Share

Revolution in Military Affairs
P.W. Singer and the Power of Useful Fiction
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/
More episodes
View all episodes

18. Tim Sweijs and the Future Challenges of War
44:34||Season 8, Ep. 18
17. Special Iran Update: Joe Funderburke & 'We Bombed the Wrong Target'
24:05||Season 8, Ep. 17You can find Joe Funderburke's "We Bombed the Wrong Target," from Small Wars Journal.
16. General (Ret) Nick Carter on the Future of War
48:32||Season 8, Ep. 16You can find General (Ret) Nick Carter's article on War on the Rocks.
15. Major General Curtis Taylor and The Coming Blitzkrieg
43:52||Season 8, Ep. 15You can find Curt Taylor's article - "The Coming Blitzkrieg: Adapting Armored Formations for the Future of Warfare" in Military Review.
14. Gian Pili on Land Warfare and the Philosophy of War, Part II
41:55||Season 8, Ep. 14
13. Gian Pili on Land Warfare and the Philosophy of War, Part I
36:48||Season 8, Ep. 13
12. Samuel Bendett on Drones and the Future of War
35:18||Season 8, Ep. 12
11. Mechanized Warfare and the Future of War
41:01||Season 8, Ep. 11You can find Scott and Matthew's article at War on the Rocks.Scott Rutter and Michael Paul, "Why Mechanized Warfare Will Still Be Decisive in the Next Land War," War on the Rocks, 2 January 2026.
10. Land Warfare with Professor Christopher Tuck
41:21||Season 8, Ep. 10You can find Christopher Tuck's book, Understanding Land Warfare, at Amazon.