Podcasts about Naval War College

Admiral Daryl Caudle discusses the future of the Navy and critical warfighting capabilities needed to confront China today. Sean Spicer travels to the Naval War College for an exclusive conversation with Admiral Daryl Caudle. This interview examines the current state of maritime readiness and the strategic adjustments required to maintain superiority in the Pacific theater. If you follow military affairs or defense policy, this discussion provides direct insight into how the Navy warfighting capabilities are evolving to meet modern geopolitical threats. ------------------------------ https://www.seanspicer.com subscribe for an ad free version of this podcast ------------------------------ Chapter - Call (978) 746-2315. It's free and takes under 20 minutes ------------------------------ Beam - ⁠⁠https://www.shopbeam.com/SPICER to receive 40% off your order ------------------------------ https://www.MarketInstitute.org - Check them out today ------------------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Security Dilemma, Dr. Lyle Goldstein returns to the show to discuss the Trump-Xi summit, Washington's China policy, and his new co-authored book on Russia-China maritime cooperation and its implications for U.S. grand strategy (The New Cold War at Sea: Maritime Implications of the China-Russia Quasi-Alliance - available now at https://www.amazon.com/New-Cold-War-Sea-Quasi-Alliance/dp/1682479943). Dr. Goldstein is the Director of the Asia Program at Defense Priorities, as well as Director of the China Initiative at the Brown University Watson Institute. He is the founder of the China Maritime Studies Institute at the Naval War College.Listener Questions:We are opening up SD to listener-submitted questions! Submit questions you'd like to ask future guests ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please specify the episode pertaining to the question in your response.Upcoming recordings include: Tracking Foreign Influence with Nick Cleveland-StoutWorld Order After the Iran War with Danny Bessner

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club on Thursday, June 4 at 7:00pm ET for a special livestream conversation with historian Nicholas Evan Sarantakes about his acclaimed new book The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War. In February 1945, American and Japanese forces fought one of the most brutal urban battles of World War II: the month-long struggle for Manila. Often overshadowed by Iwo Jima and Okinawa, the Battle of Manila became the third-bloodiest city battle of the war, leaving much of the Philippine capital destroyed and more than 100,000 Filipino civilians dead. Sarantakes' groundbreaking book examines the campaign from American, Japanese, and Filipino perspectives, revealing the chaos of house-to-house fighting, the role of Filipino guerrillas, and the devastating human cost of liberation. Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is a professor at the U.S. Naval War College and an award-winning historian whose work explores the Pacific War, military strategy, and American foreign policy. His new study sheds light on a pivotal but often overlooked campaign that helped determine the final outcome of World War II in the Pacific. #BattleOfManila #WWII #WorldWarII #PacificWar #Philippines #MilitaryHistory #USArmy #DouglasMacArthur #NicholasSarantakes #VeteransBreakfastClub #WW2History #HistoryLivestream #Manila1945 #PacificTheater #WWIIHistory

On this week's episode of the podcast, Samuel Helfont of the Naval War College at the Naval Postgraduate School joins Marc Lynch to discuss his new edited volume, Ba‘thist Iraq through Archives: Reflections, Explorations, and Opportunities (co-edited with Lisa Blaydes). This volume brings together leading scholars to take stock of what we have learned from over a decade of research using the Ba'thist archives, contributing to a new understanding of Iraq's history, with wider implications for understanding authoritarianism in general. They also discuss Helfont's book, The Iraq Wars: A Very Short Introduction.  *Please note that the Samuel Helfont joins the podcast in a personal capacity as an academic and not as a representative for the Navy or the US Government.* Music for this season's podcast was created by Feras Arrabi. You can find more of his work on his website Music and Sound at www.ferasarrabi.com. POMEPS, directed by Marc Lynch, is based at the Institute for Middle East Studies at the George Washington University and is supported by Carnegie Corporation of New York.

How has China transformed into a dominant naval power, and what strategic choices must the U.S. make to protect its interests in the Pacific? Toshi Yoshihara and James Holmes join Ron Granieri to discuss the third edition of Red Star Over the Pacific, which answers those very questions. The authors explain how Beijing synthesizes Western and Eastern strategic ideas to expand its maritime reach. Crucially, the conversation moves beyond simple threat assessments to explore how the United States should respond. Yoshihara and Holmes emphasize that the U.S. must maintain its unrivaled regional alliances, exploit competitive undersea strengths, and enforce strict strategic discipline to counter China's growing naval challenge. China's quest for control in the maritime domain is driven both by a weird combination of both confidence and insecurity. James Holmes, PhD, is the inaugural holder of the J.C. Wiley Chair of Maritime Strategy at the U.S. Naval War College and previously served on the faculty of the University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs. A former U.S. Navy surface warfare officer, he also earned a PhD from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. Toshi Yoshihara, PhD, is a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Previously, he was the inaugural John A. van Beuren Chair of Asia-Pacific Studies and a professor of strategy at the U.S. Naval War College. He holds a PhD from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. Photo Credit: Created by Gemini

Ryan Hogan is a Partner & CEO at Talent Harbor, a specialized core leadership search and fractional services firm catering to EOS-powered businesses. Talent Harbor has a unique methodology focusing on the particular needs of EOS-powered companies to provide tailored talent solutions that align with the company culture and growth goals. The Talent Harbor Methodology involves three essential phases: Assess, Search, and Integrate, ensuring a thorough evaluation of organizational dynamics, careful talent screening for cultural fit, and seamless integration processes. Prior to his work at Talent Harbor, Ryan Hogan co-founded Hunt A Killer, a renowned interactive murder mystery experience, recognized as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and the fastest-growing CPG company by Inc Magazine. Ryan's diverse background includes service in the U.S. Navy as both an MH-53E aircrewman and Surface Warfare Officer, as well as founding ventures like WarWear and Run For Your Lives, showcasing strong entrepreneurial skills utilized in his current endeavors. He holds a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Management (Entrepreneurship) from the University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business. Ryan has been associated with various organizations, including being a Host at Confessions of an EOS Implementer, Founder of Creators Combine, Founder of Warwear, Co-Founder and CEO of Hunt A Killer, and more.   Connect with Ryan! https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/ Wilson360 Peer Groups! https://wilson-360.com/peer-groups/

