevating tensions? What has led to the current change in decades-long status quo? What is the importance of President Xi's declaration of ‘reunification' by 2049? Why is Taiwan so important to both China and the US? What do people in Taiwan want? What lessons is China drawing from the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Amanda's work at Crisis Group focuses on conflicts in which China plays an important role, and developments in China's foreign policy that relate to conflict prevention and resolution. As you will hear, it is understandable why she is a respected go-to voice on matters affecting China and the region. Some of the topics we covered are: Amanda's journey into researching China Current state of affairs between China and the US Increased tension = better preparedness Narratives for domestic vs international audiences The role of history in China's quest for ‘national rejuvenation' International laws, hypocrisy, and moral high ground The risk of a ‘hot' war Language of ‘Reunification' vs ‘unification' with Taiwan Complexity surrounding Taiwan's status Shifts in perceptions, especially the youth, in Taiwan The historical, cultural and strategic importance of Taiwan to China Lessons China is learning from Russian invasion of Ukraine Regional impact of growing tensions Current crisis management mechanisms and what else is needed Likelihood of Taiwan pursuing independence Relevance of Chinese demographics Assessment of risk of Chinese invasion of Taiwan If you like what you've heard, please take a moment to like and review the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon page here.
Today, I spoke with Dr Mike Martin and John Spencer who joined me for an update on the situation in Ukraine. This conversation was recorded just after 9pm on the evening of 22nd of September, Ukraine time. Some of the topics we covered are: Impact of recent Russian battlefield losses Significance of Putin's ‘partial mobilisation' and what it might mean Attrition vs. Manoeuvre warfare Possible next moves by Ukraine The narrative surrounding the ‘referendums' and their possible purpose Thoughts on the ongoing weapons debate, such as about ATACMS The risk of a collapsed Russia Predictions for upcoming weeks and months My previous conversations with Mike and John about Ukraine can be found below: 64. John Spencer - On Ukraine, Urban Warfare and lessons learnt 58. Dr Mike Martin and LTGEN (Ret.) Arne Dalhaug - Update on the Russian invasion of Ukraine If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon page here.
My guest today is Paul Ingram, who is the Academic Programme Manager at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) at the University of Cambridge. Up to a few months ago, he was also the Director of Emergent Change, which he established to further the understanding and practice of the Stepping Stones Approach (SSA) to nuclear disarmament. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director at British American Security Information Council (BASIC) where he developed the Stepping Stones Approach along with his colleagues from the Swedish Foreign Ministry. Throughout his extensive career, Paul has worked across the world on many projects related to nuclear disarmament. Some of the topics we covered are: Paul's journey into research of existential risk Likelihood of getting rid of atomic weapons Whether existing global structures can help mitigate catastrophic risks The importance of context and history when dealing with rogue actors Importance of inclusion and diversity Challenges of quantifying risk of nuclear war Explanation of how nuclear deterrence works What happens if Russia, as we know it, collapses? NATO , US, and B61-12 nuclear bombs Nuclear weapon command systems and current safeguards Nuclear disarmament and the ‘Stepping Stones Approach' I made mention in the preamble about a report on the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference. You can find that report here. You can also find out more information about Russian nuclear weapons in this article by Hans M. Kristensen from 25th February 2022. If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon page here.
This is Part 2 of my conversation with Dr Jessica Wolfendale, who is an author, ethics professor and expert on torture and war crimes. If you've missed Part 1 of this discussion, I suggest you listen to that first here. Some of the topics we covered in Part 2 are: The dispositional account and cognitive-affective personality system Military culture and socialisation Freedom and resentment Moral ignorance is by no means an excuse Integrating the victim's perspective into military training The power of reconciliation Jessica's future work on depictions of war crimes During the chat, I made reference to my conversation with Deane-Peter Baker about moral drift in the context of military ethics. You can find that interview here. Additionally, if you'd like to hear more about the position I take on the idea of 'free will', I recommend listening to episode 33 with the renowned 'free will sceptic', Gregg Caruso. You can find it here. If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon and Buy Me A Coffee page on the links below: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thevoicesofwar Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thevoicesofwar
This is Part 1 of my conversation with Dr Jessica Wolfendale, who is an author, ethics professor and expert on torture and war crimes. She joined me to try and tackle the dichotomy of how to reconcile one's perception of oneself with one's actions, within the context of atrocities carried out in war. She does this by asking questions such as, ‘How do good people commit atrocities, like torture, and how are their views on killing impacted?' and ‘Does the military training process make excessive violence acceptable and permissible in certain contexts, such as war?'. Jessica is the author of ‘Torture and the Military Profession', arguing that the prevalence of military torture is linked to military training methods that cultivate beliefs connected to crimes of obedience. She also co-authored ‘War Crimes: Causes, Excuses, and Blame', with Matthew Talbert, where they unpack factors that can lead to war crimes as well as wrestle with the justness of responsibility and blame attributed to perpetrators. Some of the topics we covered in Part 1 are: Capital punishment as detached, humane killing The normalisation of violence How do we live with what we've done? Forgiveness, self-forgiveness and atonement Obedience to authority The Milgram Experiments and the Good Samaritan Study Circumstances and the situational account The justification of torture in war Part 2 will be released on 8th of September where we discuss topics such as: The dispositional account and cognitive-affective personality system Military culture and socialisation Freedom and resentment Moral ignorance is by no means an excuse Integrating the victim's perspective into military training The power of reconciliation Jessica's future work on depictions of war crimes If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon and Buy Me A Coffee page on the links below: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thevoicesofwar Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thevoicesofwar
