Irregular Warfare Initiative

09/01/2025

📢 New from IWI Project Maritime: Exploring Ethics, Integrity, and the Human Cost of Modern Irregular Warfare 🚨

In an era where the complexities of continue to challenge both policymakers and practitioners, understanding its human and ethical dimensions is crucial. In our latest Irregular Warfare Initiative article, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Dave Philipps joins the conversation to shed light on the moral dilemmas and psychological toll faced by service members operating in the shadows of modern conflict.

Through his investigative reporting, Philipps delves into the nuanced realities of irregular warfare, where ethical decisions often blur under the pressure of asymmetrical battles. What are the implications for military institutions and the individuals who navigate these challenging environments?

This thought-provoking discussion is a must-read for those seeking to better understand the intersection of ethics, integrity, and modern warfare.

🔗 Read the full article here:

Irregular Warfare Initiative Project Maritime Co-Directors Walker D. Mills & Christopher D. Booth interview New York Times military reporter, and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Dave Philipps.

07/01/2025

💡In September, the Irregular Warfare Initiative invited readers to contribute fresh, pragmatic, and non-partisan to help shape the next administration’s approach to these threats. In our first article, Connor Christensen calls for the US military to incorporate ANASOC veterans into its ranks.

🌍 As the US continues to adapt to an evolving global security landscape, the experience and capabilities of former Afghan Special Forces present a unique opportunity.

💬 "Integrating ANASOC veterans into US military and strategic roles is a strategic opportunity to strengthen the DoD’s capabilities in critical regions such as Central and South Asia, and the . Their unmatched experience, cultural fluency, and specialized training make ANASOC veterans vital assets for addressing challenges posed by , , , and ."

Christensen offers a policy blueprint that would integrate these individuals into US military frameworks as well as reaffirm America’s commitment to its allies.

🔍 Read the full article here: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/leverage-afghan-special-forces-to-strengthen-us-defense/

When a new American president takes office on January 20th, they will confront a dangerous national security environment shaped by Irregular Warfare (IW) challenges. From cyber warfare and gray zone conflicts to terrorism and insurgency, these challenges demand immediate, actionable solutions. In Se...

03/01/2025

⭐ Top 10 Most Read Articles of 2024 ⭐

We’re thrilled to highlight our top 10 most read articles. This year has brought remarkable insights into irregular warfare, strategic competition, and unconventional tactics shaping the strategic environment. Here’s what resonated most with our audience:

1. Russian Electronic Warfare: From History to the Modern Battlefield: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/russian-electronic-warfare-from-history-to-modern-battlefield/

2. Harnessing Insurgent and Narco-Criminal Drone Tactics for Special Operations: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/harnessing-insurgent-and-narco-criminal-drone-tactics-for-special-operations/

3. A Full Spectrum of Conflict Design: How Doctrine Should Embrace Irregular Warfare: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/a-full-spectrum-of-conflict-design-how-doctrine-should-embrace-irregular-warfare/

4. I Want to Live: Psychological Warfare for the Modern Era: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/i-want-to-live-psychological-warfare-for-the-modern-era/

5. The Wagner Group’s Use of Chinese Space Intelligence: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/the-wagner-groups-use-of-chinese-space-intelligence/

6. Eroding Global Stability: The Cybersecurity Strategies of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/eroding-global-stability-the-cybersecurity-strategies-of-china-russia-north-korea-and-iran/

7. Irregular Warfare at Sea: Using Privateers to Seize Chinese Commerce: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/irregular-warfare-at-sea-using-privateers-to-seize-chinese-commerce/

8. Arctic Defense: The US Needs Polar Special Operations Forces Aligned With the 5 SOF Truths: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/arctic-defense-the-us-needs-polar-special-operations-forces-aligned-with-the-5-sof-truths/

9. Bridging the Gap: Why Conventional Forces Need Irregular Warfare Training: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/bridging-the-gap-why-conventional-forces-need-irregular-warfare-training/

10. The Age of Decentralized Information Warfare is Here: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/the-age-of-decentralized-information-warfare-is-here/

02/01/2025

📢 New from IWI Executive Director Guido Torres- Irregular Warfare in 2024: Lessons Learned & Paths Forward 🌍

"The global security environment in 2024 proved as unpredictable as ever—yet, beneath the headlines, several clear themes and patterns emerged. A review of our articles published throughout the year reveals deeper insights into how irregular warfare is evolving across multiple fronts, from the Indo-Pacific to the Sahel, and from space to the bottom of the sea. This was not a year of singular, decisive battles but of incremental advances and strategic maneuvering in unconventional ways."

