The Dead Prussian Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mick Cook
The Dead Prussian Podcast aims to explore War and Warfare through discussion and analysis of military theory, historical events, contemporary conflicts, and expert interviews.
Mick chats with scholar, military officer, and writer Lieutenant Colonel Sean 'Nick' Blas, PhD, about strategic narratives. They discuss Jonathan's article on Beyond Storytelling: Strategic Narratives in Military Strategy. Mick and Nick also discuss how modern militaries can ensure integration between military actions and strategic narratives.
Nick provides an answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with military theorist, USMC veteran, and author Jonathan Hackett about irregular war. They discuss Jonathan's book on this concept, The Theory of Irregular War. Mick and Jonathan also discuss how modern militaries can address the challenges of preparing for irregular war.
Jonathan provides an answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with political scientist, veteran, and Air Force officer Dr Kelly Atkinson about Mission Injury. They discuss Kelly's article on this concept, Mission Injury: The Force After Afghanistan. Mick and Kelly also discuss the impact of the outcomes of the wars on terror on the veterans and institutions who served in them.
Kelly provides an answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with the defence analyst, author, and soldier-scholar Dr Jim Storr about command structures and operational planning. They discuss Jim's book, Something Rotten: Land Command in the 21st Century. Mick and Jim also discuss the history of the growth of land command headquarters and the prevalence of process in current military operations.
Jim provides a considered answer to the final question.
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Over the past few weeks, we have recorded interviews with guests for the 2024 seasons The Dead Prussian and On Rome podcasts. We have also been recording episodes for our host-read narrative shows Battles and Enemies of Rome, which are currently premium-only shows that will be open-access in 2024. Below are some of the initial topics for you on our 2024 seasons.
Coming to The Dead Prussian:
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Land Command in the 21st Century
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Operational Air warfare
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Theory of Irregular Warfare
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Strategic Narratives and Warfare
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Mission Injury (to be recorded)
Coming to On Rome:
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Varrus and the Battle of the Teutoberg
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Cleopatra's Daughter
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AD69 - the year of Four Emperors
Coming to Battles (currently available on The Dead Prussian Premium):
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The Battle of Culloden
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The Battle of Stirling Bridge
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The Battle of Marathon
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The Battle of Gaugamela
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The Battle of Alessia
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The Battle of the Milvian Bridge
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The Battle of Lepanto
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The Battle of Jena-Auerstedt
Coming to Enemies of Rome:
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Carthage
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Hannibal
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Mithradates
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Parthia
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Arminius
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Germania
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Vercingetorix
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Gaul
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Boudicca
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Macedonia
Mick chats with war veteran and soldier-scholar Lieutenant Colonel Amos Fox on the Principles of War. They discuss his 2021 paper , On the Principles of War Reorganizing Thought and Practice for Large-Scale Combat Operations. Mick and Amos also discuss the history of the development of the Principles of War and their (mis)application in Professional Military Education.
Amos provides a practitioners answer to the final question.
You can also grab a book & crack on here.
Apple Premium Subscribers can access the extended version of this episode through the Apple Podcast App.
Announcing On Rome Season 1 Kickstarter Campaign! Step into the captivating world of ancient Rome with the On Rome podcast. Over 12 episodes, we will delve into the hidden stories of renowned Roman personalities, battles, literature and landmarks across the empire, unveiling histories often concealed from view. It's more than a travel guide; it's a journey into the heart of Rome's legacy. Each episode will see our award-winning host, Mick Cook, speak to the experts about the fascinating aspects of the most influential empire the world has known, uncovering little-known stories and learning about captivating heroes (and villains). We're running a Kickstarter campaign for Series 1, bringing you 12 exciting episodes with bonus material recorded on location across the empire, including sites in Brittania, Espania, Gaul, and the eternal city herself. Each episode requires detailed planning, in-depth research, recording, and editing. Hollow Street Media is a small, independent production studio that relies on listener support to thrive and continue to bring our audience high-quality digital content. Your support will not only bag you some great merch and access to premium content but will also ensure the success of our debut season and demonstrate your belief in the power of learning from history's lessons and untold tales.
In this episode, Mick chats with scholar and business leader Dr Kate Devitt from Better Beliefs. They discuss her upcoming chapter on Meaningful Command in a future where autonomous systems are ubiquitous in military forces. Mick and Kate also discuss the ethical underpinnings of human interaction with emerging technology in the context of armed conflict.
Kate provides a pragmatic answer to the final question.