Today, I spoke with John Spencer who is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognised expert and advisor on Urban Warfare and other military related topics. John currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum and was until recently the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point. He is also the Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. John is also the author of the ‘Mini-Manual for the Urban Defender', which is a short compilation of John's vast experience and there are currently over 100,000 copies of the manual in Ukraine, where it's being used daily by the defenders. Some of the topics we discussed are: John's background in Urban Warfare Why Urban Warfare is the hardest Explanation of a possible shift in initiative The strategic importance of Kherson Likelihood of Putin seeking a ‘frozen' conflict The ‘Battle of Kyiv' and why Ukraine succeeded Why understanding the ‘human domain' is critical Information and connectivity as weapons of war Birth of ‘The Mini-Manual for the Urban Defender' and its ongoing usage in Ukraine Conditions necessary for success of ‘Total Defence' Reminder why Urban Warfare is critical and here to stay Why training for the conduct of area defence is essential Reminder of why terrain is important The ‘rule book' of a nuclear-armed state Importance of a Ukrainian victor to broader geopolitical tensions During the chat, I made reference to my conversation with Carl Miller about Russian influence operations in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries. You can find that interview here. If you like what you've heard, please consider liking and reviewing the show wherever you get your pods. You can also support the show on our Patreon and Buy Me A Coffee page on the links below: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thevoicesofwar Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thevoicesofwar
If you'd like to help improve the show, please visit our Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/thevoicesofwar --- My guest today is Dr Ned Dobos, who is a Senior Lecturer in International and Political Studies at the University of New South Wales in Canberra. He joined me to discuss his more-recent book, ‘Ethics, Security, and the War Machine: the True Cost of the Military'. Some of the topics we covered are: Ned's background and entry into military ethics Explanation of Ned's thesis, which asks whether justification of war necessarily justifies maintaining a military Discussion on military as an ‘insurance policy' The challenge of the classic security dilemma Fear induced aggression and the Pre-emptive Strike Experiment Discussion on Russian invasion of Ukraine Military conditioning as potentially morally injurious How we ensure accountability for possible moral injury The Civil-Military gap and the ‘Veteran Superiority Complex', and why they matter The risk of military coups and what makes one more likely Accounting for overconfidence, Einstellung Effect and other cognitive biases when considering war Gene Sharp and the post-military defence system
Link to rate or review the podcast: RateThisPodcast.com/thevoicesofwar Our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thevoicesofwar --- My guests today are Abby Zeith and Ruben Stewart from the International Committee of the Red Cross. Abby is a Legal Adviser in ICRC's Arms and Conduct of Hostilities Unit where her work focuses on urban warfare and the conduct of hostilities more generally. Ruben is a Military and Armed Groups Advisor in the ICRC unit that manages relations and dialogue with arms carriers. He focuses on Non-State Armed Groups, battlefield behaviour and new technologies. Abby and Ruben join me today to discuss Urban Warfare, including aspects of International Humanitarian Law that seek to govern it, as well as issues related to the conduct of combatants and impact of Urban Warfare on civilians affected by it. Some of the topics we covered are: Abby and Ruben's backgrounds and entry into the ICRC Understanding ‘good faith interpretation' in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Defining ‘urban warfare' Three reason why urban areas are frequently targeted by belligerents Challenges for IHL in urban warfare Impact of war on moral frameworks Lessons captured in ‘Commander's Handbook on reducing civilian harm in Urban Warfare' Importance of appropriate doctrine and training for urban warfare Impact of culture on understanding and application of IHL Convincing belligerents of the value of IHL The costs of non-compliance The role of technology in urban warfare Passionate discussion about Samuel Moyn's thesis that humane war is more palatable to domestic audiences and therefore makes war a more appealing political option Second and third order effects of urban warfare on civilians Key lessons for those fighting urban wars to keep in mind We referred to a couple of important documents during our chat. You can find the links to those below: Reducing Civilian Harm in Urban Warfare: A Commander's Handbook The Roots of Restraint in War Some additional resources you might find of interest are: Urban warfare: an age-old problem in need of new solutions - Humanitarian Law & Policy Blog Explosive Weapons with Wide Area Effects: A deadly choice in populated areas Understanding Civilian Harm in Raqqa and Its Implications for Future Conflicts
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