S8 Ep1099: Bruce Bechtol. Bechtol analyzes the deepening military partnership between North Korea and Russia, driven by ammunition sales for the Ukraine war. This influx of cash allows North Korea to modernize its navy and build destroyers. (15)
Bruce Bechtol. Bechtol analyzes the deepening military partnership between North Korea and Russia, driven by ammunition sales for the Ukraine war. This influx of cash allows North Korea to modernize its navy and build destroyers. (15) 1920
10m Jul 07
10m
S8 Ep1099: Ahmad Sharawi. Sharawi discusses Syria's attempt to regain political influence in Lebanon without military intervention. He describes the newly formed Syrian parliament as a non-representative body designed solely to consolidate power under the current re
Ahmad Sharawi. Sharawi discusses Syria's attempt to regain political influence in Lebanon without military intervention. He describes the newly formed Syrian parliament as a non-representative body designed solely to consolidate power under the current regime. (14) 1920
9m Jul 07
9m
S8 Ep1099: Mary Anastasia O'Grady. O'Grady explains that Trump's refusal to renew USMCA creates investor uncertainty but no immediate trade changes. She highlights the agreement's necessity for North American manufacturing and agricultural competitiveness against MM
Mary Anastasia O'Grady. O'Grady explains that Trump's refusal to renew USMCA creates investor uncertainty but no immediate trade changes. She highlights the agreement's necessity for North American manufacturing and agricultural competitiveness against global economic rivals. (13) 1920
9m Jul 07
9m
S8 Ep1099: Edmund Fitton-Brown. Fitton-Brown describes Houthis as autonomous Iranian proxies testing regional blockades. He notes Oman serves as a critical, unpressured hub for smuggling weapons and illicit goods, enabling Houthis to recover from strikes. (12)
Edmund Fitton-Brown. Fitton-Brown describes Houthis as autonomous Iranian proxies testing regional blockades. He notes Oman serves as a critical, unpressured hub for smuggling weapons and illicit goods, enabling Houthis to recover from strikes. (12) 1905
7m Jul 07
7m
S8 Ep1099: Edmund Fitton-Brown. Fitton-Brown highlights the suspicious absence of Mojtaba Khamenei from his father's funeral, suggesting he is incapacitated. He also characterizes Iran's attempts to charge tolls in the Strait of Hormuz as blatant international gangs
Edmund Fitton-Brown. Fitton-Brown highlights the suspicious absence of Mojtaba Khamenei from his father's funeral, suggesting he is incapacitated. He also characterizes Iran's attempts to charge tolls in the Strait of Hormuz as blatant international gangsterism. (11) 1902
12m Jul 07
12m
S8 Ep1099: Janatan Sayeh. Sayeh details how the Iranian regime used the Ayatollah's funeral to project false stability amidst paranoia. He reports increased internal repression and a shift in power toward the IRGC as clerics lose legitimacy. (10)
Janatan Sayeh. Sayeh details how the Iranian regime used the Ayatollah's funeral to project false stability amidst paranoia. He reports increased internal repression and a shift in power toward the IRGC as clerics lose legitimacy. (10) 1902
9m Jul 07
9m
S8 Ep1099: John Hardie. Hardie observes a more supportive U.S. stance toward Ukraine's long-range strikes. He suggests Putin is isolated, receiving flawed military reports from his generals, and continues to delay mobilization decisions despite a strategic stalemate
John Hardie. Hardie observes a more supportive U.S. stance toward Ukraine's long-range strikes. He suggests Putin is isolated, receiving flawed military reports from his generals, and continues to delay mobilization decisions despite a strategic stalemate. (9) 1896
9m Jul 07
9m
S8 Ep1099: David Daoud. Daoud critiques U.S. policy for treating Lebanon as a sovereign state, ignoring Hezbollah's deep social and political integration. He warns that the nation is a failed state, now entirely dominated by Iranian influence. (8)
David Daoud. Daoud critiques U.S. policy for treating Lebanon as a sovereign state, ignoring Hezbollah's deep social and political integration. He warns that the nation is a failed state, now entirely dominated by Iranian influence. (8) 1884
6m Jul 07
6m
S8 Ep1099: David Daoud. Daoud argues the Lebanese Armed Forces are unlikely to confront Hezbollah, potentially facilitating performative security checks. He stresses that Israel's primary objective in Lebanon is ensuring long-term security for its northern citizens.