Key takeaways include:
🔹 The transformative power of technology
🔹 The weaponization of narratives and perception
🔹 The critical importance of shared legitimacy in partnerships
🔹 The growing role of gray zone tactics in great power rivalries

Whether you’re a policymaker, practitioner, or scholar, this article offers valuable reflections on key trends in irregular warfare in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, the challenge will not simply be to respond to these evolving dynamics, but to anticipate and shape them.

📖 Read the full article here: https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/irregular-warfare-in-2024-lessons-learned-paths-forward/

🔄 Join the conversation! What do you think are the most pressing challenges for irregular warfare in the coming year?

A comprehensive analysis of 2024's irregular warfare trends, examining technology, narratives, partnerships, and gray zone tactics in modern conflicts.

31/12/2024

🚨 Exciting Announcement from the Irregular Warfare Initiative!🚨

We’re thrilled to introduce our 2025 Irregular Warfare Initiative Fellows—an outstanding group of 25 professionals selected from our most competitive applicant pool to date.

🔍 Who Are They?
• Experts from the public, private, and academic sectors
• Passionate practitioners and scholars dedicated to advancing the theory and practice of irregular warfare

🌍 Impact:
• These Fellows will contribute groundbreaking insights and innovative approaches to irregular warfare and international security
• Their work will shape the future of this vital field

🤝 Join the Conversation:
• Connect with our Fellows and engage in meaningful dialogue
• Let’s work together to expand our collective understanding of irregular warfare!

Please join us in congratulating our 2025 Fellows on their selection. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to collaborate!

20/12/2024

Did you listen to last week's podcast?

🌍 Culture, Access, Influence: The FAO Advantage in Irregular Warfare 🌍

🎙️ Irregular warfare demands a unique blend of skills, cultural insight, and strategic influence. In this episode of the Irregular Warfare Podcast, experts explore the critical role of Foreign Area Officers (FAOs) in advancing U.S. strategic interests.

📢 Join the conversation with:
- Michael Burgoyne: Retired U.S. Army Colonel, PhD candidate, and Latin America specialist.
- Albert "Jim" Marckwardt: Retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel with 30+ years of international diplomacy and policy experience.

💡 Key topics include the value of regional expertise, building trust with partner nations, and how FAOs shape outcomes in irregular warfare environments.

🎧 Listen here:

Episode 120 explores the critical role of Foreign Area Officers (FAOs) in irregular warfare and strategic competition with Mike Burgoyne and Jim Marckwardt. Our guests examine the foundational aspects of the FAO program and its evolution, highlighting how FAOs serve as “Pentagon diplomats” maint...

19/12/2024

NEW ARTICLE 🚨How to Challenge China’s Military Deception Tactics 🌏

How can the United States and its allies detect and counter China’s growing use of deception tactics? A new article by Cole Herring for IWI explores this critical question, analyzing Beijing’s strategies and providing actionable recommendations to challenge them effectively.

Herring underscores how China’s use of information warfare, psychological operations, and legal manipulation—key components of their “Three Warfares” doctrine—pose significant threats to global stability. His insights are essential for understanding and mitigating these tactics in an era where deception plays a pivotal role in geopolitical competition.

📖 Learn how institutionalizing deception detection across the joint force can not only counter adversarial misdirection but also ensure more informed operations across allied and joint domains.

Read the full article here:

China’s deception tactics create asymmetrical advantages. Discover how the US can counter these strategies through joint operations and planning reforms.

21/11/2024

💵 Money Talks and Hunger Walks: Understanding State Influence through Aid

In the latest article from the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Tom Johansmeyer explores the strategic use of economic tools like aid, loans, and trade to mitigate the influence of adversarial powers.

Key Insights:
• Economic Influence as a Weapon: State actors use aid, debt relief, and trade deals to build alliances and increase dependency.
• Resisting Adversarial Influence: Allies can use targeted assistance to support governance, strengthen institutions, and counter malign efforts.
• Strategic Recommendations: Policymakers must align aid with long-term security goals, ensuring sustainability and mutual benefit.
• Real-World Examples: The author provides practical cases demonstrating successes and challenges in combating state-led economic coercion.

Explore how shapes the global security environment and what steps can be taken to build sustainable, effective alliances.