You can also grab a book & crack on here.
Apple Premium Subscribers can access the extended version of this episode through the Apple Podcast App.
In this episode, Mick chats with scholar and author Dr Jade McGlynn from King's College London's War Studies department. They discuss her book on the Russian-Ukrainian War, Russia's War. Mick and Jade discuss the Russian population's perceptions of the war in Ukraine.
Jade provides a confronting answer to the final question.
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Apple Premium Subscribers can access the extended version of this episode through the Apple Podcast App.
In this episode, Mick chats with scholar and author Natalia Wojtowicz about her book, Wargaming Experiences: Notes from a Wargaming Lecturer. Mick and Natalie discuss the intricacies of wargaming and the differences between civilian and military approaches.
Natalia provides an insightful answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with former author Heidi Langbein-Allan about her debut book, Save the Last Bullet, a historical memoir co-authored with her father about his experiences as a boy soldier in Nazi Germany. Mick and Heidi discuss the indoctrination and use, and abuse, of children in Hitler's regime and the profound effect it had on her father as he dedicated his life to fighting fascism.
Heidi provides an insightful answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with former Associate Professor Matthew Ford about his new, co-authored book, Radical War. They discuss the influences of modern technology and the perception of modern conflict.
Matthew provides a third answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with former U.S. Army Officer, Major (ret'd) John Spencer about his new book, Connected Soldiers. They discuss the influences of modern technology and the way in which connection through technology has affected the experience of conflict.
John provides a fresh answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Australian Army officer Major General Mick Ryan about his new book, War Transformed. They discuss the influences transforming war and the way in which militaries can prepare to meet the challenges of future conflict.
Mick provides a succinct answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Australian artist Kathryn Brimblecombe-Fox on visualising war and militarised technology. Kathryn describes the influences on her art, as well as how art can drive important conversations on war.
Kathryn provides a unique answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Professor Peter Dean and Dr Bec Strating to discuss the recently announced AUKUS alliance between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Bec and Peter provide their answers to the final question.
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*This episode was recorded live with an internet audience.
In this episode, Mick chats with Clausewitzian poet, Olivia Garard. They discuss the recently published edited work, An Annotated Guide to Tactics. Olivia discusses Clausewitz's lesser-studied works and how they can complement professional military education.
Olivia provides an insightful answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with the Australian Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell. They discuss the recently published doctrine on the philosophy of Leadership in the Australian Defence Force, ADF Leadership. General Campbell also discusses the future challenges facing the leaders of the Australian Defence Force.
General Campbell provides an insightful answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Ofer Fridman from King's College London about his new book, Strategiya: The Foundations of the Russian Art of Strategy. They discuss core texts that have shaped Russian strategic thought, as well as the influences of Western Individualism and Eastern Collectivism.
Ofer gives a fascinating answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Timothy Heck and Brett Friedman about their edited book, On Contested Shores. They discuss amphibious operations throughout history and in the future.
Timothy and Brett give updated answers to the final question.
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NB: This episode was recorded in 2020.
In this episode, Rich chats with Australian veteran, writer, and digital content producer Mick Cook. They discuss Mick's experiences using new media to drive conversations on war. Mick also discusses the challenges of using creative practices to connect audiences with the experiences of war.
Mick gives a unique answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Australian author Nigel Featherstone. They discuss Nigel's book, Bodies of Men. Nigel also discusses the challenges of using creative practices to connect audiences with the experiences of soldiers at war.
Nigel gives an insightful answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with writer and former war correspondent, Damien Lewis. They discuss Damien's career as a war correspondent and his recently published book, Churchill's Shadow Warriors: The Race to Develop Radar, World War II's Invisible Secret. Damien discusses technology development in the Second World War as well as war's addictive qualities.
Damien gives a unique answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Nora Bensahel and Lieutenant General (retired) David Barno their new book recently published, Adaptation Under Fire. They discuss how militaries change during wartime.
Nora and David give their answers to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Boston University's Dr David Carballo, an archaeologist and author. They discuss David's research on Meso-America and his recently published book, Collision of Worlds: A Deep History of the Fall of Aztec Mexico and the Forging of New Spain. David explores the conquest of the Aztec empire and its impact on Meso-America and Spain.
David gives a unique answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with the UNSW Canberra's Dr Ned Dobos. They discuss Ned's recently published book, Ethics, Security, & the War Machine. Ned highlights the moral and ethical questions of maintaining standing militaries.