John welcomes back U.S. Naval War College professor emeritus and Atlantic staff writer Tom Nichols to discuss the Iran war at the eight-week mark—where things stand, what comes next, and whether there's any end in sight. Tom weighs in on Donald Trump's strategic incoherence and tactical flailing; the embarrassing spectacle of Iran jerking J.D. Vance around; Pete Hegseth's holy roller cosplay and ongoing purge of the military's senior ranks; and Tucker Carlson's public apology for his role in Trump's reelection. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

0:30 - The Gormans speak 14:11 - CA Gov race 35:39 - Hasan Piker on NYT's "The Opinions" podcast: pro-piracy, need to get back to committing cool crimes 59:13 - National Chairman of the Election Transparency Initiative & former Virginia Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli, points to four constitutional challenges to Virginia’s redistricting referendum and predicts that it will get tossed out as early as next month 01:16:07 - Clinical Professor of Law at Cornell & founder of LegalInsurrection.com, William Jacobson: I've been covering and calling out the SPLC scam since 2010. Follow Professor Jacobson on X @wajacobson 01:35:29 - MAHA on the Hill 01:52:12 - Former First Deputy National Security Advisor to President Trump KT McFarland on the path to victory in Iran: We have all the options we need. KT is also the author of Revolution:Trump,Washington and We the People 02:09:36 - Jason Smith, professor of national security strategy at the National War College and Fleet Seminar Program instructor with the Naval War College on America's Unsettled Grand StrategySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Evan, Nama, and Lauren are joined by Terence Roehrig, a lecturer in the department, to discuss his background as a professor at the U.S. Naval War College, and his perspective on the political climate of East and Southeast Asia.

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies

The Hoover Institution invites you to a virtual presentation of Wargaming the Pacific: Lessons from the Naval War College's Interwar Games on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 12:00-2:00 pm PT.  This webinar examines the interwar wargames conducted at the U.S. Naval War College before World War II and their foundational role in shaping U.S. naval doctrine and strategic planning. We explore how these games contributed to America's success in the Pacific Theater, their enduring impact on U.S. military effectiveness, and the remarkable archival materials preserved by the Naval War College.

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/japanese-studies

On Feb. 6, 1945, just three days after the U.S. army started to fight the Japanese in the city of Manila, General Douglas MacArthur declared that “Manila had fallen.” In truth, the battle would take another month, as U.S. forces fought their way through block after block. By the end of the battle, which featured some of the most intense urban fighting faced by the U.S. army, Manila was in ruins, the old walled city of Intramuros was flattened, and 100,000 Filipino civilians were dead.  Nicholas Evan Sarantakes writes a comprehensive history of the fighting in The Battle of Manila: Poisoned Victory in the Pacific War (Oxford UP, 2025) Nicholas Evan Sarantakes is an associate professor in the strategy and policy department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of four books, including Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War (Cambridge University Press: 2010) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Battle of Manila. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at@nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/asian-review

Send us Fan MailNikolas Gvosdev, a national security fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and professor at the U.S. Naval War College, and speaking on his own behalf, joins Bill Bartholomew to examine how The Iran War could impact Rhode Island—both in the immediate term and over the long haul.The conversation explores the economic ripple effects of global conflict, including energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and federal spending priorities that could directly influence local economies. Gvosdev highlights how national security decisions made in Washington can cascade down to states like Rhode Island, shaping everything from job markets to infrastructure investment.A key focus is the potential downstream impact on major projects such as the Washington Bridge, where shifts in federal funding and attention could delay or reshape critical repairs and development.The discussion also delves into the psychological dimension—how prolonged geopolitical instability can affect public sentiment, civic life, and the broader sense of security within local communities.In this episode: How global conflict with Iran could affect Rhode Island's economy  The connection between war, federal spending, and infrastructure projects  Why local projects like the Washington Bridge could feel global pressure  The psychological toll of geopolitical instability at the community level Support the show

In this episode of The Hot Dish, Heidi and Joel talk to Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic and professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, about the complexities of the U.S. military actions in Iran, the geopolitical fallout, and the state of American politics amid ongoing conflicts. Nichols brings a sharp, clear-eyed perspective on military strategy, foreign alliances, and domestic political implications. This conversation offers valuable insights into how these military decisions were made, their global consequences, and the internal political ripples they stir.Key moments in this episode:Tom Nichols explains the current state of military operations in Iran and evaluates their strategic effectiveness.He discusses the contradictions in Donald Trump's foreign policy, including our strained alliances and his unpredictable decision-making.Tom and Joel discuss the internal U.S. political landscape, especially the disillusionment settling in among MAGA supporters.Tom explains how decades of U.S. foreign policy regarding the influence of foreign powers, such as China and Russia, in Iran and the Middle East have changed overnight.Resources & Links:Tom Nichols at The AtlanticBooks by Tom Nichols Tom Nichols on BlueskyThe Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject). (00:00) - Introduction to the Discussion on Iran (01:12) - Operational Success vs. Strategic Goals (06:12) - The Political Fallout and Internal Conflicts (11:14) - The Role of Allies and International Relations (16:10) - Implications for Ukraine and Global Strategy (21:00) - The Future of Iran and Potential Ground Troops (25:33) - The Power Dynamics of Military Strategy (26:14) - Regime Change and Its Implications (28:35) - The Silence of MAGA Supporters (33:00) - The Exhaustion of the MAGA Movement (36:56) - Concerns Over Election Integrity (39:53) - Trump's Approach to Governance and Elections (44:08) - Closing

https://raydeptulaauthor.com Ray Deptula is a native of Wells, Maine, and a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine. He spent 24 years in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter pilot and a political-military officer. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island with a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. A Dog Before a Soldier is the first book Ray has published, having conceived of it while taking a Revolutionary War elective at the Naval War College. A Dog Before a Soldier In A Dog Before a Soldier, the battlefield is only half the story. As gunpowder fills the air and empires clash, Jack Halliday wages his own internal war—against power, identity, and the meaning of freedom. Through him, the chaos of revolution becomes personal, revealing the high cost of both obedience and rebellion in a world desperate to redefine itself. One Man's War, A Nation's Reckoning After 24 years in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Aviator and Political-Military Officer serving in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean, Ray Deptula has witnessed firsthand how political dysfunction and certain aspects of human nature repeat themselves across eras. His debut historical novel, A Dog Before a Soldier, brings that insight to life through the story of a young man forced into the military and ensuing war out of desperation during the American Revolution.

