The Voices of War

Latest Episodes:

99. Special Release: Vlad Sakovich - The View from Russia: An In-Depth Conversation on Anti-War Activism under Putin’s Regime Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

In this compelling episode, we explore the challenges and realities of anti-war activism in Russia with Moscow-based educator and activist, Vlad Sakovich. From the risks of questioning the regime to the complexities of fostering dialogue, Vlad provides a nuanced look into the intricacies of activism in a restrictive environment.

Brief Summary of Vlad Sakovich:

Vlad Sakovich is a Moscow-based educator, psychologist, and anti-war activist. Despite the risks associated with his work, Vlad has been deeply involved in grassroots dialogue initiatives and anti-war movements since the 2014 Donbas War and Crimea's annexation. He facilitates open forums for Russians to discuss the war and runs an online course on civic facilitation, aiming to change the Russian narrative surrounding the conflict.

Key points covered in the conversation:

Introduction to Vlad Sakovich
- Background as an educator, psychologist, and anti-war activist
- Initiatives like open forums and online courses on civic facilitation

Motivations for Activism
- Gradual involvement sparked by a series of incidents
- Initial focus on societal change while being apolitical

Turning Point in Activism
- Connection and subsequent disconnect with a Ukrainian mediator at an international conference
- Realisation of the need for dialogue in conflict situations

Challenges and Realities in Russia
- The diverse profiles of those supporting the invasion
- The risks associated with questioning the Russian regime
- The difficulties of fostering dialogue in a restrictive environment
- The sparse network of anti-war activists in Russia
- The impact of legislation criminalising dissent
- The emotional toll of activism in a high-risk setting

Work and Objectives
- The compelling need to take action
- Various trials and efforts in fostering dialogue
- The importance of grassroots initiatives in a country where top-down change is unlikely

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the challenges of anti-war activism in Russia, a topic often shrouded in complexity and risk. While this episode remains free to all, please consider subscribing to The Voices Of War here, to gain access to all other episodes. I thank you for supporting the show.

Lastly, to find out more about the excellent initiative by my friends over at IN2 Comms I mentioned in the intro, please go here.

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98. Dr. Jonathan French Flint - Navigating the Ethical Maze of War: On Strategic Theory and Military Ethics Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Jonathan French Flint, an Inamori Research Associate at Case Western Reserve University with a focus on military ethics and strategic theory.

Dr. Flint has a background in teaching in the UK and has presented his work at a range of academic venues, including the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He has also made contributions to military ethics literature, notably with the International Committee of the Red Cross, and has appeared on the Canadian CTV Network as an expert discussing the war in Ukraine and broader issues in military and international affairs.

Our conversation aims to explore the complexities of Strategic Theory, particularly its role in informing decisions about war. Dr. Flint brings a unique perspective to this subject, advocating for the inclusion of ethical considerations in strategic planning for conflict.

Here are some of the key topics we cover:

**Pathway to Specialisation**: Dr. Flint shares how he entered the niche field of military ethics and Strategic Theory.
**Unlocking Strategic Theory**: We examine what Strategic Theory entails and the problems it seeks to solve.
**Defining 'Victory'**: We discuss the often-ambiguous term 'Victory' in the context of warfare.
**'Wars of Choice' Conundrum**: Dr. Flint elaborates on the difficulties tied to defining victory in wars of choice.
**Ethics vs. Interests**: A look into the tension between moral values and geopolitical interests in 'wars of choice'.
**Moral Injury**: An exploration of the concept of 'moral injury' as it relates to ‘wars of choice’.
**Ethical Frameworks**: We discuss General McChrystal's concepts of 'Courageous Restraint' and 'Insurgent Math'.
**Moral Compass**: The conversation turns to defining the difference between morals, morality, and ethics in warfare.
**Case Studies**: Dr. Flint briefly outlines his thesis, examining the Falklands and Kosovo conflicts through an ethical lens.
**Accountability**: We close with a discussion on the responsibility of senior political and military figures for unethical actions on the battlefield.

This episode provides a nuanced exploration of the ethical considerations in Strategic Theory and warfare. It's a thought-provoking listen for those interested in going beyond surface-level discussions about conflict.

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97. Yousuf Sediq – The War in Afghanistan: Exploring its Complexities, Absurdities, and Challenges with an Afghan Special Forces Commander Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Today's episode is a compelling and insightful conversation with Yousuf Sediq, a former Afghan Special Forces Operator and the author of '5000 Days of War: The Firsthand Account of an Afghan Special Forces Operator.'