Ned gives a refreshing answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with the Australian National University's Dr Andrew Carr. They discuss the recently released Australian Defence Strategic Update 2020, Australian Strategic culture, and how strategic policy formulation is influenced.
Andrew gives a new answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with UNSW Associate Professor Deane-Peter Baker. They discuss his research on bridging gaps in morality and ethics between the soldier and the state. Mick also asks Deane-Peter to provide an overview of his new book, Morality and Ethics at War.
Deane Peter gives an interesting answer to the perennial question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with authors Peter W Singer and August Cole about their book, Burn-in. They discuss the possible future operating environment where human and machine team up to fight terrorists. Peter and August also talk about useful fiction as a means to creatively contextualize possible futures in national security environments.
Peter and August provide two answers to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with the University of New South Wales's Associate Professor Catherine Bond about her book, Law in War. They discuss how laws introduced during the Great War in Australia shaped society.
Kate provides a contemporary response to the final question.
Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access an additional 13 minutes of bonus content from this episode.
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In this episode, Mick chats with historians Prof Keir Reeves and Dr Carolyn Holbrook about their book, The Great War: Aftermath and Commemoration. They discuss the aftermath of The Great War in Australia and how commemoration has changed over the last century.
Keir and Carolyn provide two eloquent answers to the final question.
Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access an additional 13 minutes of bonus content from this episode.
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In this episode, Mick chats with award-winning journalist and Army veteran, Dr Sharon Mascall-Dare. They discuss StoryRight, a not-for-profit program that assists veterans transitioning to civilian employment. Sharon talks about how her experience in Iraq led to the development of StoryRight.
Sharon provides a second answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Harvard's Professor Serhii Plokhii, historian and author. They discuss Serhii's latest book, Forgotten Bastards of the Eastern Front: An Untold Story of World War II. Serhii provides a description of the impact, and collapse, of the Grand Alliance during the Second World War.
Serhii provides a precise answer to the final question.
Become a member of our social network, The TDP Community Hub, and hear Serhii's answer to an exclusive bonus question
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In this episode, Mick chats with the University of New South Wales Research Associate, Miss Nicole Townsend. They discuss Nicole's research on the treatment of 'suspect communities' and 'enemy aliens' in Australia during the Second World War. Nicole highlights the societal dangers of fearing the 'other' during wartime. Mick takes the opportunity to point out current trends across western countries that show striking similarities to the paranoia driven fears of communities in the Second World War.
Nicole provides an elegant answer to the final question.
Join the members' community at Patreon for Nicole's answer to an exclusive bonus question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with former army officer, academic and author, Dr Patrick Bury. They discuss his book, Mission Improbable: The Transformation of the British Army Reserve. Patrick discusses the role of the army reserve, political influence in its transformation, and the capability it provides the British Army.
Patrick provides a Simpson's quote for the answer to the final question.
Join the members' community at Patreon for Tim's answer to an exclusive bonus question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with editor, and US Marine Corps Reserve officer, Major Timothy Heck. They discuss his short story "Alphas", the winning entry in the Postmortem of the Marine Corps creative writing competition run by The Krulak Centre. Mick and Tim discuss the themes of loss at a personal, institutional, and national level.
Tim provides a parent's answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with scholar and army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Brendan Gallagher. They discuss his recent book, The Day After: Why America wins the war but loses the Peace. Brendan highlights how the political objectives of war must remain the focus for achieving success.
Brendan provides a Commanding Officer's answer to the final question.
Join the members' community at Patreon for Brendan's answer to an exclusive bonus question about military current threats.
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In this episode, Mick chats with military historian and friend of the show, Dr Matthew Ford. They discuss his recent article, The epistemology of lethality: Bullets, knowledge trajectories, kinetic effects. Matthew highlights how the science of battle has become conflated with imprecise terminology.
Matthew provides the all-time, worst answer to the final question.
Join the members' community at Patreon for Matthew's answer to an exclusive bonus question about military buzz words.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Lieutenant Colonel David Calder, a British military officer, and researcher on war. They discuss his research on science fiction and its role in shaping society's understanding of war.
David provides an answer to the final question.
Join the members' community at Patreon for David's answer to an exclusive bonus question about particular decisive battles.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Pamela Toler, an author who writes history for a popular audience. They discuss her book, Women Warriors. Pamela explains how women have been at the frontlines throughout history, highlighting some fascinating examples along the way.
Pamela her take on the final question.
