Elliot Ackerman joins BBC World Service’s Outside Source to discuss conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, the war with Iran, and the growing divide between America’s military and civilian population.

Drawing on his experience as a Marine and his own deployments at sea, Ackerman discusses the demands placed on sailors and Marines during extended deployments and the particular strain facing the USS Abraham Lincoln after months at sea and sustained combat operations.

The conversation also examines the broader trajectory of the war with Iran. Ackerman argues that concerns about the welfare of service members should be separated from legitimate criticism of U.S. strategy, including the lack of a coherent path toward ending the conflict and Iran’s use of the Strait of Hormuz as economic and political leverage.

He also discusses how Iran may be attempting to exploit American political timelines, including the 2026 midterm elections, and why the civil-military divide can make it difficult for the broader public to understand the realities of military service during wartime.

This BBC interview follows Ackerman’s essay for The Free Press, “The Cynical Coverage of Conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln.”

Topics: USS Abraham Lincoln, Iran war, U.S. military, military mental health, civil-military relations, Strait of Hormuz, U.S. foreign policy, 2026 midterm elections

Recorded August 19, 2026.

Elliot Ackerman is a New York Times bestselling author, journalist, former Marine officer, and contributing writer at The Free Press whose work explores war, geopolitics, democracy, technology, memory, and the human condition.

This official Spotify channel features conversations, interviews, readings, public commentary, and audio reflections drawn from Ackerman’s work across fiction, nonfiction, journalism, and public affairs.

Ackerman is the author of numerous acclaimed books including 2034, 2054, The Fifth Act, Places and Names, Green on Blue, Dark at the Crossing, Waiting for Eden, Sheepdogs, and 2084. His writing has appeared in The Free Press, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and other major publications.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Ackerman served as a Marine officer with multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. His military service was recognized with the Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor, and Purple Heart. He later served as a White House Fellow and as COO of Americans Elect.

Future episodes may include:

• interviews and long-form conversations

• geopolitical and foreign policy commentary

• readings and literary discussions

• war, technology, and future conflict analysis

• reflections on journalism, writing, and public life

Official website:

https://elliotackerman.net