Yousuf's book is an honest and vivid portrayal of his experiences in the Afghan war, offering unparalleled insight through the eyes of a native Afghan who grew up under Taliban rule. Following the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Yousuf's journey took him from an interpreter for the Coalition Forces to becoming a squadron commander in the ultra-secret Task Force-241. He also played a key role in the security of the Kabul International Airport during the chaotic withdrawal in August 2021. In This Episode, You'll hear about:

Life Under the Taliban: Growing up under the oppressive rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Joining the Battle: The personal journey of Yousuf Sediq in joining with the Coalition Forces in the fight against the Taliban.
Interpreter on the Frontline: Yousuf's initial experiences and the vital role of interpreters in the Afghan war.
The Plight of Coalition Interpreters: A detailed discussion on the challenges and misunderstood lives of interpreters.
Private Company Treatment of Interpreters: An exploration of employment conditions for interpreters in Afghanistan.
Understanding Afghan Local Context: The significance of cultural and local insight in military operations.
Surviving Explosions and Brain Injury: The effects and recovery from severe war injuries.
The Rise to Task Force 241: Yousuf's entry and progression through the Afghan Commandos to Task Force 241.
Inside Task Force 241: An in-depth look at the secret unit, its missions, impact, and capabilities in Afghanistan.
Legal Prosecution of Taliban Fighters: The legal complexities and challenges surrounding the prosecution of the Taliban.
Engagement Rules within Task Force 241: An examination of ethical guidelines and conduct within the secretive unit.
CIA-Funded Units & War Crime Allegations: A critical discussion on controversial actions and allegations within Afghanistan.
Trust in the Shadows of Task Force 241: Why trust plays a crucial role within military units.
Defending Kabul with Task Force 241: The vital role of Task Force 241 during the fall of Kabul in 2021.
Afghan Civilians & Security Forces: Insights into how Afghan civilians perceive their security forces.
Post-Taliban Takeover Allegiances: The shifting political and tribal alliances following the resurgence of the Taliban.
Afghanistan's Uncertain Future: Reflections and predictions on the prospects for Afghanistan.

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96. LTC Kevin Cutright - Empathy Unleashed: Transforming Military Decision-Making and Operational Effectiveness Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, my guest is Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Cutright, a prominent Associate Professor in the Department of English and Philosophy at the US Military Academy, West Point. Kevin's extensive in-the-field experiences have fuelled his exploration into the ethical aspects of military planning and conduct, the role of empathy, and the concept of moral injury. We delve deep into the significance of empathy in military operations, a subject comprehensively covered in Kevin's newly published book, 'The Empathetic Soldier.' Not only relevant but his insights on empathy are also crucial for military personnel and those responsible for making war decisions. During our conversation, we shed light on several pivotal points: - Kevin's military background and experiences. - Benefits of the US Military's academic approach. - Origins of Kevin's interest in empathy. - Defining empathy: challenges and nuances. - Differentiating between etic and emic perceptions of the world. - Role and value of empathy in operational contexts. - Security Force Assistance Brigades: their purpose and capabilities. - Mitigating the potential risks of operational empathy. - Intersection of empathy with the principles of 'Just Cause' and 'Right Intention' in warfare. - Exploring 'Moral Injury': its definition and its ties with empathy. - Methods and significance of empathy training. - Using empathy as an instrument for understanding adversaries, mitigating bias, and enhancing decision-making. - Discussing the critical role of 'strategic empathy.' Join us in this engaging dialogue as we unpack these topics, offering a fresh perspective on empathy's role within the military realm.

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95. Heidi Langbein-Allen - From Propaganda to Desperation: Understanding Nazi Indoctrination of German Youth in Hitler’s Army Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

My guest today is Heidi Langbein-Allen who recently published the memoirs of her father, Willi Langbein, who at the age of 13 was forced to fight for the Nazis.

The book is called ‘Save the Last Bullet: Memoir of a boy soldier in Hitler’s Army’ and it vividly explores the use of propaganda and misinformation to give moral weight to an otherwise losing and abhorrent cause. It is also a story of lost innocence and despair in the face of circumstances beyond the control of fully grown adults, let alone children and teenagers. But it is also a story of determination, resilience, and hope, nurtured in the ruins of post-war Germany.