Join the members' community at Patreon for Pamela's answer to an exclusive bonus question about her favourite women warriors.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Cathal Nolan an Associate Professor of History at Boston University and author. They discuss his book, The Allure of Battle. Cathal explains how the popular focus on decisive battle often overlooks how wars are won.
Cathal provides an elegant answer to the final question.
Join the members' community at Patreon for Cathal's answer to an exclusive bonus question about particular decisive battles.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Ali Wyne, a national security researcher at RAND and a non-resident fellow at the Modern War Institute. They discuss his research on great power competition.
Ali tries to dodge the final question but Mick holds his feet to the flame.
Join the members' community at Patreon for Ai's answer to an exclusive bonus question about great power competition.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Kathleen J Mcinnis, national security expert and fiction author. They discuss her debut novel, The Heart of War, and how fiction and creative practices can assist in understanding national security and policy development.
Kathleen provides an answer to final question that would make Big Carl proud.
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This is a late release episode and there were some minor audio issues
In this episode, Mick chats with Professor David Whetham, professor Ethics and the Military profession at Kings College London. They discuss his co-edited book, Military Virtues, and why virtue ethics is important for military leaders.
David provides a very succinct take on the final question.
Join the members' community at Patreon for David's answer to an exclusive bonus question about ethical challenges.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Charles Edel, a Senior Fellow at the United States Studies Centre and author. They discuss his co-authored book, The Lessons of Tragedy, and how we can learn from wars' tragic past.
Charles provides a new take on the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Ian Brown a United States Marine Corps pilot and author. They discuss Ian's book, A New Conception of War, and how Colonel John Boyd influence the understanding of manoeuvre warfare.
Ian provides a new take on the final question.
Join the members' community at Patreon for Jonathan's answer to a bonus question about Boyd's most controversial theories.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Jonathan Fennell, a senior lecturer at King's College London and the Director of the Sir Michael Howard Centre for the History of War. They discuss Jonathan's book, Fighting the People's War, and how the British Empire mobilised to fight in the Second World War.
Jonathan provides a new take on the final question.
Join the members' community at Patreon for Jonathan's answer to a bonus question about his favourite Generals in the Second World War.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Bryce Abraham, a sessional academic and PhD candidate at the University of Newcastle. They discuss Bryce's research on Australian valour awards and constructions of masculinity and heroism.
Bryce provides a succinct answer to the final question.
Join the members' community at Patreon for Bryce's answer to a bonus question about the Victoria Cross.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Steve Leonard author, military strategists, and creator of Doctrine Man. They discuss using satire to encourage reflection, education, and professional development.Steve also provides advice on engaging in professional development online.
Steve provides a new take on an old answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Myke Cole, an author, and historian. They discuss his first non-fiction book, Legion versus Phalanx: The Epic Struggle for Infantry Supremacy in the Ancient World.Myke highlights six battles where these two opposing formations faced off on the ancient battlefield.
Myke provides possibly the briefest answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Kate Ariotti, a war historian and lecturer at the University of Newcastle. They discuss her book, Captive Anzacs: Australian POWs of the Ottomans during the First World War.Kate highlights the experiences of the prisoners and their captivity's effect on Australian society.
Kate provides a new answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Sir Hew Strachan, a professor of International Relations at St. Andrews University. They discuss his book, The Direction of War. Sir Hew discusses the formulation of strategy, its meaning, and ways to encourage debate about its execution.
Sir Hew provides a succinct answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Wing Commander Jo Brick, a Royal Australian Air Force legal officer and editor at Central Blue. They discuss her chapter in the book, Redefining the Modern Military, edited by Nathan K. Finney and Tyrell Mayfield. Jo discusses the legal and ethical considerations of the modern military profession.
Jo provides a literary answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Rebecca Johnson, the Dean of Academics at the United States Marine Corps University. They discuss her chapter in the soon-to-be-released book, Redefining the Modern Military, edited by Nathan K. Finney and Tyrell Mayfield. Rebecca discusses the attributes of a Military professional, the profession, and the client, considered a profession.
Rebecca provides a fresh answer to the final question.
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Apologies, Mick's audio is a little dodgy in this one.
In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Brendan Taylor, an Associate Professor at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University. They discuss his new book, The Four Flashpoints: How Asia goes to war. Brendan highlights the concept of a crisis slide and the four key strategic pressures that could lead to great power conflict in Asia.
