Revolution in Military Affairs

Join us for an engaging episode of the Revolution of Military Affairs podcast as we sit down with Dr. James Rogers, Executive Director of the Cornell Brooks Tech Policy Institute and an authority on drones, disruptive technology, and the evolution of warfare. Dr. Rogers brings a wealth of expertise from his roles as NATO Country Director for the Full Spectrum Drone Warfare Project and advisor to entities like the UN Security Council, UK Parliament, and EU Commission.In this episode, Dr. Rogers delves into his groundbreaking work, including his books Precision: A History of American Airpower and The De Gruyter Handbook of Drone Warfare. He unpacks the evolution of drone technology across three drone ages, exploring its profound implications for modern and future conflicts. From the historical roots of precision bombing to the alarming proliferation of drones among state and non-state actors, Dr. Rogers provides a thought-provoking analysis of the challenges ahead.We also discuss his journey as host of the Warfare podcast, his work in tech policy, and his perspective on the ethical dilemmas surrounding autonomous weapons. Don't miss this in-depth conversation that bridges history, technology, and the future of warfare.

In this episode of the Revolution of Military Affairs podcast, host Amos Fox welcomes Dr. Jeff Kubiak, a professor of practice at Arizona State University (ASU) and director of future security education. Dr. Kubiak, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with a distinguished career in strategy and military academia, shares insights into his journey from military service to civilian academia and his current work at ASU.Dr. Kubiak discusses the evolution of the Master of Arts in Global Security (MAGS) program at ASU, which he helped establish in 2017. The program is designed to provide a broad understanding of security issues, ranging from armed conflict to global economics and environmental security. With over 400 graduates, the online, practitioner-driven program emphasizes flexibility, academic rigor, and engagement with leading experts like Peter Singer, David Kilcullen, and Candace Rondeaux.The conversation also highlights ASU's Future Security Initiative (FSI), a multidisciplinary effort that focuses on addressing complex security challenges. Dr. Kubiak outlines FSI’s contributions, including partnerships with the Department of Defense and the State Department and its role in revitalizing Small Wars Journal.The episode underscores ASU's inclusive approach to education and its commitment to innovation in the security field.

In this episode of the Revolution Military Affairs Podcast, we sit down with Peter Singer, renowned author of Ghost Fleet and LikeWar, and a thought leader in exploring the future of war and security. Peter discusses "useful fiction," a powerful method blending rigorous nonfiction analysis with storytelling to communicate complex insights about future conflict and competition. By creating engaging narratives, useful fiction transforms dense concepts like military strategy and emerging technologies into relatable and actionable ideas.Peter shares how this approach has been used in projects for clients such as NATO and U.S. Special Operations Command. From scenarios addressing contested logistics to narrative-driven accompaniments for doctrine like FM 3-0, useful fiction helps leaders visualize and internalize strategic principles. Singer emphasizes the importance of grounding these stories in reality—technology must be feasible and set within the next generation, adhering to the "no vaporware rule."The conversation touches on institutional reluctance to embrace change, the need to adapt in an era of multi-domain operations, and the lessons history teaches about innovation and resistance. With humor and depth, Peter explains how stories help us not just imagine the future, but prepare for it. A must-listen for military thinkers and strategists!Visit Useful Fiction at the following link: https://useful-fiction.com/about-us/

In this episode of the Revolution of Military Affairs Podcast, host Amos Fox welcomes Mike Kofman, Senior Fellow in the Russia Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and its strategic implications. Kofman, a leading expert on Russian and Eurasian military dynamics, provides critical insights into the trajectory of the conflict and the evolving tactics and technologies on both sides.Kofman discusses the challenges Ukraine faces, including the struggle to stabilize the front lines, particularly in the Donetsk region, and the broader implications of manpower and mobilization failures. He highlights Russia’s tactical adjustments, such as its reliance on dispersed infantry and small-scale assaults, rather than large-scale operations, which are constrained by resource and leadership deficiencies. Both sides are innovating in drone warfare and electronic warfare (EW), creating a high-tech “cat-and-mouse” dynamic on the battlefield.The conversation also delves into broader strategic takeaways, emphasizing the importance of force structure, mobilization, and reconstitution in sustained conflict. Kofman critiques common misconceptions about “revolutionary” military advancements, stressing that meaningful change requires adapting force structure and operational concepts. This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of modern warfare and the lessons militaries must learn for the future.

Ben Connable, "Russians Do Break: Historical and Cultural Context for a Prospective Ukrainian Victory," War on the Rocks. Link.

Check out Bill Murray's podcast, Lessons Lost in Time. You can find it here.

Check out the Harding Project's substack here: https://www.hardingproject.com/