Some of the topics we covered are:

Nazi propaganda's deliberate targeting of children and youth
Indoctrination techniques used in organisations like the Jung Volk and Hitler Jugend
Structural changes made to history and national narrative to align with Nazi ideology
Willi Langbein's personal motivation to share his story and experiences
The brutal enforcement of collective punishment and forced submission to authority by the SS
The significance behind Willi's first battle and the concept of ‘saving the last bullet’
Willi's experiences during the physical end of the war and his treatment as a person under confinement
How German soldiers and citizens perceived German atrocities during the war
Germany's handling of collective guilt in the aftermath of World War II
Transforming despair into hope in the face of post-war challenges
Heidi's upbringing with an emotionally unavailable father and its impact on her life
The positive reception of the book and its ability to resonate with young readers
The reasons behind positive reviews from the Jewish community regarding the book
Heidi's ongoing projects and plans for the future

94. Special Release: Dr Mike Martin - Cracks in Putin’s Autocracy: Dissent, Mutiny, and Shifting Tides Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Today, I spoke with Dr Mike Martin who is one of the go-to voices for insights and analysis of the war in Ukraine.

Mike has authored several books, amongst which is still one of my favourites on conflict titled ‘Why We Fight’. Mike also recently released a new book titled, ‘How to Fight a War’, that details why wars are won and why they are lost. The book is getting released in Australia on the 1st of July and can be ordered here.

Mike joins me today for an update on the war in Ukraine, especially on the events that transpired in Russia over the past week. Some of the themes we discussed are:

Reasons for brittleness of autocratic regimes
Sawing of dissent within Russian ranks
The potential impact of the mutiny on the battlefield in Ukraine
Discussion on the seeming purge of Prigozhin’s allies
The possible shift of position by China
Potential future scenarios

Recent previous episodes with Dr Mike Martin:

93. Dr Neil Greenberg - Battlefield Minds: Understanding the Complexities of Military Mental Health Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Neil Greenberg, an esteemed clinical and academic psychiatrist based at King's College London. With a remarkable 23 years of experience in the United Kingdom Armed Forces, Neil has provided psychiatric care and conducted extensive research in challenging environments, including Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition to his invaluable practical experience, Neil has made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry, with over 120 published scientific papers and book chapters. He is widely recognised as an expert speaker on topics such as psychological well-being in the UK Armed Forces, traumatic stress management, and occupational mental health. Notably, Neil was also involved in the appeal trial of Royal Marine Sergeant Alexander Blackman, a high-profile case concerning the killing of an injured Afghan insurgent. During our conversation, Neil shared valuable insights on the crucial issue of mental health within military and veteran communities. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: · Neil's background in the UK Armed Forces and qualification as a Green Beret · Most common mental health issues faced by military personnel · Distinguishing between PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and Depression · Risk factors of mental health challenges in the military · How to reduce the risk of mental health injuries · Understanding Moral Injury and its three primary causes · The inoculating effect of a meaningful narrative · What makes otherwise morally sound people do unethical deeds · The role of leadership in maintaining mental health · Individual moral degradation vs group moral degradation · Distinguishing between a psychologically good and psychologically bad war · Blurring of the morality line by operational ineffectiveness · The case of Royal Marine, Sergeant Blackman, associated war crimes trial, and appeal · Finding solutions in combat that may clash with our moral compass and society's expectations · The unique nature of Sergeant Blackman's case and its role as a precedent to account for the impact of war on soldiers' mental health · The importance of considering how mental health challenges impact families and the broader community #TheVoicesOfWar #mentalhealth #military #veterans #psychiatrist #research #traumaticstress #PTSD #occupationalhealth #peerledsupport #TRiM #UKArmedForces #King'sCollegeLondon #deployment #hostileenvironments #traumamanagement #organisationalhealth #psychologicalwellbeing #combatstress #veterancommunity #mentalhealthawareness #warcrimes #moraldrift

92. Hasan Aygun - Turkish Elections Unveiled: Erdogan’s Rise to Power, Dimming of Democracy, and Geopolitical Ramifications Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

My guest today is Hasan Aygun, who is a prominent Turkish security analyst with an extensive career in international relations, global security issues and conflict management both as a diplomat and later as a political adviser.

Some of our long-time listeners might recognise Hasan’s biography, as he appeared on the show all the way back in June of 2021. To hear more about Hasan’s extensive background and experiences, listen here.

Today, however, Hasan joins me to discuss the results of the recent Turkish elections and possible implications for the country, the region, and the rest of the world.