David Daoud. Daoud argues the Lebanese Armed Forces are unlikely to confront Hezbollah, potentially facilitating performative security checks. He stresses that Israel's primary objective in Lebanon is ensuring long-term security for its northern citizens. (7) 1862 CRICKET MELBOURNE
13m Jul 07
13m
S8 Ep1099: Samuel Ben-Ur discusses the immense difficulty of rebuilding Gaza while Hamas remains in power. He notes Hamas uses reconstruction as a political tool, often obstructing aid efforts to maintain its local authority and influence. (6)
Samuel Ben-Ur discusses the immense difficulty of rebuilding Gaza while Hamas remains in power. He notes Hamas uses reconstruction as a political tool, often obstructing aid efforts to maintain its local authority and influence. (6) 1930 CHILE MEXICO
5m Jul 07
5m
S8 Ep1099: Samuel Ben~Ur views the resignation of a Hamas official as a cosmetic tactic to maintain control over Gaza. Despite military setbacks, Hamas continues recruiting youth and manufacturing low-level explosives to remain a significant threat. (5)
Samuel Ben~Ur views the resignation of a Hamas official as a cosmetic tactic to maintain control over Gaza. Despite military setbacks, Hamas continues recruiting youth and manufacturing low-level explosives to remain a significant threat. (5) 1974
12m Jul 07
12m
S8 Ep1099: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Esclusa details how narco-trafficking infected the São Paulo Forum, causing leftist leaders to reject democratic losses. Araújo argues regional stability requires a dedicated alliance to eradicate the link betwee
Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Esclusa details how narco-trafficking infected the São Paulo Forum, causing leftist leaders to reject democratic losses. Araújo argues regional stability requires a dedicated alliance to eradicate the link between communism and organized crime. (4) 1954 HUNGARY BRAZIL
8m Jul 07
8m
S8 Ep1099: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Esclusa details the Venezuelan regime's negligent earthquake response, focusing on hiding illicit assets rather than saving lives. Araújo argues the U.S. must do more to dismantle the criminal network currently g
Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Esclusa details the Venezuelan regime's negligent earthquake response, focusing on hiding illicit assets rather than saving lives. Araújo argues the U.S. must do more to dismantle the criminal network currently governing the country. (3) 1930 URUGUAY
11m Jul 07
11m
S8 Ep1099: Bill Roggio. Roggio emphasizes that Hezbollah's core goal remains Israel's destruction, rendering diplomatic ceasefires ineffective. He also warns that Syria's leader is a savvy jihadist who effectively manipulates Western perceptions while remaining a da
Bill Roggio. Roggio emphasizes that Hezbollah's core goal remains Israel's destruction, rendering diplomatic ceasefires ineffective. He also warns that Syria's leader is a savvy jihadist who effectively manipulates Western perceptions while remaining a dangerous neighbor. (2) 1930 URUGUAY
4m Jul 07
4m
S8 Ep1099: Bill Roggio. Roggio explains Pakistan's classification as a "friendly" nation by Iran, highlighting its role as a deceptive mediator. He cautions that Pakistan's military often undermines U.S. interests to maintain its own regional influence. (1)
Bill Roggio. Roggio explains Pakistan's classification as a "friendly" nation by Iran, highlighting its role as a deceptive mediator. He cautions that Pakistan's military often undermines U.S. interests to maintain its own regional influence. (1) 1930 BRAZIL
14m Jul 07
14m
S8 Ep1098: Mary O'Grady highlights how the USMCA makes North America globally competitive. By integrating markets and labor across the US, Mexico, and Canada, the region leverages comparative advantages essential for modern manufacturing and economic success. (4)
Mary O'Grady highlights how the USMCA makes North America globally competitive. By integrating markets and labor across the US, Mexico, and Canada, the region leverages comparative advantages essential for modern manufacturing and economic success. (4) 1909 MEXICO
2m Jul 06
2m
S8 Ep1097: Preview for Later Today: Alan Tonelson analyzes trade tensions between the US and Canada. He stresses that continental integration remains vital, noting that the USMCA protects most Canadian exports from tariffs despite political friction between Carney a
Preview for Later Today: Alan Tonelson analyzes trade tensions between the US and Canada. He stresses that continental integration remains vital, noting that the USMCA protects most Canadian exports from tariffs despite political friction between Carney and Trump. (5) 1900 OTTAWA
2m Jul 06
2m
S8 Ep1096: Preview for Later Today: Analyst Bruce Bechtol discusses Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea, noting Kim Jong-un's increased leverage as a weapons supplier. Kim seeks oil and military upgrades from China to bolster his nation's ruined economy. (2)
Preview for Later Today: Analyst Bruce Bechtol discusses Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea, noting Kim Jong-un'sincreased leverage as a weapons supplier. Kim seeks oil and military upgrades from China to bolster his nation's ruined economy. (2) 1951
2m Jul 06
2m
S8 Ep1096: Preview for Later Today: Former UK Ambassador Edmund Fitton-Brown examines Iran's attempt to control the Strait of Hormuz. He highlights Oman's critical role and US efforts to support Oman, preventing Iran from establishing a maritime "protection racket."