The first six days of the war with Iran have cost more than $11.3 billion, and 140 US troops have been injured, according to Pentagon officials. Tom Nichols, professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College and staff writer at The Atlantic, joins Russell, Mike and Clarissa to discuss military strategy and the costs of war. Since President Trump's inauguration, border crossings at the US's southern border have slowed. Bri Stensrud from Women of Welcome joins talk about how women are responding to the immigration policies of the Trump administration. Then, CT's Bonnie Kristian stops by to discuss the reordering of the global Anglican church, and how to think about evangelicals' approach to staying in or leaving a church or denomination. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Tom Nichols is a staff writer at The Atlantic and an author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter. He is a professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the US Naval War College, where he taught for 25 years, and an instructor at the Harvard Extension School. He has served as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts House and the US Senate. His books include The Death of Expertise and Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault From Within on Modern Democracy. Bri Stensrud is an author, human dignity advocate, and the Director of Women of Welcome. Her passion is to equip the Church to engage more consistently and tangibly in holistic human dignity issues. Bri holds a Masters of Biblical & Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and has authored two books: Start with Welcome: The Journey toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation, and a children's book: The Biggest Best Light: Shining God's Light into the World Around You. Bonnie Kristian is the deputy editor at Christianity Today. She is the author of Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community and A Flexible Faith: Rethinking What It Means to Follow Jesus Today. Her writing has been published at outlets including The New York Times, The Week, USA Today, CNN, Politico, and others. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Stephen Knott has spent his career learning about, teaching about, and writing about Presidents of the United States of America. He is a Professor of American History & Government at Ashland University in Ohio, and Emeritus Professor of National Security Affairs at the U.S. Naval War College. He is the author of eleven books dealing with the American Presidency, the early republic, and American foreign policy. His latest, which is due out in May, is “Conspirator in Chief: The Long Tradition of Conspiracy Theories in the American Presidency” which details through extensive research and citations the ways, according to his telling, eight United States Commanders in Chief used conspiracy theories to advance their causes. They were examples, Dr. Knott would say, of the kinds of demagogues the country's founders were concerned could someday take on the role.

SHOW SCHEDULE2-2-20261719 ROME1.Bill Roggio of the Long War Journal and Husain Haqqani discuss imminent potential US air strikes on Iran, expressing skepticism that air power alone can achieve regime change or lasting results without ground forces or sustained commitment.2.Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani analyze Russia's offer to mediate between the US and Iran, concluding Moscow is not a credible partner and aims to distract Washington while protecting its strategic interests in Tehran.3.Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports that Cuban personnel are fleeing Venezuela as oil payments cease, signaling a crisis for Havana following Maduro's detention and the collapse of the socialist alliance that sustained both regimes.4.Alejandro Peña Esclusa explains that while Europeans criticize Maduro's capture, Venezuelans support it, hoping for the release of remaining political prisoners under a new amnesty law restoring democratic governance.5.James Holmes of the Naval War College and Gordon Chang discuss Alfred Thayer Mahan's nineteenth-century view of Hawaii as strategic opportunity, drawing parallels to modern Chinese expansionism and current interest in Greenland.6.James Holmes and Gordon Chang argue Greenland is vital for Arctic defense and mineral access, suggesting the USseeks military bases there to deny access to Russia and China in polar competition.7.Fraser Howie and Gordon Chang assert Xi Jinping's goal of making the renminbi a global reserve currency is impossible without lifting capital controls and accepting trade deficits that Beijing refuses to tolerate.8.Conrad Black criticizes the Prime Minister for labeling Canada a middle power, urging increased defense spending to secure the Northwest Passage and Arctic sovereignty against encroaching rivals.9.Edmund Fitton Brown and Bill Roggio warn that US-Iran talks ignore the mass killings of protesters, while characterizing Maliki's potential return in Iraq as a hostile act against Western interests and regional stability.10.Edmund Fitton Brown and Bill Roggio argue Saudi Arabia's refusal to allow airspace use for strikes on Iran is theatrical to avoid Iranian retaliation, noting Riyadh privately remains a dependable US partner.11.David Daoud and Bill Roggio explain Hezbollah is downplaying Gaza ties to avoid dragging Lebanon into war, prioritizing the rehabilitation of its image among the economically weary Shiite population in Lebanon.12.David Daoud and Bill Roggio note Hezbollah is refilling ranks after Israeli strikes, suggesting new leader Naim Qassem's quiet demeanor may help the group lay low and regenerate its capabilities.13.John Hardie and Bill Roggio report Russia is recruiting gamers and specialists for a new military branch, the Unmanned Systems Forces, aiming for 210,000 troops by 2030 to expand drone warfare capabilities.14.John Hardie and Bill Roggio state negotiations are deadlocked as Russia demands territory and a veto on security guarantees, while Putin ultimately seeks domination over Ukraine's geopolitical orientation and sovereignty.15.Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio describe the war as a slow boil, noting Phase 2 of the Gaza ceasefire is stalling because Hamas refuses to disarm or surrender heavy weapons to Israel.16.Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio report a fragile deal where the SDF integrates into the Syrian state to avoid destruction, though tensions remain regarding Turkey and the fate of ISIS prisoners in the northeast.

