A Better Peace: The War Room Podcast

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BLOOD FOR STONES? PROTECTING CULTURAL PROPERTY IN WAR (PART 1) Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

Cultural property encompasses both tangible artifacts and intangible heritage that shapes societies. Historian Matthias Rogg and international law expert Lando Kirchmair delve into the critical issue of protecting cultural property during armed conflicts. They discuss the multifaceted threats to cultural property, including destruction, seizure, misuse, and humiliation. Their conversation emphasizes the vital role of international law in safeguarding cultural treasures. They also highlight how threats to cultural property often trigger destabilization, bolster violence and are part of information campaigning. Matthias and Lando grapple with the ethical dilemmas inherent in protecting cultural property during wartime, questioning the balance between safeguarding cultural treasures and protecting soldiers' lives. This episode is the first in a two-part series exploring these complex issues.

THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF HOMELAND DEFENSE Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

In November 1944, Japan launched thousands of balloons carrying incendiary bombs across the Pacific, aiming to set fire to American forests and divert resources from the war effort. While the campaign caused minimal damage and few casualties, it highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. homeland to attack. To discuss lessons from this historical event, the current state of homeland defense, and how we might better prepare for the future, George Schwartz and Bert Tussing sat down with host Darrell Driver. Their conversation emphasizes the need for a whole-of-nation approach to preparedness and the importance of collaboration between government, military, and private sectors.

THE SPY AND THE STATE: THE PARADOX OF AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE Oct 22, 2024

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The American intelligence community (IC) is a complex network of 18 different agencies constantly vying for authority and resources. This competition, along with the ongoing effort to balance civilian and military organizations within the IC, is the focus of today's discussion. Dr. Jeff Rogg, a senior research fellow at the Global and National Security Institute, joins podcast editor Ron Granieri to explore the history of the U.S. intelligence system, highlighting its civilian-military dynamics and the critical balance between national security and civil liberties. They delve into the roles of key figures like William Donovan and examine the challenges faced by various Directors of Central Intelligence as they navigate the intricate relationship between military and civilian agencies. This insightful conversation also raises questions about potential reforms needed within the intelligence community, especially considering the growing capabilities of surveillance technology and the need to preserve individual freedoms while ensuring national security.

RETENTION THROUGH INNOVATION: THE BLENDED EDUCATION PROGRAM Oct 01, 2024

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The Army is actively seeking innovative programs and ideas to address the recruitment and retention challenges it faces. One such idea is the newly designed Blended Education Program (BEP) at the U.S. Army War College. The BEP is a hybrid program that combines the best aspects of the residential program, including staff rides to Gettysburg, Washington D.C., and New York City, with the remote flexibility of the distance education program, all within a 10-month academic year. It aims to help retain talented senior officers who wish to remain at their current duty stations while furthering their professional military education. Carl Benander, an AY24 BEP graduate, and Dr. Mark Duckenfield, the director of the program, joined podcast editor Ron Granieri to discuss the program's early successes and lessons learned. The BEP offers a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning, allowing students to interact with each other and their instructors in real time. Although still in its early stages, the BEP has been a success so far and is expected to continue and grow in the future. For more information about the Blended Education Program at the U.S. Army War College contact the director of the program, Dr. Mark Duckenfield mark.duckenfield@armywarcollege.edu I was not interested in three moves in a one- to two-year span. And so I was looking for any opportunity to to have some stability for the family. So that was really the appeal. Carl Benander is a Special Forces officer and a colonel in the U.S. Army. He is the commander of the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Liberty, NC. He is a 2024 graduate of the Blended Education Program (BEP) at the U.S. Army War College. Mark Duckenfield is the Dwight D. Eisenhower Chair of National Security and a Professor of International Economics in the Department of National Security and Strategy at the U.S. Army War College. Prior to joining the USAWC, he taught at the Air War College, the London School of Economics, and University College London. He holds an MA and Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University. He has held research appointments at the Max Planck Institute (Cologne) and Birkbeck College. He is the author of Business and the Euro and editor of The History of Financial Disasters, 1763-1995. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Description: General Charles Q. Brown, 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited the U.S. Army War College on September. 20, 2024 and spoke to the class of 2025, staff, and faculty in Bliss Auditorium. Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army War College, stock image via Freepik

AN EVENING WITH FORMER USAREUR COMMANDING GENERAL BEN HODGES Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

On August 8, 2024, retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, who served as the Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe from 2014 to 2017, visited Carlisle. Michael Neiberg had the pleasure of sitting down with him for a conversation about his latest book, Future War and the Defence of Europe. Their conversation was held at a public presentation at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We're excited to share this bonus episode of their conversation with you, thanks to the generosity of the bookstore in sharing the audio recording of the event.