Some of the topics we discussed are:

Hasan’s observations of the electoral process in Turkey
The historical context to Turkish politics and Erdogan’s rise to power
Description of the three dominant social groups determining election results
Gradual decline into authoritarianism and its effects on the ‘fairness’ of Turkish elections
Analysing the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor and credible rival to Erdogan, Ekrem Imamoglu
Exploring the factors behind Turkey’s rapid economic decline
Ownership of television and print media in Turkey and its impact on public discourse
Suppression of dissenting voices and threats to journalists in Turkey
The exploitation of migrants and Syrian refugees for political gain in Turkey
The influence of the February earthquake on voter sentiment in Turkey
The diminishing state of democracy in Turkey and its consequences
Evaluating the geopolitical winners and losers following Erdogan’s victory
Examining Turkey’s relationship with NATO and its implications
The ‘F-35 Affair’ and its effects on Turkey-US relations
Turkey’s ties with Russia and the consequences of Finland joining and Sweden’s imminent entry into NATO
Exploring rumours surrounding Erdogan’s health issues

91. Dr Greta Uehling - Understanding the Donbas: Identity, People, and its role in the Russia-Ukraine War Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Today, I spoke with Dr Greta Uehling, who is a lecturer at the University of Michigan and whose scholarship is concerned with international migration and forced displacement. Her most recent project explored the subjective experience of the military conflict and forced displacement in Ukraine. Based on years of research living in Ukraine, she documented how the military conflict that started in 2014 reconfigured social worlds and how these social worlds became the site of a different, everyday kind of war. She recently published a book stemming from this research titled ‘Everyday War: The Conflict over Donbas, Ukraine’. Some of the topics we covered are: · Greta's background, entry into anthropology, and her fieldwork in Ukraine · The birth of her book 'Everyday War: The Conflict over Donbas, Ukraine' · Meaning and manifestations of 'Everyday War' · Unique identity of the Donbas in Ukraine and its role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict · Importance of cultural and social immersion for understanding context · Perception differences of the war in different parts of Ukraine (2014-2022) · Impact of war on interpersonal relationships and fallout management strategies · Defining and contextualising 'Everyday Peace' · The story of the 'Black Tulips' · Influence of war on risk perception and redefinition of 'normal' · Prospects of peace in Ukraine During this episode, I referred to a discussion with a previous guest, Tomislav Cvitanusic. You can listen to that episode here.

90. Dr David Kilcullen - Decoding Geopolitics and the emerging Multipolar World Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

My guest today is Dr David Kilcullen, who is a renowned military strategist, scholar, and former soldier and diplomat who has served both the Australian and United States governments for three decades now. He is an expert in the fields of guerrilla warfare, terrorism, urbanisation, and the future of conflict. David has authored several influential books, including ‘The Accidental Guerrilla’, ‘Counterinsurgency’, ‘Out of the Mountains’, ‘The Dragons and Snakes: How the Rest Leant to Fight the West’ and ‘The Ledger: Accounting for Failure in Afghanistan’. He has been named one of Foreign Policy's Top 100 Global Thinkers and has won numerous awards for his writing. His work is widely used by policymakers, the military, intelligence services, and development agencies around the world. Some of the topics we discussed are: · David’s background, military life, and journey into academia · Analysis of the fall of Kabul and the current situation in Afghanistan · Reflection on the power and influence of elites in the US and how their pursuit of selfish interests affects geopolitics · Competing partisan narratives in the US and their impact on global politics · Lack of accountability for the failures in Afghanistan and Iraq and its impact · Working towards preventing a potential war between the US and China as a national priority for Australia · Discussion on the likelihood and impact of a hot war between the US and China · Analysis of what the US-China contest is actually about · A discussion on the winners and losers in the 20th century · Reflection on Iraq as a pivotal moment for US global dominance · Loss of Western moral legitimacy and its impact · Australia’s position in a potential US-China conflict · Reflection on the recently announced Australian Defence Strategic Review · How Taiwan perceives China and how this shapes its strategic narrative · Reflection on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, its origins, and potential outcomes · China’s attempt to mediate between Ukraine and Russia, as well as Iran and Saudi Arabia · How social media undermines conflict discourse and stifles dialogue due to parallel realities · The importance of national sovereignty, industry, resilience, and sustainability · Discussion on the fact that increased sovereignty would impact the current standard of living and national wealth · Impact of the collapse of confidence in experts, institutions, and the political elite in the West · Reflection on the ongoing domestic tensions in the US and the risks associated with the 2024 presidential election · Dave's two key risks for the immediate future—ongoing erosion of civil liberties in the West and a weaponised pandemic

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