Brendan offers a new take on the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with the Dr Pauline Shanks Kaurin, the Stockdale Chair of Professional Military Ethics at the United States Naval War College. They discuss her chapter in a soon-to-be-released book, Redefining the Modern Military, edited by Nathan K. Finney and Tyrell Mayfield. Pauline discusses the different viewpoints on whether or not the Military is, or should be, considered a profession.
Pauline gives her third answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with the editors of a new book that explores modern conflict through the lens of Star Wars. They discuss how this book, Strategy Strikes Back, and pop culture can inform wider society about the modern experiences and consequences of war.
Each editor gives their own answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with August Cole, author and future conflict theorist. They discuss August's concept of FICINT - Fiction Intelligence and his latest piece, Automated Valor. They also discuss how fiction can help concept development for future fighting forces.
August gives an updated answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Paul Scharre, a former Army Ranger and Senior Fellow & Director of the Technology and National Security program at the Centre for a New American Security. They discuss the premise of Paul's latest book, Army of None. Paul talks about swarm tactics, cruise missiles, AI, and Terminators' whereas Mick tries to understand multiple loops with or without humans.
Paul gives an experienced answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Mike Martin, a former Army Officer and a Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College London. They discuss the topic of Mike's latest book, Why We Fight. Mike talks evolutionary biology, status seeking, and belonging as causes of violent behaviour.
Mike provides a minimalist answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Jonathan Boff, a senior lecturer in History and War Studies at the University of Birmingham. They discuss the topic of Jonathan's latest book, Haigh's Enemy. Jonathan talks about Germany's war on the Western Front and the German military leader Crown Prince Rupprecht.
Jonathan provides an answer to the final question.
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In this episode, Mick chats with Kori Schake, Deputy Director-General of the International Insitute for Strategic Studies and author of Safe Passage. They discuss the peaceful transfer of hegemonic power between Britain and the United States. Kori explains how rare it is for such a transfer to occur peacefully.
Kori also provides a second answer to the final question.
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Mick moderates a debate between accomplished historians Matthew Ford and Kim Wagner. The debate focuses on the role of military historians. Is military history a different discipline from other history? Why are 'ham' historians so popular? Should Military historians engage with policymakers? How does society benefit from engagement with military history? All these and less are answered by our bearded debaters.
Both guests give crass answers to the final question.
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Mick chats with Helen Berents, a lecturer at the School of Justice at Queensland University of Technology and author of Young People and Everyday Peace. They chat about how war is represented in the media, video games, and political engagement. Helen highlights how the 'everyday' is often missing from these representations and what that means for society's understanding of war.
Helen gives a brilliant answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with James Brown, a President of the Returned and Services League of New South Wales and author of Anzac's Long Shadow. They chat about the roles of ex-service organisations and how commemoration affects the support provided to veterans. James also discusses the need for greater debate on decisions relating to strategy formulation and war.
James gives an original answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Peter Dean, a Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Western Australia and author of MacArthur's Coalition. They chat about the coalition commanded by General Douglas MacArthur in the Second World War. Peter discusses the effect of MacArthur's personality on the coalition as well as the intricacies of commanding a multinational force prior.
Peter gives a second, and quotable, answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Andrew Carr, a Senior Lecturer at Strategic & Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University. They chat about his recent paper advocating for robust debate within Australia on Defence policy. Andrew explains how bipartisanship on Defence policy can undermine the integrity of national security policies.
Andrew gives a new answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Elsa Kania, Adjunct Fellow - Technology and National Security Program at Center for a New American Security (CNAS). They chat about her recent paper on Chinese developments in Artificial Intelligence and their military application, Battlefield Singularity. Elsa also discusses the differences and similarities between the China and the United States in the development of Artifical Intelligence for the battlefield.
Elsa gives a fresh answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Dr Shannon E French, a Professor of ethics and the Director of the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence. They chat about her research and book, The Code of the Warrior. Shannon highlights the importance of ethical codes to warrior cultures and how it assists societies in dealing with the impact of war.
Shannon also gives a sharp answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Nathan Finney, founder and editor of The Strategy Bridge. They chat about professional military education, networking, and engaging in meaningful conversations online.
Nathan provides a poignant answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor at War Studies of Kings College London, author, and official military historian. They chat about his latest book, The Future of War: A History. Sir Lawrence discusses how predictions about war's future have followed similar patterns and what they can tell us about the wars of the future.
Sir Lawrence provides a poignant answer to the final question.
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Mick explains how you can join the growing TDP community and our new membership program through Patreon in this special update.