THE SCHOLAR AND THE STRATEGIST: SIR HEW STRACHAN (ON WRITING) Sep 10, 2024

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Last week, the U.S. Army War College welcomed Sir Hew Strachan, a distinguished British military historian and accomplished author. He graciously took the time to sit down with Michael Neiberg in the studio for another episode of our "On Writing" series. During their conversation, Sir Hew shared his journey to becoming one of the foremost experts on the First World War. They explored the significance of historical perspective in contemporary analysis, delved into his extensive studies of Clausewitz and other strategists, and discussed how appearing on television prompted him to think about war in more distilled terms. This engaging dialogue showcases the insights of two skilled and passionate historians.

ASKING DATA THE RIGHT QUESTIONS Sep 03, 2024

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Tom Spahr is back in the studio with another insightful discussion focused on data management, refinement, and exploitation within the military. He is joined by CW4 Kelsey Gibson, a senior technical advisor with years of experience in data and digital modernization in the special operations community. Together, they examine the challenges of developing data literacy across all leadership levels. They also discuss the importance of effectively sorting and filtering large data sets, as well as building the trust necessary to leverage AI and automation for faster decision-making. This conversation offers valuable insights into a crucial topic—tune in to hear their perspectives and share your thoughts!

SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO BE THERE: ADVANCED REGIONAL STUDIES AT THE WAR COLLEGE Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

This week, we have one final episode in our "Back to School" series highlighting another special program at the U.S. Army War College. The Advanced Regional Studies (ARS) program offers opportunities for students to meet the senior decision- and policy-makers of our allied and partner nations on their own turf. Daniel Krebs, the director of ARS, is in the studio to explain how a select number of students will travel abroad for study. He joins podcast editor Ron Granieri to discuss how students gain invaluable knowledge and understanding of the culture and mindset of these nations and their leaders by spending time in their countries and meeting with them face-to-face.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TAILORED EDUCATION AT THE U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

Last week, we noted the next few conversations veer into some of the "inside baseball" of how the Army War College educates strategic leaders. Episodes like this are mainly to inform incoming resident students about options available to them, but other listeners might be interested in getting some insights into the inner workings of senior joint professional military education. Host Tom Spahr sits down with the directors of three such opportunities: Bob Bradford, director of the Enterprise Management Enrichment Specialization (EM), Jerad Harper, director of the Joint Warfighting Program (JWP) and Mike Stinchfield, director of the National Security Simulation Exercise of Competition, Crisis, and Conflict (NSEC3). Their conversation examines the unique opportunities each of these enrichment and enhancement programs affords participants as they continue their growth towards becoming better critical thinkers, trusted advisers, and strategic thought leaders in the joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational environment.

IMMERSIVE PROGRAMS AT THE U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

We know that the next few episodes are a little bit of inside baseball. But one of the things we like to do at War Room is highlight the innovative means and methods by which the U.S. Army War College develops strategic leaders. Episodes like this inform incoming resident students of the options available to them during their academic year as well as give insights to listeners who may never get to see the inner workings of senior joint professional military education (JPME). Host Darrell Driver sits down with the directors of three such opportunities: Doug Douds, director of the Advanced Strategic Art Program (ASAP), Richard Lacquement, director of the National Security Policy Program (NSPP) and Celestino Perez, director of the Carlisle Scholars Program (CSP). Their conversation examines the unique opportunities each of these immersive programs affords participants as they continue their growth towards becoming better critical thinkers, trusted advisers and strategic thought leaders in the joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational environment. For more information on each of the programs you can contact the directors. Dr. Doug Douds (ASAP) douglas.douds@armywarcollege.edu Dr. Richard Lacquement (NSPP) richard.lacquement@armywarcollege.edu Dr. Celestino Perez (CSP) celestino.perez@armywarcollege.edu

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