Japan stands at a strategic crossroads. This episode examines how Japan’s postwar pacifism, historical memory, and aversion to war as strategy affect its ability to compete in an era defined by irregular warfare and great-power rivalry. Tracing Japan’s experience from World War II to today, the discussion explores why strategic literacy matters—and what reforms could better position Japan as a capable security partner in the Indo-Pacific.

In this episode, we explore the dramatic rise of the Uskoks of Senj—refugees turned maritime raiders—and how they became one of history’s earliest and most revealing examples of proxy warfare. Drawing parallels between their 17th-century operations and modern irregular warfare doctrine, this episode examines their underground networks, guerrilla tactics, and volatile partnership with the Habsburgs. We unpack their strategic impact on the Ottoman and Venetian Empires and the lessons their story offers for today’s practitioners navigating the complexities of proxy relationships, deniability, and asymmetric conflict.

This episode covers a deep-dive exploration of how space-based capabilities for irregular warfare can transform security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The podcast examines how satellites, AI-enabled analysis, and commercial space data expose gray-zone activity, enhance maritime surveillance, strengthen partner resilience, and shape narrative competition. Listeners will hear how space tools—from SAR imaging to resilient communications—empower frontline nations and enable long-term strategic influence across the region.

This episode explores how civilian-linked maritime intelligence can shift the balance in gray zone competition. It explains why local observers, when connected to regional analytic hubs, can generate faster attribution, reduce ambiguity, and strengthen partner decision cycles. Through examples from the Pacific Fusion Centre to the 2024 Second Thomas Shoal crisis, the episode examines how community-linked alert networks, tactical intelligence cells, and multilateral partnerships can reshape escalation dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.

In this episode, we examine the evolving role of USSOF cyber operations. From lessons in Ukraine to integrating technology and industry partnerships, learn how Special Operations can enhance strategic outcomes and maintain relevance in modern conflict.

In this episode, we explore Taiwan’s 2025 National Defense Report and its powerful shift toward national resistance, cognitive resilience, and irregular deterrence. Learn how Taiwan confronts PRC gray zone harassment, cognitive warfare, and narrative manipulation while strengthening societal resilience, military readiness, and whole-of-nation defense. This full-length reading presents a detailed, accessible breakdown of the report’s most important insights for policymakers, security practitioners, and listeners interested in Indo-Pacific security.

This episode explores how Russian sabotage in Europe has evolved into a defining feature of the continent’s security landscape. Drawing on recent incidents—from attacks on undersea cables to arson targeting political figures—the narrative examines why sabotage offers Moscow a low-risk, high-reward strategy. We break down misleading trends, the gig-economy model of recruiting saboteurs, vulnerabilities across European infrastructure, and why these operations persist despite increased Western coordination. The episode concludes with policy implications, deterrence challenges, and what NATO must change to confront sabotage as part of the new normal.

In this episode, we explore insights from the 2025 Partnership for Peace Consortium workshop on proxies in hybrid operations. Hear how experts from 12 countries examine Russia’s evolving proxy strategies, regional case studies, and emerging hybrid threats. The discussion outlines a four-pillar framework for understanding and countering proxy activity and highlights the launch of a new collaborative research initiative shaping future democratic resilience.