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Insider: Short of War: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Irregular Warfare Initiative
Welcome to the Irregular Warfare Initiative’s Insider: Short of War, where IWI transforms its thought provoking articles into compelling audio pieces. Our podcast bridges the gap between scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, offering in-depth analysis and expert commentary on the dynamic world of irregular warfare. Stay informed and engaged with the latest insights from leading voices in the field, right at your fingertips.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 3 days ago21 min
Beyond Kinetic Dominance: “Cognitive Coherence” in Irregular Warfare
In this deep dive discussion, we explore the critical concept of cognitive coherence in irregular warfare. Drawing on case studies from the fall of the Afghan National Security Forces to the evolving conflict dynamics in Colombia, this episode unpacks why tactical military dominance is rarely enough to secure long-term victory. Tune in to understand how aligning military action, institutional messaging, and cultural expectations can make or break a campaign, and check out the full article at the Irregular Warfare Initiative.
- 2 weeks ago22 min
Defense Industrial Mobilization Needs More than Startups and Drones
In this episode based on the article "Defense industrial mobilization needs more than startups and drones," we examine the balance between emerging defense tech startups and foundational procurement institutions. We explore why cheap drones and venture capital are insufficient for sustaining long-term military capability, analyze recent policy trends across major and middle powers, and discuss practical acquisition reforms for resource-constrained states.
- 3 weeks ago23 min
To Disrupt Russia’s Shadow War, Follow the Money
In this deep-dive episode, we explore how Russian illicit finance has evolved into the operational backbone of Moscow’s irregular warfare strategy. From Bulgarian spy rings in English seaside towns to crypto-fueled sabotage gig-economy schemes across Europe, we break down how state intelligence services leverage criminal laundromats, stablecoins, and non-state actors to bypass Western sanctions. Tune in to understand why following the money is the key to disrupting Russia’s modern shadow war.
- 3 weeks ago18 min
Ukraine’s Drone Diplomacy: Turning Battlefield Expertise into Strategic Leverage
Explore how Ukraine is converting years of high-intensity counter-UAS combat into powerful diplomatic, economic, and strategic leverage. In this deep dive, we break down the operational lessons learned from Iranian-designed drone swarms, the defense foresight gaps facing Western militaries, and how Kyiv's cost-effective defense innovations are creating new global security partnerships from Europe to the Gulf.
- 3 weeks ago18 min
25th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks
In this deep dive episode, we examine the evolution of global terrorism a quarter-century after September 11. Despite decades of U.S. counterterrorism pressure, al-Qaeda and its global affiliates are reconstituting, expanding their reach, and continuing to influence Western political dynamics. We break down the group's global footprint, its ideological resilience, and why the United States cannot afford to look away from the region.
- 4 weeks ago22 min
Before Rogers' Rangers: Legitimacy, Partnership, and the Limits of External Sponsorship
In this deep-dive episode, we unpack the structural dynamics of irregular warfare partner forces through the historical lens of 18th-century French-Canadian partisans and their sovereign Indigenous allies. Moving beyond the popular military legacy of Rogers' Rangers, we examine why local legitimacy, mutual interest alignment, and lateral accountability dictate partner force success far more than material capability or tactical training. We also explore modern parallels—including the Afghan Local Police program—to illustrate why field-level tactical triumphs inevitably crumble when external strategic political frameworks collapse.
- Sep 8, 202622 min
Mind the Gap: Asymmetric Maritime Warfare in Southeast Asian Chokepoints
In this episode, we unpack the strategic potential of asymmetric maritime warfare across Southeast Asia's maritime chokepoints. Analyzing lessons from recent low-cost drone operations and sea-line interdictions, this deep dive explores how uncrewed surface vehicles, partner network integration, and tailored operational pathways can disrupt supply lines and impose disproportionate costs on major adversaries in a protracted Pacific conflict.
- Sep 4, 202622 min
Cornered, Not Conquered: Turkish Intelligence and the End of the PKK Insurgency
In this episode, we explore the convergence of high-tech surveillance, targeted strikes, and political off-ramps that led to the dissolution of the PKK insurgency. Analyzing Türkiye's intelligence-strike loop alongside political negotiations, this discussion examines why persistent military pressure alone cannot end an insurgency—and why political pathways are essential to closing a conflict.
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About Insider: Short of War
Welcome to the Irregular Warfare Initiative’s Insider: Short of War, where IWI transforms its thought provoking articles into compelling audio pieces. Our podcast bridges the gap between scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, offering in-depth analysis and expert commentary on the dynamic world of irregular warfare. Stay informed and engaged with the latest insights from leading voices in the field, right at your fingertips.
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