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https://www.patreon.com/thedeadprussian
Mick chats with Adam Montgomery, an author and military historian. They chat about Adam's book on the Canadian military's experience of psychological trauma from the First World War in Afghanistan, The Invisible Injured. Adam also discusses how perceptions of masculinity can affect the treatment of those suffering from trauma.
Adam provides a short answer to the final question.
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This short episode is a book review of Thank You for Your Service by David Finkel. The book follows the lives of wounded, injured and ill Iraq war veterans and their families struggling to survive the after-war.
Mick reviews the book and gives it a rating on our new 'Carls' scale.
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Mick chats with Bryan Doerries, a translator and director of ancient Greek plays. They chat about Bryan's project, the Theater of War, that performs the plays of Sophocles to help modern audiences deal with the trauma and loss of war. Bryan discusses the project's success with military audiences and the unique insights he has gained in engaging with the veteran community.
Bryan provides a classical answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Hugh Riminton, an Australian journalist and news anchor. They chat about Hugh's autobiography, Minefields, and his experiences reporting from conflict zones as a foreign correspondent. Mick also asks about the current state of mainstream media and the role it has to play in the future of war reporting. Finally, Hugh, a director at Soldier On Australia, discusses the importance of acknowledging those who may not be in the military but are affected by war.
Hugh provides an answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Tristan Moss, an official history researcher at the Australian War Memorial. They chat Tristan's book, Guarding the Periphery: The Australian Army in Papua New Guinea 1951 - 1975. Tristan also explains the use of colonial occupation forces in indigenous capacity building.
Tristan provides a non-warlike answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Pauline Shanks Kaurin an associate professor of Philosophy at the Pacific Lutheran University. They chat Pauline's use of Thucydides' Peloponnesian War to explore the experiences of war on society, morality, and ethical decision-making. Pauline also explains how educators can use their students' experiences to engage with texts.
Pauline offers the most creative answer to the final question yet.
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Mick chats with Michael C. Horowitz an associate professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania. They chat about his award winning book, The Diffusion of Military Power. Michael also explains the impacts of new military technology on global relations.
Michael offers an interesting answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Thomas Richardson, a historian at the Australian War Memorial. They chat about his new book, Destroy and Build: Pacification in Phuoc Thuy, 1966–1972. Thomas also discusses population centric counter-insurgency and the way it was employed during the Vietnam War by the Australian forces.
Thomas offers an interesting answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Brian Laslie, a historian for the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command. They chat about his new book, Architect of Airpower: General Laurence S. Kuter and the Birth of the US Air Force. Brian also discusses airpower and the development of the modern US Airforce.
Brian offers an interesting answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with David Morgan-Owen, a lecturer in defence studies at Kings College London. They chat about his new book, The Fear of Invasion. David discusses the British strategy and planning motivators from 1880 up till the out break of the First World War in 1914.
David offers a very concise answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Azar Gat, a professor at Tel Aviv University. They chat about his new book, The Causes of War & the Spread of Peace. Azar also talks about the reasons for going to war throughout human history.
Azar offers a new take on an old definition for the answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Karl James a senior historian at the Australian War Memorial and editor of Kokoda: Beyond the Legend. They chat about the legend and the reality of Kokoda as well as its significance to Australia.
Karl offers a historian's answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Jack McCain an instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and author of Angola, Clausewitz, and the American Way of War. They chat about the lessons that can be applied to contemporary conflict from this often overlooked war.
Jack offers a unique answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Sebastian Junger, award-winning journalist and Oscar-nominated documentarian. They chat about his book, Tribe, which talks about the bonds made in war.
Sebastian offers his answer to the final question and it is quite a cracker.
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Mick chats with Ulrike Franke, a researcher specialising in the effects of the use of drones on the militaries that employ them. Mick and Ulrike cover everything from traffic jams to the swarms of the future.
Ulrike is our first living Prussian to offer an answer to the final question.
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Mick chats with Tom McDermott about ethics and war in the modern era. Tom is a military ethicist and serving officer in the Australian Army. His Occasional Paper, Soldiers, Squadrons, and Ethicists, discusses some issues on ethics and strategy as well as possible ways to overcome them.
Tom offers his second answer to the final question.
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Mick continues the discussion on war related nervous disorders with Dr Meghan Fitzpatrick. This time the focus is on the Korean War. Meghan talks Mick through the developments in forward military psychology and her upcoming book, Invisible Scars: Mental Trauma and the Korean War.
Meghan offers her third answer to the final question.