Preview for Later Today: Former UK Ambassador Edmund Fitton-Brown examines Iran's attempt to control the Strait of Hormuz. He highlights Oman's critical role and US efforts to support Oman, preventing Iran from establishing a maritime "protection racket." (3)
3m Jul 06
3m
S8 Ep1096: Preview for Later Today: Janatyn Sayeh of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies details Iranian threats against US and Israeli leadership. He warns that Tehran's rhetoric regarding "accountability" for the Supreme Leader'sdeath signals potential trans
Preview for Later Today: Janatyn Sayeh of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies details Iranian threats against US and Israeli leadership. He warns that Tehran's rhetoric regarding "accountability" for the Supreme Leader'sdeath signals potential transnational assassination plots. (4) 1904 PERSIAN GULF
1m Jul 06
1m
S8 Ep1096: Preview for Later Today: Alejandro Peña Esclusa, a Venezuelan opposition member, warns that supporting the Rodriguez regime over elected officials like Machado is irrational. He argues this policy risks damaging Trump's support among Latin American voters
Preview for Later Today: Alejandro Peña Esclusa, a Venezuelan opposition member, warns that supporting the Rodriguez regime over elected officials like Machado is irrational. He argues this policy risks damaging Trump'ssupport among Latin American voters before upcoming midterm elections. (1) 1948 CARACAS
2m Jul 06
2m
S8 Ep1095: Gaius and Germanicus discuss the ubiquity of the term "multipolar" in modern political discourse. Germanicus dismisses the word as a "badge word" or a "secret handshake" used by experts to obscure the actual reality of a declining American empire. He ar
Gaius and Germanicus discuss the ubiquity of the term "multipolar" in modern political discourse. Germanicusdismisses the word as a "badge word" or a "secret handshake" used by experts to obscure the actual reality of a declining American empire. He argues that the United States is no longer the unchallenged colossus it was in the early 1990s, noting the surprising resilience of nations like Ru...
14m Jul 06
14m
S8 Ep1095: Gaius and Germanicus examine the escalating tensions between Poland and Russia. They analyze reports regarding Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's warnings of critical months ahead and potential Russian provocations. Germanicus contends that NATO is the p
Gaius and Germanicus examine the escalating tensions between Poland and Russia. They analyze reports regarding Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's warnings of critical months ahead and potential Russian provocations. Germanicuscontends that NATO is the primary provocateur, asserting that European leaders have become complacent and dependent on the Ukraine war to suppress domestic crises, such a...
18m Jul 06
18m
S8 Ep1095: Gaius and Germanicus discuss the concept of "honest graft" in the American republic from their perspective in 92 AD Londinium. They define honest graft as the legal wealth gained through government office, citing Donald Trump's crypto coin venture as a mo
Gaius and Germanicus discuss the concept of "honest graft" in the American republic from their perspective in 92 AD Londinium. They define honest graft as the legal wealth gained through government office, citing Donald Trump's crypto coin venture as a modern example. Germanicus argues that such graft acts as a lubricant for a republic, much like Roman consular armies sought wealth in foreign e...
28m Jul 06
28m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, concludes that following his departure from the Pentagon in 1968, which Johnson orchestrated out of concern for his health, McNamara became President of the World Bank. He viewed this role as repentance, shifting t
Professor William Taubman, guest author, concludes that following his departure from the Pentagon in 1968, which Johnson orchestrated out of concern for his health, McNamara became President of the World Bank. He viewed this role as repentance, shifting the bank's focus to the "poorest of the poor" and leading a major campaign against river blindness in Africa. In his later years, he issued ser...
7m Jul 06
7m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, reveals that by 1966, McNamara was a secret opponent of the war, admitting to aides that he desperately wanted to bring the troops home, yet he remained the public face of the conflict out of loyalty to the preside
Professor William Taubman, guest author, reveals that by 1966, McNamara was a secret opponent of the war, admitting to aides that he desperately wanted to bring the troops home, yet he remained the public face of the conflict out of loyalty to the presidency. He faced intense student protests at Harvard and was profoundly shaken by a Quaker's self-immolation outside his window, leading to a per...