James Holmes of the Naval War College and Gordon Chang discuss Alfred Thayer Mahan's nineteenth-century view of Hawaii as strategic opportunity, drawing parallels to modern Chinese expansionism and current interest in Greenland.1870 HAWAII, COOK MONUMENT

January 28, 2026 - Join us for a virtual program examining the geopolitical impact of South Korea's development of nuclear submarines. When Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Jae Myung hosted US President Donald Trump for a State Visit in Gyeongju, South Korea in October of last year, the allies committed to developing the maritime and nuclear relationship. A Fact Sheet published after the summit meeting describes that: "The United States has given approval for the ROK to build nuclear-powered attack submarines… [and] will work closely with the ROK to advance requirements for this shipbuilding project, including avenues to source fuel." Rather than focusing on the engineering processes and logistical challenges of shipbuilding cooperation, which you can learn about here, this discussion explores the strategic and geopolitical consequences of South Korea's emergent nuclear submarine program. Against a backdrop of North Korea's quickly evolving nuclear arsenal as well as revived interest in diplomatic engagement, this program investigates how nuclear submarines impact South Korea's defensive capabilities and strategic posture, its contribution to and coordination with the US-ROK alliance, its regional role, and the balance of power and relations with North Korea. The discussion features Dr. Sang Hyun Lee, Fellow Emeritus of the Sejong Institute, and Dr. James R. Holmes, J. C. Wylie Chair of Maritime Strategy at the U.S. Naval War College, and Minkyung Jung, Staff Reporter for The Korea Herald, in conversation with policy director Jonathan Corrado. This program is made possible by the generous support of the Korea Foundation and our individual and corporate members. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/2104-south-koreas-nuclear-submarine-strategy

Colonel Frank Wendling '82 is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer and Naval Aviator with a distinguished 29-year career. Commissioned in 1989, he became a CH-53E helicopter pilot in 1992 and served in multiple operational, instructional, and command roles, including deployments with the 26th MEU, combat service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and command of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463. He held senior planning and joint leadership positions across the Pacific and Korea, commanded the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group worldwide, and later served in senior education and training oversight roles. A graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and Naval War College, he earned multiple master's degrees and accumulated over 3,675 flight hours. Highly decorated for his service, he retired in 2018, transitioned into private-sector leadership, and now works as a keynote speaker.

This week, President Donald Trump responded to a heckler by using profanity. Tom Nichols, a staff writer at The Atlantic and a contributor to the Atlantic Daily newsletter, professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College and an instructor at the Harvard Extension School, discusses the recent rise of politicians using profanity when addressing constituents. 

What is the status of expertise in our world? This hour we look at the so called "death of expertise." We talk about the role of experts throughout society. Plus, we learn how to master a skill, and the joy of trying. GUESTS: Tom Nichols: Staff writer at The Atlantic. He is the author of The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters. He is also a professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, and a five-time undefeated Jeopardy champion Alan Dove: Science journalist and co-host of the podcast This Week in Virology Adam Gopnik: Staff writer for The New Yorker. He is the author of The Real Work: On The Mystery of Mastery, among other books Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show. Colin McEnroe and Dylan Reyes contributed to this show, which originally aired on May 22, 2025.Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode follows Sean Robertson's journey from a junior enlisted soldier in Georgia to a commissioned officer and leader—driven by the Green to Gold program, mentorship, and relentless self-improvement. Sean overcomes barriers including low test scores and a diagnosed heart murmur, leverages mentors and education (University of Hawaii, Columbia, Naval War College), and serves in key assignments from the 173rd Airborne to the NSA and West Point. He shares lessons on leadership, the importance of mentors like Sergeant Snabel, the concept of “camouflage leadership,” and how persistence, humility, and giving back shaped his career. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #drones #AI #artificialintelligence #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brigadier General (Ret.) Michael Fleming, a distinguished military leader and veteran advocate, as we explore his journey from the battlefield to influential roles in business and education. In this episode, Cam and Otis delve into General Fleming's extensive experience in leadership, his dedication to veteran advocacy, and his efforts to bridge the gap between military and civilian sectors."Leadership is about service," General Fleming shares, reflecting on his career spanning over 30 years in the military and his subsequent roles in community relations and veteran support. From founding the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition to his work with the Cohen Veterans Network, General Fleming offers invaluable insights into creating opportunities for veterans and addressing critical issues like veteran suicide.Whether you're a military professional transitioning to civilian life, a business leader seeking to understand veteran perspectives, or someone passionate about community service, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.More About General Fleming:Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Michael “Mike” Fleming is a respected Northeast Florida military and veteran leader with senior experience across the military, business, and higher education sectors. He currently serves as Senior Manager, Community Relations for Cohen Veterans Network. Previously, he held leadership roles with the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, Jacksonville University, and Deutsche Bank, where he was a Managing Director and Site Lead in Jacksonville.A career military officer with more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard, he retired as a Brigadier General. He holds degrees from Jacksonville State University, the University of North Florida, and the U.S. Naval War College, and completed fellowships at Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and the U.S. Congress.Gen. Fleming is the founder and chair of multiple veteran-focused coalitions, including the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition, and chairs The Fire Watch, a regional initiative to prevent veteran suicide. His honors include the Legion of Merit, the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, and numerous military and civilian leadership awards.#10xyourteam #VeteranLeadership #ServantLeadership #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranAdvocacy #LeadershipWithPurpose #MissionDriven #CommunityLeadership #VeteranSupport #PurposeDrivenLeadership #ImpactThroughServiceChapter Times and Titles:Introduction to General Mike Fleming [00:00 - 10:00]Overview of General Fleming's career and achievementsTransition from military to civilian leadership rolesFounding the Jacksonville Military Veterans CoalitionLeadership Lessons from the Military [10:01 - 20:00]Key leadership principles from military serviceThe importance of adaptability and resilienceInsights from international competitions and fellowshipsVeteran Advocacy and Community Relations [20:01 - 30:00]General Fleming's role in the Cohen Veterans NetworkInitiatives to support veteran employment and mental healthThe impact of public/private partnershipsBridging Military and Civilian Worlds [30:01 - 40:00]Challenges and opportunities in veteran transitionsBuilding relationships with government and business leadersStrategies for effective community engagementCreating Opportunities for Veterans [40:01 - 50:00]Success stories from the Jacksonville Military Veterans CoalitionAddressing veteran suicide through The Fire Watch initiativeFinal thoughts on leadership and serviceClosing Remarks and Resources [50:01 - End]How to connect with General Fleming and his initiativesEncouragement for listeners to get involved in veteran supportFinal reflections on leade