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In this episode Mick chats with Brett Friedman, a war-game analyst, former marine, and author. They discuss his new book, On Tactics.
Brett also provides a concise answer to the final question.
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In this episode Mick chats with Dr Matthew Ford, a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Sussex and the author of Weapon of Choice. They discuss the development of small arms and it's influence on war.
Matthew provides a succinct and complex response to the final question.
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In this episode Mick chats with Major General John S Harrel (Ret'd), author of The Nisibis War. They discuss the Roman defence of the east in late antiquity and the war with Persia that lasted 25 years!
John provides a lawyer's response to the final question.
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In this episode Mick chats with Professor Hal Brands, a Professor of Global Affairs at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and the author of What Good is Grand Strategy? They discuss the the concept of Grand Strategy and how it relates to the use of military force to achieve a political objective.
Hal provides one of the most concise responses to the final question.
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This short episode is a book review of The Human Face of War by Professor Jim Storr The book provides an in-depth analysis of warfare and those who conduct it.
Mick reviews the book and gives it a rating on our new 'Carls' scale.
In this episode Mick chats with Dr Kori Schake, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution and an editor, with Jim Mattis, of the book Warriors and Citizens: American Views of Our Military. They discuss the civil-military relationship and contemporary American views of the American military. Kori also explains how her students at Stanford can gain extra credit for listening to our show.
Kori also provides a concise answer to the final question.
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This short episode is a book review of War, what is it good for? by Professor Ian Morris. The book is a study of war and its effect on civilisations through out history.
Mick reviews the book and gives it a rating from our new review rating system.
In this episode Mick chats with Dr Bleddyn Bowen, a lecturer in Defence Studies at Kings College London and a space power theorist. They discuss Big Carl's theories applied to war in space, tactics of space warfare, cosmic coastlines, and which SciFi show/movie did it best!
Bleddyn also provides a very non-space related answer to the final question.
Note:This is the first episode for 2017.
In this episode Mick chats with MAJGEN Roland De Vries (retd), a former South African Army officer who fought in the Angolan Border wars and has written on his experiences and the tactics of mobile warfare in Eye of the Firestorm. They also discuss the implications of peace negotiations at the tactical level and rapid capability acquisition.
Roland provides the final definition of war for the 2016 canon.
Note:This is the final episode for 2016.
In this episode Mick chats with Dr Nicholas Clements, an author, history teacher and adjunct researcher at the University of Tasmania. They discuss the Black War in Tasmania during the 1820s and 1830s. Nick explains the causes and course of the war as well as providing some insight into how the war effected each side.
Nick adds to the growing definitions of war complied by the show.
Note: Some elements of the audio are rough due to Mick recording in a car in a hospital car park during a storm...
In this episode Mick chats with Dr. Antulio J. Echevarria, II, editor of the U.S. Army War College Quarterly, Parameters. They discuss the theory of the nature of war, it's changeable character and enduring elements. Antulio uses the weather as a useful metaphor to explain #BigCarl's theory while Mick demonstrates his lack of sports knowledge with a metaphor of his own.
Antulio also provides a comprehensive definition of war.
PANEL SHOW!!! The talented team at The Strategy Bridge lined up some great guests for Mick to chat with about the ethics of managing, waging and conducting war. The panel topics range from Just War Theory and its application to strategic decision making through to the actions of the soldiers in the coalface. There is even mention of the Bard and how we can learn from the play about Henry V.
The panelists included former and current military officers as well as a philosopher on ethics. In fact, you can read their impressive bios below.
Guest Bios:
Lieutenant General James Dubik, (ret), Ph.D., retired from the U.S. Army in July 2008. Professor at Georgetown University's Center for Security Studies. He is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for the Study of War, as well as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Security Advisory Council, and the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. During 2012-2013, he was the General Omar N . Bradley Chair in Strategic Leadership sponsored by Penn State Law, Dickinson College, and the U.S. Army War College. He is also a member of the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame and a distinguished member of the U.S. Army 75th Ranger Regiment. His book - Just War Reconsidered: Strategy, Ethics, and Theory was released this year.
Dr Pauline Shanks Kaurin is an academically trained philosopher and ethicist, interested in military ethics, business ethics and applying ethical thinking to policy questions. She is currently Associate professor of philosophy, Chair Department of Philosophy at Pacific Lutheran University. She is the author of The Warrior, Military Ethics and Contemporary Warfare - Achilles Goes Asymmetrical. You can follow her on twitter via @queenofthinair.
