Underground Strategy - Underground Strategy

Latest Episodes:

Bridging Military Tactics with Cybersecurity in FinTech Nov 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Underground Strategy, we welcome Hex, a former operations officer in the South African Navy with 18 years of specialized experience in electronic warfare, now known as electromagnetic warfare. With a career rooted in cyber and electronic security strategies, Hex has a unique skill set that merges military precision with cutting-edge cybersecurity techniques.

After completing his MBA, Hex made the transition from military operations to the FinTech world, where he currently serves as the Security and Fraud Manager at Kazang. His work focuses on securing micro-payments for South Africa’s informal sectors, overseeing everything from threat detection and anomaly detection to robust cyber protection protocols. Hex's goal is to bridge the gap between traditional financial services and underserved communities, bringing security to vulnerable transactions.

Join us as we dive into Hex’s fascinating journey, from military tactics to modern-day cybersecurity, and how his expertise is being applied to safeguard financial services in a rapidly changing digital world.

Tune in for an insightful discussion that bridges the worlds of military operations and modern FinTech cybersecurity!

Limited Series Premiere: Behind the Book – The Making of Number 788 EP 1 Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

We’re thrilled to introduce a new limited series on Underground Strategy—an in-depth exploration into the making and the mind behind Number 788, authored by Max Lauker and co-authored by Tony Garcia. Hosted and produced by South African media figure Desmond Latham, this series offers listeners an inside look at the origins, experiences, and challenges that shaped this compelling story of courage and covert operations.

Number 788 details Max Lauker’s journey from reluctant soldier to highly skilled ranger, excelling in reconnaissance, intelligence, and covert operations. The book recounts his unique experiences during a pivotal time in history, from post-Cold War training through the War on Terror. Max shares not only his professional journey but the personal struggles and moral complexities that come with a life lived in the shadows.

In this premiere episode, Desmond Latham—a well-known broadcaster and host of the top-ranked History of South Africa podcast—delves into the foundations of Number 788. As Desmond leads the conversation, Max reveals how his experiences in the Swedish Armed Forces, primarily with Special Purpose Units under the Norrland Dragoon Regiment, shaped the book’s powerful narrative. With deployments across Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the former Eastern Bloc, Max recounts a life dedicated to intelligence and covert operations. Desmond’s skillful interviewing brings to light the stories, risks, and human elements behind Max’s career, creating a vivid picture of the complex world of covert warfare.

Desmond Latham, who has achieved over 500,000 listens on The History of South Africa podcast, brings his well-honed historical insights and broadcasting expertise to Underground Strategy. We’re delighted to work with such a respected voice in the industry, and this series marks an exciting collaboration that digs deep into the reality of modern military life.

This limited series is designed to bring Number 788 to a wider audience, uncovering the lessons, revelations, and experiences that define the book. Join us as we explore the journey of a soldier who became a silent mediator between light and shadow, forever changed by his place in the complex history of Western and Nordic special operations.

Links:

Desmond Latham’s Blog: https://desmondlatham.blog/

History of South Africa Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uDa0tQjGe3GpFKDGjMMAm?si=2d2812af232742da

Number 788 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

War and Peace with Peter de Clercq Oct 27, 2024

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Episode 10: War and Peace with Peter de Clercq

In this episode of Underground Strategy, we had the honor of hosting Peter de Clercq, a Dutch diplomat who has spent over 35 years working at the highest levels of the United Nations, including as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). His extensive experience includes working in conflict-affected countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and Haiti, where he has dedicated his career to improving conditions for the most vulnerable populations.

Although Peter is formally retired from his UN roles, he remains deeply involved in promoting inclusion, rights, and opportunities for those impacted by war. In this episode, Peter shares his insights into leadership, peacebuilding, and the challenges the UN faces in war-torn regions.

We discuss how diplomacy plays a crucial role in creating the conditions for peace during violent conflict and rebuilding societies afterward. It was a great conversation, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Peter back for a follow-up episode.

Military Logistics Oct 20, 2024

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Episode 9: Military Logistics – The Backbone of Warfare

In this episode of Underground Strategy, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia take a deep dive into one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of military success: logistics. As the saying goes, "Amateurs talk tactics, but professionals talk logistics." Throughout history, the ability to keep armies supplied has been the difference between victory and defeat.

Max and Tony explore the importance of logistics in warfare, drawing on historical examples from Napoleon's disastrous Russian campaign to the logistical challenges that crippled the German forces in North Africa during World War II. They discuss how even the most brilliant strategies can falter without a well-organized supply chain, and how logistics continues to play a pivotal role in modern military operations.

Join Max and Tony, in the rear with the gear, as they highlight the unsung hero of military success and give listeners a fresh perspective on the true importance of logistics in warfare.

Take a look at Max Lauker´s biography Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

Private Military Companies Oct 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Underground Strategy, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia take a closer look at Private Military Companies (PMCs)—the organizations providing military services ranging from logistical support to armed security. As modern warfare evolves, PMCs have become a powerful and controversial force in global conflicts.

Max and Tony explore the advantages, challenges, and ethical dilemmas surrounding PMCs, discussing their impact on traditional military forces, their role in international conflicts, and why governments and corporations rely on them. While not diving too deep into specific firms, this episode provides a broad overview of how these companies operate and their growing significance in modern warfare.

If you’ve ever been curious about the shadowy world of PMCs, this episode offers a compelling introduction to their influence on global security.