12m Jul 06
12m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how McNamara's loyalty to LBJ even extended to acting as a political spy, reporting on the Kennedys' private intentions during the 1964 election to soothe the president's insecurities. Meanwhile, he maint
Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how McNamara's loyalty to LBJ even extended to acting as a political spy, reporting on the Kennedys' private intentions during the 1964 election to soothe the president's insecurities. Meanwhile, he maintained a loving relationship with Jackie Kennedy, who viewed him as a father figure for her children while simultaneously pounding on his chest...
8m Jul 06
8m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, explains that LBJ deeply admired McNamara's efficiency, often summoning his family to the White House for "barbecue" meetings or demanding his presence while swimming. During the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incidents, McNa
Professor William Taubman, guest author, explains that LBJ deeply admired McNamara's efficiency, often summoning his family to the White House for "barbecue" meetings or demanding his presence while swimming. During the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incidents, McNamara and Johnson withheld the full truth from Congress regarding the lack of evidence for a second attack, using the resulting resolution as a...
10m Jul 06
10m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, recounts how the assassination of JFK forged a deep, "opaque" bond between McNamara and Jackie Kennedy, as he spent the night following the murder sitting at her feet while she recounted the tragedy. Despite his gr
Professor William Taubman, guest author, recounts how the assassination of JFK forged a deep, "opaque" bond between McNamara and Jackie Kennedy, as he spent the night following the murder sitting at her feet while she recounted the tragedy. Despite his grief, he immediately transitioned to serving Lyndon Johnson, who relied on McNamara's "tone for action" to justify the escalation of the Vietna...
8m Jul 06
8m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how, after the war, McNamara joined the "Whiz Kids" at Ford Motor Company, rising to become president through his mastery of data and safety innovations like seat belts. In 1960, he was recruited by the K
Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how, after the war, McNamara joined the "Whiz Kids" at Ford Motor Company, rising to become president through his mastery of data and safety innovations like seat belts. In 1960, he was recruited by the Kennedy administration, initially resisting the call before accepting the role of Secretary of Defense on the condition that he could manage th...
11m Jul 06
11m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, explains that McNamara's intellectual journey began at Berkeley and Harvard Business School, where he was consistently recognized as the "smartest guy" in his class, excelling in economics and mathematics. During a
Professor William Taubman, guest author, explains that McNamara's intellectual journey began at Berkeley and Harvard Business School, where he was consistently recognized as the "smartest guy" in his class, excelling in economics and mathematics. During a 1939 trip to Europe, he notably failed to realize that WWII was imminent even after hearing Hitler speak in Berlin, an admission that contras...
8m Jul 06
8m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, recounts how, in March 1945, Robert McNamara served on Guam as a statistical advisor to General Curtis LeMay, where he played a pivotal role in shifting B-29 bombing tactics to low-altitude strikes. This strategy l
Professor William Taubman, guest author, recounts how, in March 1945, Robert McNamara served on Guam as a statistical advisor to General Curtis LeMay, where he played a pivotal role in shifting B-29 bombing tactics to low-altitude strikes. This strategy led to the devastating firebombing of Tokyo, killing approximately 100,000 civilians and prompting McNamara to later admit that they would have...
9m Jul 06
9m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, concludes with the ongoing effort to address the war's legacy, which reached a milestone in 2019 with a bipartisan gathering at Bien Hoa airbase to launch a massive cleanup project. This initiative, supported by figures like
George Black, guest author, concludes with the ongoing effort to address the war's legacy, which reached a milestone in 2019 with a bipartisan gathering at Bien Hoa airbase to launch a massive cleanup project. This initiative, supported by figures like Patrick Leahy and Charles Bailey, demonstrates that aid for disabled victims should be a humanitarian rather than a political issue. The human i...
7m Jul 06
7m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, describes how, in the late 1990s, the Canadian organization Hatfield Associates collaborated with the Vietnamese 1080 Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of dioxin contamination. They chose the A Shau Valley as a study s
George Black, guest author, describes how, in the late 1990s, the Canadian organization Hatfield Associates collaborated with the Vietnamese 1080 Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of dioxin contamination. They chose the A Shau Valley as a study site because its lack of industrialization proved that any dioxin found must have originated from Agent Orange. The study revealed that while d...