Read the full article here:

Parametric insurance can counter foreign influence operations after natural disasters by providing rapid economic relief to vulnerable populations.

19/11/2024

🚨Hezbollah Post-Nasrallah: A Turning Point🚨

What happens when a leader like Hassan Nasrallah, who centralized Hezbollah's operations for decades, is suddenly removed? Alexandra Veyne’s latest analysis explores:

⏳ The delayed succession of Naim Qassem as Secretary-General
🇮🇱 Strategic opportunities for Israel amid Hezbollah's internal chaos
📖 Lessons on leadership, charisma, and the risks of tactical shortsightedness
🇱🇧 Prospects for Lebanon’s opposition to reclaim control

This pivotal moment in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict could redefine the region's future. Is the stage set for 'the day after Hezbollah'? Learn more by following the link below 👇

On October 15, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released an interrogation video of the first captured Hezbollah militant since the beginning of Israel’s ground incursion in southern Lebanon. Wadah Younis, who was found hiding in a tunnel, describes a demoralized movement mired in fear and internal ...

18/11/2024

🚨 Episode 118 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast is live! Listen now to "SOF’s Role in Conflict."

What role do Special Operations Forces ( ) play in today’s evolving conflicts? From to , SOF often operates at the forefront of , leveraging unique capabilities to achieve outsized effects.

In the latest Irregular Warfare Podcast, we explore the complexities of SOF’s involvement in modern conflicts. Our guests, Honorable Chris Maier and COL Pat Nelson, explore how SOF contributes to U.S. national security priorities and how their missions are adapting to current challenges.

🎙 Key discussion points include:
• Definitions of conflict and SOFs value proposition
• The unique capabilities and humans required
• Insights on the necessary permissions, mandates and authorities

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that examines how SOF can maintain their edge in a rapidly changing operational environment.

🔗 Listen here:

Episode 118 focuses on SOF in Conflict. The podcast falls within the SOF Special Project. Contact Director SOF Adam Darnley-Stuart to join the team.  Episode 118 of the Irregular Warfare podcast explores the definitions of conflict and SOFs value proposition to the joint force. Our guests discuss t...

07/11/2024

🔄 Rethinking Counterinsurgent Force Design and Employment 🔄

Ryan C. Van Wie’s 2023 analysis remains an essential read for understanding effective COIN strategies. Here’s why it matters today:

🛡️ Mechanized units, when used strategically, can reduce civilian casualties.
📍 Case study: The 1/1 AD's success in Ramadi (2006-07) proves that adaptable force employment is more impactful than focusing solely on force type.
🔈 Call for change: Military doctrines must be updated to reflect these lessons on force structure and flexible leadership.

Explore more insights on COIN dynamics and military strategy through the full analysis linked below 👇

Military force structure's impact on counterinsurgency dynamics is complex, with flexibility key to successful tactical adaptation.

04/11/2024

🧠 I Want to Live: for the Modern Era 🇺🇦

"Digital influence and data-driven strategies [are] shaping military outcomes and extending conflict beyond physical battlefields into the digital domains of information and perception."

The Irregular Warfare Initiative’s latest article, “I Want to Live: Psychological Warfare for the Modern Era,” by Peter Schrijver explores the Ukrainian psychological operation (PSYOP) launched in September 2022—representing Ukraine’s strategic decision to use twenty-first-century technology to bolster its kinetic campaign

📝 Key Highlights:
• Emotional and Cognitive Targeting: The project focus on emotional manipulation and cognitive biases, exploiting vulnerabilities to influence behavior on an individual and societal level.
• Digital and Cyber Channels: By leveraging digital platforms and cyber tools, Ukraine is able to deploy tailored content across social media
• Metrics-Driven Adaptation: By monitoring key metrics like message spread, surrender requests, and civilian inquiries about mobilization, the project can adjust its messaging to respond to battlefield developments and shifts in Russian public sentiment.

This article is a must-read for professionals focused on understanding the rapid evolution of PSYOPs.

🔗 Read the full article here:

The essay analyzes Ukraine's "I Want to Live" digital PSYOP campaign, which uses smartphones to encourage Russian soldiers' surrender.

31/10/2024

🎙️ New Episode Alert! Adapting to the Unpredictable: Climate’s Impact on Irregular Warfare 🌍

How does a changing climate influence conflict and security? The latest episode of the Irregular Warfare Podcast explores how climate-related changes affect military operations and strategic partnerships, particularly in the Pacific region.