TYPHOONS, KAMIKAZES, AND UNFORGIVING WARFARE Colleague Craig Symonds. Halsey's aggression led to disaster when he twice steered the fleet into typhoons, causing significant loss of life and ships. Despite inquiries recommending Halsey's removal, Nimitz retained him to maintain public morale. The war grew grimmer with the invasion of Iwo Jima, where Marines felt unsupported by naval gunfire, and the emergence of Kamikaze suicide attacks off Okinawa. Nimitz, now based in Guam, observed the terrifying effectiveness of the Kamikazes, which he noted was the only wartime development the Naval War College had failed to anticipate. NUMBER 7 1945 OKINAWA FLAME THROWER DUGOUT

THE ATOMIC BOMB AND POST-WAR LEADERSHIP Colleague Craig Symonds. Nimitz and King believed a naval blockade could force Japan's surrender without a costly invasion, which they feared would result in millions of deaths. Nimitz was informed early about the atomic bomb to ensure it wouldn't interfere with operations. After the war, despite resistance from the aviation community and Secretary Forrestal, Nimitz served a two-year term as Chief of Naval Operations. Spruance, denied a fifth star in favor of Halsey, took the high road by leading the Naval War College, ensuring future officers learned from the Pacific war's lessons. NUMBER 8 1945 OKINAWA TEN YEAR OLD SURRENDERS WITH WHITE FLAG

After a successful career in the U.S. Navy, Wendy Gee now channels her boundless energy into community volunteering, leaving no stone unturned—or unpainted—at the Charleston Fire Department, Friends of the Lewes Public Library Board of Directors, and Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. A proud graduate of the University of Michigan, University of Arizona, Naval War College, and Old Dominion University, Wendy combines her academic prowess and life experiences into her writing.Residing in Lewes, DE, she is an avid golfer, a diehard Detroit Tigers and Lions fan (even when they're not winning, but so excited when they are), and a pickleball enthusiast who's always ready to serve up some fun. Her work has been shortlisted with Killer Nashville and the Writer's League of Texas. And as a lifetime member of Sisters in Crime, Wendy's passion for the mystery genre is no secret—though she might leave a few clues lying around just for fun. “Fleet Landing” is her first novel. Make sure to connect with Wendy Gee

One of our guests on Episode 3 of Midrats was Bryan McGrath, CDR, USN (Ret.). Over the years he's returned often, and has even graced us with the pleasure of a few guest posts here.As he's let people know for years, he was going to retire for good at 60. True to his word, he hung it up a few weeks ago.Earlier this year before he got too focused on his figs and vines, I asked Bryan to come on for a broad-ranging conversation.What a great hour.A retired Naval Officer, Bryan spent 21 years on active duty including a tour in command of USS BULKELEY (DDG 84), a guided-missile destroyer homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. In command, he received the “Admiral Elmo Zumwalt Award for Inspirational Leadership” from the Surface Navy Association and his ship earned the USS ARIZONA Memorial Trophy signifying its selection as the Fleet's most combat-ready warship. His final duties ashore included serving as Team Lead and Primary Author of the US Navy's 2007 Maritime Strategy “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower”.Bryan was formerly the Deputy Director of the Hudson Institute Center for American Seapower. In this capacity, he helped develop the Surface Navy's “Distributed Lethality” concept and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments' 2017 Navy Alternate Fleet Architecture Study.Bryan earned a BA in History from the University of Virginia in 1987, and an MA in Political Science (Congressional Studies) from The Catholic University of America. He is a graduate of the Naval War College.He retired again in November 2025 after 13 years in defense consulting.Show LinksThe End of the Road, Bryan McGrathIn Praise of the Military-Industrial Complex, Bryan McGrathSummaryIn this episode of Midrats, hosts Sal and Mark welcome back Bryan McGrath to discuss his reflections on retirement, the changes in the naval environment over the years, and the importance of relationships in naval policy. They delve into the challenges facing shipbuilding and naval strategy, the need for diverse naval capabilities, and the influence of Congress on naval development. The conversation also touches on personnel and leadership in the Navy, learning from past naval conflicts, and the impact of historical events on naval leadership. Bryan shares insights on future directions for naval operations, praises recent naval performance, and emphasizes the role of technology in naval warfare. The episode concludes with a discussion on collaboration between industry and military and Bryan's final thoughts on future advocacy in the naval sphere.Chapters00:00: Introduction and Guest Background04:46: Reflections on Retirement and Career Path07:35: Changes in Naval Environment Over the Years11:17: The Importance of Relationships in Naval Policy14:47: Challenges in Shipbuilding and Naval Strategy18:03: The Need for Diverse Naval Capabilities21:25: Congressional Influence on Naval Development24:40: Personnel and Leadership in the Navy28:14: Learning from Past Naval Conflicts32:45: The Impact of Historical Events on Naval Leadership36:08: Future Directions for Naval Operations39:00: Praise for Naval Performance in Recent Operations43:23: The Role of Technology in Naval Warfare46:57: Collaboration Between Industry and Military50:48: Final Thoughts and Future Advocacy