Thomas McDermott joined the British Army in 2001, and the Australian Army in 2015. He has served in combat and staff roles in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is now studying strategy at the Australian National University. You can follow him on Twitter via @helmandproject.
In this episode Mick chats with Dr Vanda Wilcox, a lecturer at John Cabot University in Rome and the author of 'Morale and the Italian Army during the First World War'. They discuss the concept of morale and how it can effect a military force during war. Vanda also provides Mick with examples from the Italian Army during the First World War to highlight..
Vanda adds her definition of war to The Dead Prussian's collection.
In this episode Mick chats with Dr Peter Dean, a lecturer at the Strategic & Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University. They discuss an Australian officer from the Second World War, Lieutenant General Francis Horton Berryman. They discuss Berryman's career and his role in Operation Postern, the successful campaign to expel the Japanese from Papua New Guinea.
Peter also provides a definition of war.
In this episode Mick chats with Aaron Pegram, a historian at the Australian War Memorial. They discuss Australian soldiers who became prisoners of war on the Western Front in the First World War.
Aaron also provides a long, yet eloquent, response to the final question.
In this episode Mick chats with Dr Sharon Mascall-Dare, an award winning journalist, army officer and academic. They took time out of producing the Australian Army Training & Doctrine podcast to discuss the myths and untold stories of the Anzac legend.
Sharon also provides her view on what war is.
In this episode Mick chats with John Bale, a veteran and the CEO of the Australian charity Soldier On. The two Tasmanians discuss the founding of Soldier On and the intricacies of providing support to veterans in need. They also touch on popular misconceptions of the modern experience of war and how these influence the perceptions of veterans and veterans' issues in wider society.
John also provides a definition of war that reminds us of society's responsibility.
In this episode Mick chats with Dr. Rhys Crawley, a historian at the Australian War Memorial. They discuss his book and the failed August offensive in Gallipoli that began with the attack on Lone Pine on the 6th of August 1915. They touch on the efforts of the Australians, British and Kiwi soldiers as well as the withdrawal from the Dardenelles by the allies.
Rhys also provides a new and eloquent definition of war.
In this episode Mick chats with Dr. Meleah Hampton, a historian at the Australian War Memorial. They discuss the Somme Campaign in the First World War; focusing on the battle of Pozières Ridge and it's significance in Australian military history. They also touch on the commemoration of war and Meleah's recently published book about Pozières.
Meleah also provides a new and frank definition of war.
In this episode Mick has a chat with Brigadier Mick Ryan, the Director General for Training & Doctrine in the Australian Army. They discuss how the Australian Army learns and trains its people to prepare them to operate in complex environments. They also touch on the Australian Army's capstone annual exercise, Hamel.
Mick also takes the opportunity to give his own career a quick boost.
In this episode Mick has a chat with Dr Meghan Fitzpatrick, a defence analyst & researcher. They continue their discussion on war related nervous disorders, this time focusing on the Second World War. It is a topic that is as relevant to today's veterans as it was to those who fought in WW2.
In this episode Mick asks previous guest Dr Huw Davies to return to the show to discuss the personal library of the 1st of Duke of Wellington. Huw highlights how the exploration of the Iron Duke's library can hint at what military officers in the 18th and 19th centuries were reading before Clausewitz's famous work was published. Maurice, Comte de Saxe and Henry Lloyd are highlighted as two influential authors of the time.
It is a fascinating subject and the discussion covers battlefields across Britain, France, Spain and India. Mick also makes one of his funnier jokes before confirming Huw's previous definition of "War is..."
In this episode Mick chats with Olivia A. Garard about Alice in Wonderland and how it can be used to examine Clausewitz's theory of war. They also talk a little bit about relativism and how it can aid in the application of Big Carl's work or, for that matter any other theory of war.
Tune in and find out who the Cheshire cat really is.
Olivia A. Garard is an officer in the US Marine Corps. She has an MA in War Studies from King's College London. The opinions expressed are hers alone and do not reflect those of the Marine Corps, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
In this episode Mick has a chat with World War Z author Max Brooks. They discuss Max's exploration of war through his writing. Max's book The Harlem Hell Fighters is a historical graphic novel set in World War One and it explores the unique story of an African American unit from the U.S. Army. They also discuss how disruptive thinking can assist militaries in learning the lessons they need for the future fight.
Max also provides Mick with a unique response in his search for the definition of war.
Max is non-resident fellow with the Modern War Institute at West Point, and senior resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Art of Future Warfare project.