Irregular Warfare Initiative

📚 Book Review Highlight! Check out "Proxy Wars from a Global Perspective: Non-State Actors and Armed Conflicts" – essential reading for those studying or involved in modern warfare. 🌍 Key Insights: 🛡️ Expertly Edited by professionals with military and law enforcement backgrounds 🌐 Comprehensive Coverage explores the evolution of proxy warfare beyond the Cold War-era models ⚔️ Rich Case Studies from conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, providing real-world context 📘 Accessible Format makes complex topics understandable for both practitioners and theorists 📘 A recommended addition for military academies and special warfare centers globally, offering a deep dive into the strategic dynamics of proxy wars. Read more about how this book tackles the nuances of modern proxy conflicts! #MilitaryAcademy #SpecialWarfare #ProxyWars #GlobalSecurity #InternationalRelations #BookReview #ProfessionalReading

🔍 Irregular Warfare and Strategic Competition 📅 Date: Monday, April 29, 2024 ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM EST 🗣️ Featuring LTG (Ret.) Ben Hodges 🔥 Topic - Irregular Warfare in Europe: Strategic Competition and the European Pillar of NATO Join us for: - In-depth analysis of IW and the role of European NATO partner nations - Perspectives from a senior military commander - Expert moderation by Dr. Olga R. Chirița & Lt Col Michael Fazio Don't miss this unique opportunity streamed live! #IWI #StrategicCompetition #IrregularWarfare #EuropeanSecurity #NATO

🌍 Rethinking the Dynamics of Military Coalitions: "Local Partners Are Not Proxies: The Case for Rethinking Proxy War" by Barbara Elias 📘 Published on April 20, 2023, Barbara Elias challenges the traditional view of "proxy wars" in her thought-provoking article. Drawing on her extensive research in conflict zones like Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq, Elias advocates for a shift in how we conceptualize the role of local partners in strategic military engagements. 🔑 Key Insights: - Conceptual Shift: Elias argues against the common label of local allies as "proxies," suggesting it oversimplifies complex relationships and overestimates the control of foreign patrons like the U.S. - Strategic Partnerships: The term "strategic local partners" is proposed to more accurately reflect the nuanced and reciprocal nature of these alliances. - Policy Implications: Recognizing local forces as strategic actors rather than mere proxies could lead to more effective and respectful international collaborations. 📘 Dive deeper into this analysis and explore how changing our terminology could change our approach to global security strategies. https://lnkd.in/gkfHWv_c #MilitaryStrategy #InternationalRelations #ProxyWar #SecurityPolicy #DefenseStudies

🚁 Reflecting: The Continued Relevance of "In the Eye of the Beholder: Legitimacy, Drones, and US Counterterrorism Policy" 🕒 Roughly a year after its publication in February 2023, Paul Lushenko's insightful article still resonates deeply within the fields of international relations and military strategy. As we navigate the complexities of global security and technology, the themes of legitimacy and public perception in drone usage highlighted in this piece are more pertinent than ever. 🔍 Key Takeaways: - Public Perception & Legitimacy: Understanding how public views on the legitimacy of drone strikes can influence policy sustainability is crucial. This insight remains significant as geopolitical tensions evolve, and new conflicts emerge. - Operational Oversight: The article’s emphasis on the role of international cooperation and legal frameworks in enhancing the acceptance of drone operations provides a blueprint for ongoing policy adjustments. - Strategic Implications: With changes in administration strategies and global military tactics, Lushenko’s findings offer a valuable perspective on how to balance ethical considerations with operational needs in counterterrorism efforts. 📖 Read the full analysis here: https://lnkd.in/gNCQhHS4 #Leadership #USPolicy #Drones #Counterterrorism #MilitaryEthics #InternationalRelations #ModernWarfare

🚨 Urgent Call for International Action in Sudan Sudan faces a dire situation with mass civilian detentions and torture amidst ongoing conflict. Here’s what you need to know: 🔹 Conflict Background: Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces are intensifying, causing massive civilian suffering. 🔹 Human Rights Violations: Arbitrary detentions and torture have become rampant, targeting civilians based on ethnicity or perceived loyalties. 🔹 Global Implications: Similar tactics are observed globally, signaling a disturbing trend in irregular warfare. 🌍 International Response Needed: It's crucial for global powers and regional bodies to intervene and ensure accountability for these human rights abuses. 📌 What Can Be Done? - Strengthen international legal measures. - Implement sanctions against violators. - Support UN peacekeeping efforts. 🔗 Learn more about the conflict and how you can help advocate for change. 👉 Your Voice Matters: What strategies should the international community adopt to address these violations effectively? #SudanCrisis #HumanRights #InternationalLaw #Peacebuilding

Please join the Irregular Warfare Initiative (IWI) Project Europe for the April Fireside Chat with Mr. Jack Devine (CIA, Ret.).