The Hoover History Lab and its Applied History Working Group in close partnership with the Global Policy and Strategy Initiative held The Arsenal of Democracy Technology, Industry, and Deterrence in an Age of Hard Choices on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM PT. The event featured the authors Eyck Freymann, Hoover Fellow, and Harry Halem, Senior Fellow at Yorktown Institute, in conversation with Stephen Kotkin, Kleinheinz Family Senior Fellow. The US military stands at a moment of profound risk and uncertainty. China and its authoritarian partners have pulled far ahead in defense industrial capacity. Meanwhile, emerging technologies are reshaping the character of air and naval warfare and putting key elements of the US force at risk. To prevent a devastating war with China, America must rally its allies to build a new arsenal of democracy. But achieving this goal swiftly and affordably involves hard choices. The Arsenal of Democracy is the first book to integrate military strategy, industrial capacity, and budget realities into a comprehensive deterrence framework. While other books explain why deterrence matters, this book provides the detailed roadmap for how America can actually sustain deterrence through the 2030s—requiring a whole-of-nation effort with coordinated action across Congress, industry, and allied governments. Rapidly maturing technologies are already reshaping the battlefield: unmanned systems on air, land, sea, and undersea; advanced electronic warfare; space-based sensing; and more. Yet China's industrial strengths could give it advantages in a protracted conflict. The United States and its allies must both revitalize their industrial bases to achieve necessary production scale and adapt existing platforms to integrate new high-tech tools. FEATURING Eyck Freymann is a Hoover Fellow at Stanford University and a Non-Resident Research Fellow at the U.S. Naval War College, China Maritime Studies Institute. He works on strategies to preserve peace and protect U.S. interests and values in an era of systemic competition with China. He is the author of several books, including The Arsenal of Democracy: Technology, Industry, and Deterrence in an Age of Hard Choices, with Harry Halem, and One Belt One Road: Chinese Power Meets the World. His scholarly work has appeared in The China Quarterly and is forthcoming in International Security.  Harry Halem is a Senior Fellow at Yorktown Institute. He holds an MA (Hons) in Philosophy and International Relations from the University of St Andrews, and an MSc in Political Philosophy from the London School of Economics.  Mr. Halem worked for the Hudson Institute's Seapower Center, along with multiple UK think-tanks.  He has published a variety of short-form pieces and monographs on various aspects of military affairs, in addition to a short book on Libyan political history. Stephen Kotkin is the Kleinheinz Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution as well as a senior fellow at Stanford's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. He is also the Birkelund Professor in History and International Affairs emeritus at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (formerly the Woodrow Wilson School), where he taught for 33 years. He earned his PhD at the University of California–Berkeley and has been conducting research in the Hoover Library & Archives for more than three decades. Kotkin's research encompasses geopolitics and authoritarian regimes in history and in the present.

Members of the foreign policy world have talked a lot about great-power competition over the last decade. But no one can entirely agree on the contours of today's competition. Whether it's a battle of autocracies and democracies. Or revisionists and status quo powers. Or whether, as the realists would argue, it's just states doing what states do.  S. C. M. Paine, a longtime professor of strategy and policy at the U.S. Naval War College, sees something else going on. To her, the great-power competition we talk about today is just the latest example of the centuries-old tension between maritime and continental powers. For maritime powers—such as, for most of its history, the United States—money and trade serve as the basis of influence. And that leads them to promote rules and order. Continental powers—such as Russia most clearly and China in most but not all ways—focus their security objectives on territory, which they seek to defend, and control, and expand. From this divide rises two very different visions of global order. It also, Paine argues in a new essay in Foreign Affairs, explains the basic drivers of today's great-power competition. But as she looks at more recent developments, Paine lays out an additional concern. The United States has long been an exemplar of maritime power. But it is starting to behave in ways that suggest a shift away from the maritime strategies that have served it so well. Paine's focus on the contest between land and sea makes clear the stakes of that shift. You can find sources, transcripts, and more episodes of The Foreign Affairs Interview at https://www.foreignaffairs.com/podcasts/foreign-affairs-interview. 

Overview Book talk and signing with Capt. Bryan Leese on At Sea Against the Soviet Fleet—the evolution of U.S. naval intelligence in the Cold War. ***This lecture is sponsored by the IWP IAFIE Alpha Student Chapter*** About the Lecture: At Sea Against the Soviet Fleet examines the critical transformation of naval intelligence during a pivotal era marked by the Cold War and the Vietnam conflict. Bryan Leese meticulously details how U.S. Navy operational intelligence evolved to meet the complexities of modern naval warfare, particularly in response to the increasing threats posed by the Soviet Navy. Structured into four main parts, this book begins by examining the Vietnam War and the institutionalization of shipboard operational intelligence, or what Navy intelligence calls Opintel. The book highlights the establishment of Integrated Operational Intelligence Centers as part of the RA-5C Vigilante program and the innovative strategies that emerged in air combat and targeting. Leese goes on to underscore the necessity of Opintel to the U.S. Navy's close and distant blockade strategy in the 1960s and 1970s. He delves into the decentralization of intelligence processes, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the need to prevent surprise attacks. This evolution is framed within the transition to the Navy's Ocean Surveillance Information System, a decentralized and responsive operational intelligence system. The ongoing developments of shipboard intelligence capabilities are explored, demonstrating how these advancements empowered naval commanders. In the 1970s, the organizations evolved as the revolutionary Opintel adaptations of the 1960s that leveraged cooperation without hierarchy became formalized. Leese highlights the revolution to evolution process by introducing Opintel support to shipboard tactical decisions to integrate operational intelligence into comprehensive naval strategies. Capturing the essence of this transformative period, the author discusses the cultural dynamics within the Navy that fostered innovation and interdepartmental collaboration. These developments not only contributed to maintaining a strategic edge over the Soviet Union, but also laid the groundwork for future naval operations in the digital age. Leese's work reveals the intricate interplay between technology, strategy, and personnel in creating an effective intelligence framework that allows the U.S. Navy to assert influence at sea, setting conditions for sea control in conflict. By blending rich archival research with firsthand accounts, this book offers a nuanced understanding of how the Navy adapted to an ever-changing operational landscape, ultimately preserving peace while navigating the complexities of high-stakes maritime conflict. About the Speaker: Capt. Bryan Leese, USN (Ret.), was a career naval intelligence officer with extensive experience in operational intelligence, including key roles supporting ground combat operations and tours at sea, including as the N2 (head of intelligence) of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and the George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group. He has held senior positions across the intelligence community, most notably as Chair, Defense Intelligence Department at the National Intelligence University, and as Branch Chief, Transregional and then North/West Africa in J2 (Joint Intelligence) Africa Command, during the 2011–2012 crisis in Libya. Before joining the Joint Forces Staff College in September 2023, Dr. Leese served on the faculty of the U.S. Naval War College's Joint Military Operations Department. He holds a PhD in war studies from King's College London and lives in Chesapeake, Virginia, with his wife, Elizabeth. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduat... ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/W...

