A Better Peace: The War Room Podcast

Melvyn Leffler, a prominent historian of American foreign policy, is in the studio offering a fresh perspective on the Iraq War. Leffler joins host Carrie Lee challenging some conventional wisdoms surrounding the war, arguing that the George W. Bush administration was not intent on invading Iraq from day one. He makes the case that there were genuine fears among American policymakers about Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. He highlights the role of fear, power, and hubris in the decision-making process. Their conversation examines the extensive interviews and archival research Leffler conducted, and offers a nuanced understanding of one of the most consequential foreign policy decisions of the 21st century.

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.

There is a global trend of increased politicization of the military in eroding democracies, some of which are allies of the United States. Risa Brooks joins host Carrie Lee to shed light on the evolving dynamics between political leaders and the military in these countries. Brooks discusses the trend of political leaders using the military for their own electoral and personal gain, explaining how they draw it into domestic politics and, at times, seek to turn the military into a partisan ally. The discussion also underscores the crucial role of professional military education in instilling a deep understanding of democratic principles and norms and ethical boundaries in military service. The episode aims to raise awareness about this critical issue and encourage military professionals around the globe to uphold their commitment to democratic values.

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.

The recent surge of coups d'etat in Africa holds significant implications for U.S. foreign policy. Dr. Naunihal Singh, author of "Seizing Power: The Strategic Logic of Military Coups," joins host Carrie Lee to discuss his extensive research on this topic. They explore the definition and historical context of coups, examining the intricate dynamics involved. Dr. Singh's insights, particularly on the role of mid-grade military officers, offer a unique perspective on this complex issue, crucial for those interested in civil-military relations and the future of democracy.

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 [email protected]

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 Professor of International Economics in the Department of National Security and Strategy (DNSS) and at the Strategic Studies Institute and the Director of the Blended Education Program (BEP). He is the former Chair of DNSS at the U.S. Army War College. Mark holds an MA and a PhD in Political Science from Harvard University where he specialized in European political economy. He has written numerous academic articles on gold, financial crises and international political economy and is the author of the book Business and the Euro.

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

Military service provides unique education and experience opportunities not readily available elsewhere, a key selling point for recruiting an all-volunteer force. But do those experiences that make service members valuable in the military translate to success in political service? This is one of the questions Danielle Lupton explores in her research and book, Reputation for Resolve. She joins host Carrie Lee to discuss the role of reputation in international politics and the impact of veterans in politics, Congress, and even the White House. It's the latest episode in our Civil-Military Relations Center speaker series.

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.

A new academic year brings a new lineup of speakers to the U.S. Army War College's Civil-Military Relations Center. Host Carrie Lee welcomes Cameron McCoy to kick off the season with a dynamic discussion of McCoy's new book, Contested Valor: African American Marines in the Age of Power, Protest, and Tokenism. They delve into the experiences of the legendary black Marines of Montford Point and explore the broader context of race relations in the U.S. military. This compelling conversation sheds light on the nation's historical shortcomings regarding racism while acknowledging the progress made and emphasizing the ongoing need for change.

They were just falling in line with what they believe were the rites and passages of a social society that had a foundation that rested upon dividing one ethnic group from another.

Cameron McCoy, PhD, is a native of Washington, D.C., and has taught courses in 20th- and 21st-century U.S. history at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Brigham Young University, and the United States Air Force Academy. He earned his doctorate in U.S. history at the University of Texas at Austin after receiving a master’s in military history at Texas A&M University and his bachelor’s in International & Area Studies at BYU. He is the author of Contested Valor: African American Marines in the Age of Power, Protest, and Tokenism, published by the University Press of Kansas, released in October 2023. In addition to being an assistant professor and teaching courses on U.S. race relations, the Great Wars, modern warfare studies, and foreign policy, McCoy also serves in the Marine Corps Reserves as an infantry officer.

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, U.S. Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

Photo Description: Black Marines, attached to the 3rd Ammunition Company, take time out from supplying ammunition to the front line on Saipan. Riding a captured bicycle is Pfc. Horace Boykin while (left to right) Cpl. Willis T. Anthony, Pfc. Emmitt Shackelford and Pfc. Eugene Purdy watch, June 1944.

Photo Credit: Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe

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.