13m Jul 06
13m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, explains that the mid-1990s marked a turning point as Bill Clinton moved toward diplomatic normalization with Vietnam in 1995, supported by key veteran senators like John McCain and John Kerry. This political cover was essentia
George Black, guest author, explains that the mid-1990s marked a turning point as Bill Clinton moved toward diplomatic normalization with Vietnam in 1995, supported by key veteran senators like John McCain and John Kerry. This political cover was essential to overcome fierce opposition in Congress. During this time, Chuck Searcy returned to Vietnam and co-founded Project RENEW to address the pe...
8m Jul 06
8m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, recounts how, in the aftermath of the war, the United States struggled with the trauma of its first major defeat, often looking for scapegoats like the media or "faithless civilians." This bitterness manifested in the MIA/POW i
George Black, guest author, recounts how, in the aftermath of the war, the United States struggled with the trauma of its first major defeat, often looking for scapegoats like the media or "faithless civilians." This bitterness manifested in the MIA/POW issue, which became a massive political obstacle to normalizing relations with Vietnam. A legend persisted that living American prisoners were ...
10m Jul 06
10m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, describes how Manus Campbell's experience in the mountains of I Corps was defined by the arbitrariness of death and survival. His unit frequently walked into triangular ambushes set by elite North Vietnamese regulars, resulting
George Black, guest author, describes how Manus Campbell's experience in the mountains of I Corps was defined by the arbitrariness of death and survival. His unit frequently walked into triangular ambushes set by elite North Vietnameseregulars, resulting in horrific firefights where survival had little to do with skill. Campbell witnessed companions die in his place due to random movements, a p...
7m Jul 06
7m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, introduces two central protagonists, Manus Campbell and Chuck Searcy, who arrived in Vietnam in June 1967. Campbell, a young Marine from New Jersey, was driven by a desire to prove himself to his demanding father and joined the
George Black, guest author, introduces two central protagonists, Manus Campbell and Chuck Searcy, who arrived in Vietnam in June 1967. Campbell, a young Marine from New Jersey, was driven by a desire to prove himself to his demanding father and joined the elite Marines to become a hero. He was assigned to the first battalion of the fourth Marines and deployed to I Corps, the most dangerous comb...
13m Jul 06
13m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, explains that by 1965, the United States escalated the conflict by deploying Marines to Da Nang to protect the airfield. This period marked the expansion of Operation Ranch Hand, a campaign focused on using technology to defeat
George Black, guest author, explains that by 1965, the United States escalated the conflict by deploying Marines to Da Nang to protect the airfield. This period marked the expansion of Operation Ranch Hand, a campaign focused on using technology to defeat the natural advantages of the Vietnamese terrain. The American military utilized herbicides to defoliate the dense triple-canopy jungles and ...
7m Jul 06
7m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, recounts how, in May 1959, the North Vietnamese leadership held a critical meeting in Hanoi to determine the future of their revolutionary struggle. While figures like Ho Chi Minh and Vo Nguyen Giap were cautious about provokin
George Black, guest author, recounts how, in May 1959, the North Vietnamese leadership held a critical meeting in Hanoi to determine the future of their revolutionary struggle. While figures like Ho Chi Minh and Vo Nguyen Giapwere cautious about provoking the United States, Le Duan, the rigorous head of the Vietnamese Communist Party, pushed for a more militant approach to liberate the South. T...
11m Jul 06
11m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, concludes that after the 1973 peace deal, the NVA rebuilt their forces, confident that a distracted US government—weakened by Watergate and the oil crisis—would not intervene again. When the final 1975 offensive beg
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, concludes that after the 1973 peace deal, the NVA rebuilt their forces, confident that a distracted US government—weakened by Watergate and the oil crisis—would not intervene again. When the final 1975 offensive began, President Ford did not react, and the ARVN, suffering from slashed funding and ammunition shortages, rapidly collapsed. President Thieu's decision t...
9m Jul 06
9m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, describes how Nixon's "Vietnamization" policy aimed to prepare the South Vietnamese army (ARVN) to fight independently through massive equipment transfers. However, the 1971 invasion of Laos (Lam Son 719) proved a disaster, r
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, describes how Nixon's "Vietnamization" policy aimed to prepare the South Vietnamesearmy (ARVN) to fight independently through massive equipment transfers. However, the 1971 invasion of Laos (Lam Son 719) proved a disaster, revealing that the ARVN lacked the leadership and staff work to execute complex operations without American ground support. In 1972, Nixon respo...