Rear Admiral Sandy Adams, USN, Ret., served 34 years in the U.S. Navy, leading both active duty and reserve units across global theaters. She commanded five Navy Reserve units, deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm, and advised Afghan defense leaders during Operation Enduring Freedom. Her final role was Deputy Commander of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, overseeing 19,000 personnel. As a reservist, Adams also held various senior civilian roles in defense contracting and supply chain management.Adams earned a Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, a Master's in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and graduated from the Joint Forces Staff College.Retired from the military, Adams is currently active with the Daughters of the American Revolution, El Redondo, CA Chapter, The Military Women's Memorial, and is a Member of the Chairman's Flag Council for the Museum of the Surface Navy. On our podcast, Admiral Adams shares her stories about the challenges of being a woman in the Navy, while also expressing her passion for all those currently on active duty and veterans.Support the show

From November 6, 2024: For today's special episode, Lawfare General Counsel and Senior Editor Scott R. Anderson held a series of conversations with contributors to a special series of articles on “The Dangers of Deploying the Military on U.S. Soil” that Lawfare recently published on its website, in coordination with our friends at Protect Democracy.Participants include: Alex Tausanovitch, Policy Advocate at Protect Democracy; Laura Dickinson, a Professor at George Washington University Law School; Joseph Nunn, Counsel in the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center; Chris Mirasola, an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston Law Center; Mark Nevitt, a Professor at Emory University School of Law; Elaine McCusker, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; and Lindsay P. Cohn, a Professor of National Security Affairs at the U.S. Naval War College. Together, they discussed how and why domestic deployments are being used, the complex set of legal authorities allowing presidents and governors to do so, and what the consequences might be, both for U.S. national security and for U.S. civil-military relations more generally.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, I'm joined by Tom Nichols—staff writer at the Atlantic, professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College, and all-around nuclear arms expert—to discuss Kathryn Bigelow's new nuclear war film A House of Dynamite. On this episode, we discuss how his students reacted to previous nuclear panic films like The Day After and Threads, what the new film from Bigelow and writer Noah Oppenheim gets right about the current state of our nuclear preparedness, and what keeps Tom up at night about the current White House's nuclear posture.  You can read Tom's pieces on A House of Dynamite here and here, and he has another up about what the Trump White House doesn't understand about nuclear weapons here. You can read my review of the film here. And if you have thoughts, please sound off in the comments or share this episode with a friend!

The much-anticipated face-to-face meeting between Prime Minister Albanese and President Trump has happened, not in the Oval Office but the Cabinet Room of the White House. The PM will be very pleased with how it went, with only one major casualty – embarrassment for Australia's US Ambassador Kevin Rudd, after past tweets critical of the president were brought up, creating some awkwardness. To discuss the dynamics and outcomes of the meeting Darren welcomes Dr. Charles Edel to the podcast, a long overdue guest, and the best-placed individual anywhere to provide insight into these events, and the broader alliance relationship. Why was the meeting needed? While widely agreed to have gone well, what exactly made the meeting a success? What is the status of AUKUS now, and what about critical minerals? And, while he did not have a good time at the meeting, how has Kevin Rudd been an essential part of the process and key to its success? Charles is a senior adviser and the inaugural Australia Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He previously taught at the University of Sydney, where he was also a senior fellow at the United States Studies Centre. Prior to that, Charles was a professor of strategy and policy at the U.S. Naval War College and served on the U.S. secretary of state's Policy Planning Staff. Australia in the World is written, hosted, and produced by Darren Lim, with research and editing this episode by Hannah Nelson and theme music composed by Rory Stenning. Relevant links Charles Edel (bio): https://www.csis.org/people/charles-edel Abraham Denmark and Charles Edel, “The AUKUS Inflection: Seizing the Opportunity to Deliver Deterrence”, CSIS Australia Chair Report, August 2025: https://www.csis.org/analysis/aukus-inflection-seizing-opportunity-deliver-deterrence Annabel Crabbe, “When Donald Trump was ready to take his pound of flesh, Kevin Rudd was here to help”, ABC News, 21 October: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-21/trump-albanese-meeting-rudd-pound-of-flesh/105916336 Australian Industry Group, “Developing industry capability and partnerships for AUKUS Pillar 2”, Report, August 2025: https://www.aigroup.com.au/globalassets/news/reports/2025/ai_group_spg_report_aukus_pillar-ii.pdf Trent Dalton, Gravity let me go, (4th estate, 2025): https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460713334/gravity-let-me-go/

8. Blockade vs. Invasion: Ending the Pacific War and Post-War Command AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Nimitz and King opposed the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands (Operation Downfall), arguing that a strict naval blockade, executed primarily by submarines, combined with bombing, would force surrender. They calculated that an invasion would cost hundreds of thousands of American lives and millions of Japanese lives, given the culture of fighting to the death. Nimitz was informed about the secret development of a special weapon (the atomic bomb) in March 1945 to ensure targets were reserved. After the war ended, Nimitz was the logical candidate for Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), though he faced opposition from the aviation community (Towers). He accepted a two-year term as CNO. Admiral Spruance declined high command, instead choosing to become President of the Naval War College to teach future officers the lessons learned in the Pacific War.

2. Calculated Risk and Critical Intelligence: Setting the Stage for Midway AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Following the Pearl Harbor attack, Nimitz was urged by King to "Attack, attack, attack," despite inadequate resources. Nimitz applied his concept of calculated risk, developed at the Naval War College, assessing the benefit to be derived against the risk assumed. Nimitz viewed the Doolittle Raid as a "public relations stunt," but chose not to fight the scheme, even though it used 50% of his offensive carrier capability. Crucial to Nimitz's success was intelligence derived from Japanese radio traffic by Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort's cryptanalysis group, relayed by Eddie Layton. Nimitz deployed forces for the Battle of the Coral Sea (the first battle where ships never sighted each other). For Midway, Nimitz replaced the ill Admiral Halsey with the quiet, non-aviator Raymond Spruance. Nimitz later temporarily relieved aviator Marc Mitscher for disguising a misstep in an after-action report.

