How did George Washington overcome virtually every material disadvantage to defeat the British during the Revolutionary War? How did Ulysses S. Grant turn the tides of the Civil War in the Union’s favor in the crucial year of 1864? How did Dwight Eisenhower manage the overwhelming personal burden of leading the Allied invasion of Europe? The answers to these questions share remarkable continuities, and together they offer a picture into the requirements of successful supreme command at war—and offer lessons that will shape the outcomes of America’s future wars. To explore them, John Amble is joined on this episode by retired Lieutenant Colonel Matt Cavanaugh, author of the book Who Wins Wars: Lessons in Leadership, Power, and Supreme Command from Washington, Grant, and Eisenhower.
The MWI Podcast is produced with the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974.

How did George Washington overcome virtually every material disadvantage to defeat the British during the Revolutionary War? How did Ulysses S. Grant turn the tides of the Civil War in the Union’s favor in the crucial year of 1864? How did Dwight Eisenhower manage the overwhelming personal burden of leading the Allied invasion of Europe? The answers to these questions share remarkable continuities, and together they offer a picture into the requirements of successful supreme command at war—and offer lessons that will shape the outcomes of America’s future wars. To explore them, John Amble is joined on this episode by retired Lieutenant Colonel Matt Cavanaugh, author of the book Who Wins Wars: Lessons in Leadership, Power, and Supreme Command from Washington, Grant, and Eisenhower. The MWI Podcast is produced with the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974.

How Commanders Win Wars

For years now, the war in Ukraine has been fought on a largely static battlefield—characterized by attrition, with little opportunity for maneuver, and with only incremental changes to the front lines. But recently, seemingly out of nowhere, Ukrainian forces began recapturing territory held by occupying Russian forces. The gains steadily accrued until, in mid-September, Ukrainian officials for the first time confirmed the ongoing Operation Vivaldi. But although the operation's name was only publicly mentioned in September, the foundations of the operation’s achievements extend back months, and even years. On this episode, retired Australian Army Major General Mick Ryan shares his insights on how Ukrainian forces have accomplished what eluded them for much of the war and examines what the operation might tell us about the war’s future trajectory.
The MWI Podcast is produced with the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974.

For years now, the war in Ukraine has been fought on a largely static battlefield—characterized by attrition, with little opportunity for maneuver, and with only incremental changes to the front lines. But recently, seemingly out of nowhere, Ukrainian forces began recapturing territory held by occupying Russian forces. The gains steadily accrued until, in mid-September, Ukrainian officials for the first time confirmed the ongoing Operation Vivaldi. But although the operation's name was only publicly mentioned in September, the foundations of the operation’s achievements extend back months, and even years. On this episode, retired Australian Army Major General Mick Ryan shares his insights on how Ukrainian forces have accomplished what eluded them for much of the war and examines what the operation might tell us about the war’s future trajectory. The MWI Podcast is produced with the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974.

Operation Vivaldi

We talk with SSG Ryan Pitts, Medal of Honor recipient, about 2008's Battle of Wanat. His unit experienced a large scale, determined attack in the mountains of Afghanistan which resulting in nine Americans killed. We hear his story and discuss ways that further leaders can prepare themselves for situations similar to those he experienced.

We talk with SSG Ryan Pitts, Medal of Honor recipient, about 2008's Battle of Wanat. His unit experienced a large scale, determined attack in the mountains of Afghanistan which resulting in nine Americans killed. We hear his story and discuss ways that further leaders can prepare themselves for situations similar to those he experienced.

Ep. 6 - "The Story of Wanat" with SSG Ryan Pitts

We talk to Max Brooks, writer of the Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z, and Harlem Hellfighters, about how a zombie plague can help us understand current and future security issues.

We talk to Max Brooks, writer of the Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z, and Harlem Hellfighters, about how a zombie plague can help us understand current and future security issues.

We talk to Max Brooks, writer of the Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z, and Harlem Hellfighters, about how a zombie plague can help us understand current and future security issues.&nbsp;

Ep. 5 - "Zombies and Global Security" with Max Brooks

The United States currently has a limited appetite for large scale deployment of conventional forces, but the security situation around the world is tenuous. Today, the United States has avoided large deployments through drone warfare and proxy support. We talk with New York Times reporter Eric Schmitt about where and how that template is being used and how effective the larger operational template is in handling global security threats.

The United States currently has a limited appetite for large scale deployment of conventional forces, but the security situation around the world is tenuous. Today, the United States has avoided large deployments through drone warfare and proxy support. We talk with New York Times reporter Eric Schmitt about where and how that template is being used and how effective the larger operational template is in handling global security threats.

Ep. 4 - "The Evolving US Template to Global Security" with Eric Schmitt

We talk to Michael O'Hanlon from the Brookings Institution about the current state of the Army, what the future of the Army holds, and how juniors leaders and security professionals can prepare.

We talk to Michael O'Hanlon from the Brookings Institution about the current state of the Army, what the future of the Army holds, and how juniors leaders and security professionals can prepare.

Ep. 3 - "The Once and Future Mission" with Michael O'Hanlon

This week on the podcast we talk to Dr. Rodger Shanahan, a Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute.
Using Aleppo as a case study we talk about tactical action leading up to the fighting in Aleppo, air to ground integration between Russian air forces and Syrian ground forces, as well as what tactical level leaders can learn about ground war from Syria’s example.

This week on the podcast we talk to Dr. Rodger Shanahan, a Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute. Using Aleppo as a case study we talk about tactical action leading up to the fighting in Aleppo, air to ground integration between Russian air forces and Syrian ground forces, as well as what tactical level leaders can learn about ground war from Syria’s example.

Ep. 2 - "A Look at Urban Warfare in the Syrian City of Aleppo" with Dr. Rodger Shanahan

For our first podcast we are talking to Dr. Jakub Grygiel of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. We talk limited war and how it influences the tactical, operational, and strategic picture in Europe and beyond.

For our first podcast we are talking to Dr. Jakub Grygiel of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. We talk limited war and how it influences the tactical, operational, and strategic picture in Europe and beyond.

Ep. 1 - "Are We Headed for Limited War" with Dr. Jakub Grygiel

The Modern War Institute Podcast, produced with the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974, is the flagship podcast of the Modern War Institute at West Point. It features discussions with guests including senior military leaders, scholars, and others on the most important issues related to modern military conflict.

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