11m Jul 06
11m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explains that in 1970, Nixon ordered an incursion into Cambodia to destroy NVA supply dumps and the Ho Chi Minh Trail extensions. While US forces captured significant materiel, the NVA simply withdrew deeper into the interior
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explains that in 1970, Nixon ordered an incursion into Cambodia to destroy NVA supply dumps and the Ho Chi Minh Trail extensions. While US forces captured significant materiel, the NVA simply withdrew deeper into the interior and rebuilt their supply lines shortly after the Americans left. This widening of the war triggered unprecedented domestic protests, most not...
7m Jul 06
7m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, details how Richard Nixon derailed peace talks in 1968 through Anna Chennault, promising South Vietnamese President Thieu a "better deal" to prevent a "November surprise" for Hubert Humphrey. This move resulted in the war con
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, details how Richard Nixon derailed peace talks in 1968 through Anna Chennault, promising South Vietnamese President Thieu a "better deal" to prevent a "November surprise" for Hubert Humphrey. This move resulted in the war continuing for four more years, costing 28,000 additional American lives for essentially the same peace terms available in 1968. Under Nixon, the...
11m Jul 06
11m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, recounts how, in January 1968, the Tet Offensive was launched by the NVA and Viet Cong to deliver a knockout blow to the South Vietnamese government. While the communists suffered massive tactical losses, they achieved a stra
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, recounts how, in January 1968, the Tet Offensive was launched by the NVA and Viet Cong to deliver a knockout blow to the South Vietnamese government. While the communists suffered massive tactical losses, they achieved a strategic victory in information warfare by shattering the American public's illusion of progress. This shift was cemented by Walter Cronkite's br...
9m Jul 06
9m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, describes how Westmoreland's strategy consisted of three phases: a massive logistical buildup, crushing search-and-destroy operations, and eventually handing the war over to a capable South Vietnamese army. However, the plan
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, describes how Westmoreland's strategy consisted of three phases: a massive logistical buildup, crushing search-and-destroy operations, and eventually handing the war over to a capable South Vietnamesearmy. However, the plan faltered because the vast majority of operations never made contact with the enemy, who chose to protract the war to exhaust American patience....
10m Jul 06
10m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explains that General Westmoreland introduced the "search and destroy" concept, aiming to use superior US mobility and technology to annihilate North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces. The Battle of Ia Drang in November 1965 becam
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explains that General Westmoreland introduced the "search and destroy" concept, aiming to use superior US mobility and technology to annihilate North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces. The Battle of Ia Drang in November 1965 became a pivotal test for this strategy, featuring Hal Moore's 7th Cavalry. As US troops deployed, the NVA responded by escalating to regular regim...
8m Jul 06
8m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explores the Gulf of Tonkin incident in August 1964, which served as a political catalyst for the Vietnam War. Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara sought an incident to galvanize domestic support against conservative critics a
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explores the Gulf of Tonkin incident in August 1964, which served as a political catalyst for the Vietnam War. Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara sought an incident to galvanize domestic support against conservative critics accusing them of a "no-win" policy. Though the attack was largely concocted or provoked by covert CIA operations, it provided the "blank check"...
10m Jul 06
10m
S8 Ep1091: Colonel Jeff McCausland reflects on how, following the battle, the war's brutality is mirrored by civil unrest, specifically the deadly 1863 draft riots in New York City, highlighting deep internal divisions within the North. While General Meade celeb
Colonel Jeff McCausland reflects on how, following the battle, the war's brutality is mirrored by civil unrest, specifically the deadly 1863 draft riots in New York City, highlighting deep internal divisions within the North. While General Meade celebrates his victory, President Lincoln remains despondent over the missed opportunity to end the war by failing to capture Lee's army. In November 1...
9m Jul 05
9m
S8 Ep1091: Colonel Jeff McCausland recounts how, on July 3, Robert E. Lee initiates a bold assault aimed at the Union center on Cemetery Ridge, though faulty assumptions regarding troop strength and coordination plague the plan. A massive two-hour artillery barrage—
Colonel Jeff McCausland recounts how, on July 3, Robert E. Lee initiates a bold assault aimed at the Union center on Cemetery Ridge, though faulty assumptions regarding troop strength and coordination plague the plan. A massive two-hour artillery barrage—the largest in North American history—precedes the infantry advance but proves largely ineffective due to defective fuses and heavy smoke obsc...
12m Jul 05
12m