7. Kamikazes, Typhoons, and the Unstoppable Halsey AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Admiral Halsey recklessly navigated his fleet through two major typhoons (December 1944 and June 1945), causing severe losses including three ships sunk and 800 lives lost in the first storm. Despite recommendations for dismissal, Nimitz refused to fire Halsey, using calculated risk that removing the popular, iconic commander would negatively impact American morale. Nimitz moved his headquarters to Guam to be closer to the fighting. At Iwo Jima, Marine commanders argued the Navy provided inadequate preparatory gunfire, though the Japanese tactic of fighting to the death was the primary cause of casualties. During the Okinawa campaign, the Japanese introduced the terrifying Kamikaze tactic—the one element Nimitz noted the Naval War College had not anticipated. The Kamikazes inflicted horrific losses, but ultimately failed to force negotiations. 8. Blockade vs. Invasion: Ending the Pacific War and Post-War Command AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Nimitz and King opposed the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands (Operation Downfall), arguing that a strict naval blockade, executed primarily by submarines, combined with bombing, would force surrender. They calculated that an invasion would cost hundreds of thousands of American lives and millions of Japanese lives, given the culture of fighting to the death. Nimitz was informed about the secret development of a special weapon (the atomic bomb) in March 1945 to ensure targets were reserved. After the war ended, Nimitz was the logical candidate for Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), though he faced opposition from the aviation community (Towers). He accepted a two-year term as CNO. Admiral Spruance declined high command, instead choosing to become President of the Naval War College to teach future officers the lessons learned in the Pacific War.

Tristan Tang discusses Taiwan's security dilemma in the face of increasing threats from China. The conversation explores the Taiwanese perspective on military preparedness, defense spending, and the expectations of U.S. support in the event of a conflict. Tristan shares insights on the societal attitudes towards the threat of invasion, the military strategies being employed, and the potential consequences of a Chinese takeover. The discussion concludes with Tristan's wishes for Taiwan's future, emphasizing the need for peace, political harmony, and strong U.S. military presence in the region.K. Tristan Tang is an associate fellow at the Research Project on China's Defense Affairs, Secure Taiwan Associate Corporation, and a member of the Pacific Forum's Young Leaders Program. His research focuses on China's defense industry and the People's Liberation Army. His work has appeared in the U.S. Naval War College's CMSI Note, U.S. Air University's Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, the Jamestown Foundation's China Brief, the Pacific Forum's PacNet, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's The Strategist, and The Diplomat. He frequently posts overview maps of PLA activities around Taiwan and across the Pacific on X (@KTristanTang) and LinkedIn. He is also the founder of KTT's wargame, a popular science simulation of cross-strait conflict scenarios designed for non-military experts and the general public.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

In this episode, James interviews Dr. Craig Symonds, one of the world's leading naval historians and a Professor Emeritus of History at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Symonds has also taught at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, England and the U. S. Naval War College. He is the author of 17 books, including The Battle of Midway, World War II at Sea, and Nimitz At War, the book under discussion. You will love Dr. Symonds' insights on Nimitz' role in guiding the U.S. effort in the Pacific War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to this episode commercial free at https://angryplanetpod.comPauline Shanks Kaurin PhD. was, until recently, the Stockdale Chair for Professional Military Ethics at the U.S. Naval War College. She'd been there since 2018, teaching philosophy and ethics to U.S. military officers and the occasional civilian. Then came Donald Trump, Pete Hegseth, and marching orders she said stifled academic freedom.So she resigned.On this episode of Angry Planet, Pauline talks us through her decision and tells us what she saw from the inside of one of the U.S. military's most lauded academic institutions as the new administration seeks to restrict what's taught in the classroom.Disclosures and caveats“A moral dilemma I couldn't resolve”On ObedienceAdmiral James Stockdale“We're all in vacation mode.”“The snitch line”Purging books, telling professors what not to talk about“I don't want to be on Fox News”It happened fastSuggestions of pulling manuscripts at the editorWhat happens to a military that isn't taught honor and ethics?Compliance versus deferenceAvoiding discomfort as a policy positionDisagreements as combatA heavy metal argumentThe cost of taking a moral stand“Everyday is ethics day”A Military-Ethics Professor Resigns in ProtestDisgraceful Pardons: Dishonoring Our HonorableSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/warcollege. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For today's episode, Lawfare Foreign Policy Editor Daniel Byman interviews Lindsay Cohn, an associate professor at the Naval War College and Columbia University, to discuss the Trump administration's handling of the U.S. military. Cohn discusses the firings of senior military officials, military parades, and the use of the U.S. military at the U.S-Mexico border and in Los Angeles. She also assesses which policies are of genuine concern and which are overstated. To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John welcomes U.S. Naval War College professor emeritus and Atlantic staff writer Tom Nichols back to the pod to discuss the implications of Donald Trump's militarization of law enforcement in Los Angeles and an array of related topics. Nichols argues that Trump's mobilization of the National Guard and the Marines to deal with protests of his deportation policies in L.A. is a dry run, on favorable political turf, to acclimate Americans to the sight of troops in their cities and gauge public blowback; that his partisan speech at Fort Bragg—and the silence of the generals in reaction to it—was an “obscenity;" and that these events, along with his military parade in Washington, demonstrate that Trump sees the U.S. Armed Forces as his personal “toy soldiers.” Nichols also weighs in on Israel-Iran, Russia-Ukraine, and how Trump has effectively turned the U.S. into a bystander in both conflicts. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preview Colleague Jim Holmes of the Naval War College outlines the line of attack the PLA Navy aims to follow to command the western Pacific after 2027. More later. 1904 JAPANESE FLEET