Featuring experts Sherri Goodman and Ambassador John Hennessey-Niland, this episode explores:

• Environmental Security’s Evolution: How climate shifts impact national defense policy.
• Military Operations & Partnerships: The challenges climate change poses, especially in the Pacific region.
• Irregular Warfare Insights: How state and non-state actors leverage environmental crises.
• Policy Recommendations: Strategic approaches to build resilience and address climate security.

🔗 Listen now :

Episode 117 examines the intersection of climate change, national security, and irregular warfare, with a particular focus on how environmental changes are reshaping global security challenges from the Arctic to the Pacific Islands. Our guests begin by exploring pivotal moments in the evolution of e...

25/10/2024

🎙️ Revisit episode 90 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast: Subversion: The Strategic Weaponization of Narratives

In an age where narratives shape public opinion and global affairs, understanding the role of subversion and strategic weaponization of narratives is more important than ever.

In this episode, Initiative hosts Ben Jebb and Adam Darnley Stuart engage with experts Dr Andreas Krieg and Dr. Andrew Whiskeyman, to explore how state and non-state actors harness narratives to gain influence, weaken adversaries, and advance strategic objectives. From the roots of to the tools of today, they unpack the complexities of this powerful weapon in modern warfare.

🎧 Listen now to better understand :

This week’s episode of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines how states weaponize strategic narratives to control the information space and achieve their interests.  Our guests begin by addressing how recent changes in the information environment have enabled revisionist states to wage informa...

24/10/2024

🔎 New Article Alert: Israel, Hezbollah, and Arab Hostility 🔎

Israel is conducting extensive attacks against Lebanon—for the sixth time in their shared history—after months of a military back-and-forth with the Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah.

🌍 In the latest article from the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Amir Asmar argues that Israel needs to consider a paradigm shift away from its tendency to prioritize the use of its military in favor of a more comprehensive approach—using political, diplomatic, economic, as well as military means—to address security challenges.

With insights into the evolving regional landscape, this piece explores the historical context of the conflict, as well as provides recommendations for the role of the United States.

💡For anyone seeking to understand the geopolitical intricacies of the Middle East, this article is a must-read.

Read the full article here 👉

Israel is conducting extensive attacks against Lebanon—for the sixth time in their shared history—after months of a military back-and-forth with the Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah. In late September, Israel assassinated Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Hasan Nasrallah, as part of a syste...

23/10/2024

🔙 Flashback to IWI Episode 96! 🎙️
Explore how have reshaped the India-Pakistan rivalry through the stability-instability paradox, incentivizing irregular warfare. The 1999 Kargil Conflict serves as a key example of this shift. Hear from Professors Sumit Ganguly and Tricia Bacon as they discuss Pakistan's reliance on proxy forces to achieve its political aims and the evolving dynamics in South Asia. 🇮🇳🇵🇰
👇 Click below to listen now! 🎧

This week’s episode delves into the 1999 Kargil Conflict, exploring the intricate dynamics of the India-Pakistan rivalry and the impact of nuclear weapons on conflict below the threshold of open war. Our guests kick off by exploring the regional security dynamics germane to South Asia. They delve ...

22/10/2024

🇺🇦🚆 Ukraine’s Railway Wars: How to Sabotage Russian Military Logistics 🚆🇷🇺

Ukraine's special ops, in collaboration with , are disrupting Russia's logistics by targeting its rail infrastructure—an Achilles' heel for Russia's military .

🚂 of rail lines is stalling military resupply
🗡️ Ukrainian-Russian partisan collaboration is expanding internal resistance
🎯 Lessons from Ukraine’s unconventional warfare can shape future strategies

🔎 Discover how these efforts are weakening Russia’s war machine & what this means for the future of .

How Ukrainian special operations and partisan forces are degrading Russia's military capabilities by targeting critical railway infrastructure.

21/10/2024

🔄 Flashback: As tensions rise between and and as U.S.-Philippine cooperation increases, revisit Fabe and Matisek’s insights on irregular statecraft, the evolving defense strategy, and how assertive transparency is shaping regional security. 🇵🇭🇨🇳🇺🇸

📌 Key points:
🇵🇭 Manila’s name-and-shame strategy continues to challenge Chinese provocations.
🤝 U.S. support enhances regional resilience against gray-zone tactics.
🌐 Collaboration is key to upholding stability and international law.

👇 Click the link below to dive into the full article!

The United States should develop its irregular statecraft to support Philippine assertive transparency in the South China Sea.