🏙️ Flashback to Episode 64 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast: "The Great Equalizer: Irregular Warfare In The City" 🎧 Originally aired on October 21, 2022. Dive into the complexities of urban warfare with experts John Spencer and Charles Ritter. This episode covers: - Demographic and economic shifts increasing urban areas' strategic importance. - Challenges of urban combat and its impact on irregular warfare dynamics. - Strategies to enhance US military readiness for urban conflicts in the 21st century. 📘 Featuring John Spencer, chair of urban warfare studies at West Point, and Special Forces veteran Charles Ritter. 🎙️ Hosted by Kyle Atwell and Ben Jebb, this insightful episode is a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of urban environments and modern warfare tactics. 🔗 Catch up on this episode to understand how cities shape the future of conflict. https://lnkd.in/gfDVfE85 #IrregularWarfare #UrbanCombat #MilitaryStrategy #Podcast #UrbanWarfare

🌍 Critical Insight on Policy & Human Rights: "Congress Should Mandate Human Rights Vetting For Partner Forces: The Case For Closing The Section 127E Loophole" 📜 🔎 A year ago, Sarah Harrison highlighted a significant gap in US defense policy regarding human rights vetting for foreign security forces supported under Section 127e. Despite the Leahy laws mandating vetting for other forms of assistance, this specific provision has evaded such scrutiny, potentially allowing US resources to support units implicated in human rights abuses. 📅 Published on March 9, 2023, this analysis examines the failed legislative effort to close this loophole and underscores the ongoing challenges in aligning US security practices with its human rights commitments. 👥 The piece details the advocacy for the Jacobs-Van Hollen amendment which aimed to enforce human rights vetting but was ultimately not included in the final NDAA due to various objections. 📚 Sarah Harrison brings extensive experience from her tenure at the DoD and beyond, providing a unique perspective on the implications of this oversight in US foreign policy and military engagements. 🔗 For a deeper understanding of the intricacies and implications of this policy gap, read the full analysis here: https://lnkd.in/gqwHxvqE #HumanRights #USPolicy #Defense #Congress #LeahyLaw #MilitaryEthics #ForeignPolicy

🔎 New Article! New DHS Office Proposed to Combat Foreign Influence & Interference 🇺🇸 The rise of digital landscapes has lowered barriers, allowing foreign threats to infiltrate U.S. borders and undermine democracy. To enhance the capabilities of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, a proposal for an Office of Foreign Influence and Interference (OFI2) within the DHS has been put forward. 📜 Key Points: - Privacy Concerns: Balancing intelligence sharing with civil liberties. - Efficiency Gaps: Current delays in intelligence dissemination hinder effective response. - Enhanced Support: OFI2 aims to provide timely, relevant information to combat foreign-led disinformation and extremism. 🤝 Join the discussion: How can LEAs better utilize foreign intelligence to safeguard public safety without infringing on civil rights? #PublicSafety #USDemocracy #DHS #ForeignInterference #NationalSecurity #CyberSecurity

🌐 On the Irregular Warfare Podcast: "The Rise of Digital Repression: How Technology is Reshaping Power, Politics, and Resistance" 🎧 Episode 84 from July 28, 2023 📘 Dive into this insightful discussion based on Steven Feldstein's book. Explore how authoritarian regimes use technology for control and how resistance movements respond. 🔍 Featuring experts Steven Feldstein of the Carnegie Endowment and John Tullius, ex-CIA analyst, now teaching at the Naval Postgraduate School. They discuss: - Definitions and impacts of digital repression - Its influence on democracy - The intertwining of information warfare and digital strategies - Support strategies for resistance movements in digital contexts 🎙 Hosted by Matt Moellering and Julia McClenon. For more details or questions about the episode, feel free to contact them! 🔗 Catch up on this episode here: https://lnkd.in/gyXQr58g #DigitalRepression #IrregularWarfare #TechnologyAndPolitics #HumanRights #Podcast #PoliticalScience #TechEthics