Irregular Warfare Initiative

💥 #ICYMI: Decapitating The Hydra: Iran’s Response Options To Israel’s Offensive 💥 Israel's bold strikes against Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis have sent shockwaves through the Middle East, dismantling key elements of Iran’s regional influence. With high-profile commanders eliminated and operations disrupted, Tehran is grappling with how to respond without risking further instability at home or provoking a direct confrontation with Israel and its allies. Key takeaways: 🔹 Hezbollah’s Leadership Hit Hard: Israeli tactics forced Hezbollah into a defensive posture, leaving its command vulnerable and severely weakened. 🔹 Regional Proxy Network Crippled: Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis have all lost key figures, creating operational vacuums difficult for Iran to fill. 🔹 Iran’s Credibility on the Line: With its proxies hesitant to retaliate and internal unrest mounting, Tehran faces a dilemma—how to maintain influence without escalating into a war it can’t win. Now with the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire taking hold and Israel's strategy reshaping the balance of power in the region, the question remains: Can Iran recover its foothold, or is its proxy network irreversibly damaged? Let us know in the comments below. 🔗 #MiddleEast #Iran #Israel #IrregularWarfare https://lnkd.in/ecjmnP9b

🌍 #ICYMI: Irregular Warfare Podcast - Episode 118 In this episode, we explore the critical role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) in defining and addressing modern conflict. Featuring insights from: 🎙️ The Honorable Chris Maier (Asst. SecDef for SOLIC) 🎙️ COL Patrick Nelson (Commander, 7th Special Forces Group) Key topics include: ✅ SOF's unique value in preparing the theater and setting conditions for success. ✅ Building capable and credible forces through specialized skills and human talent. ✅ The importance of permissions, mandates, and authorities in SOF operations. Hosted by Frank Struzinski and Don Edwards, this episode is part of the SOF Special Project. 📢 Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of SOF! Listen now and join the conversation: https://lnkd.in/gA_q552u #IrregularWarfare #SpecialOperations #Leadership #NationalDefenseStrategy

Stay tuned for an upcoming Irregular Warfare Initiative podcast about the future of special operations featuring USSOCOM GEN Bryan Fenton, CSM Shane Shorter, and me discussing the Useful Fiction Joint Special Operations University #FICINT anthology THE FOURTH AGE OF SOF... Thanks to Benjamin Jebb and Louis Tobergte for the invitation. Their podcast is on my regular "must-listen" list, so recording in person at Modern War Institute at West Point the allowed me an up-close chance to see behind the scenes. While technology lets us close massive distances in real-time, there is nothing better than being able to sit down in person and see where the conversation goes... We covered a range of topics tied to the "Fourth Age of SOF" themes within the anthology, from the project's genesis, the importance of story within the special operations community, how SOCOM's past influences its future, the traits of future special operators, the present shift to large-scale combat operations, and more. As a launching point for any change-oriented discussion, there's nothing better than fiction. While this anthology features stories by Peter W. Singer and me inspired by each of the historical "three ages," the most important voices are the narratives written by personnel from within the SOCOM community like Steve Ferenzi Kaley Scholl Scott Simeral Brendan Dunne Isaiah (Ike) Wilson III Ahead of the podcast, check out the anthology. Then listen. Discuss. Innovate. Create. Shape SOCOM's future. https://lnkd.in/eCpi7kWR.

Check out the latest from our co-founder and chairman of the board ⬇️

OTD in Irregular Warfare History: On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was tragically assassinated. A leader who inspired a generation with his vision for a better America, President Kennedy championed peace, civil rights, and the pursuit of the impossible. His words—'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country'—continue to resonate as a call to service and unity. In the 21st century, assassinations are alive and well. #ICYMI read IWI's Doug Livermore's article on Russia's use of assassinations, and what the west can do to counter these acts of aggression. #JFK #Legacy #November22 #IWI #assassination https://lnkd.in/eybDmkpe

💵 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 #economicinfluence shapes the global security environment and what steps can be taken to build sustainable, effective alliances. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gqXSzGZi

🎧 Listen to yesterday's article "The Day After Nasrallah: Succession and Strategic Opportunities" on the go! IWI's second podcast Insider: Short of War turns our articles into podcasts so you can benefit from our expert contributors anytime, anywhere. #Podcast #IrregularWarfare https://lnkd.in/giMQdA6D

📚Revisit "Teaching Irregular Warfare in the Era of Strategic Competition" by Dr. Elena Pokalova to understand the continued relevance of PME 🌍 Irregular warfare is not just history—it’s a critical component of today’s strategic landscape. In an era of great power competition, how we teach and understand irregular warfare is evolving to meet the challenges of modern conflict. This IWI piece, originally published with the Modern War Institute at West Point outlines an approach to educating practitioners on the unique challenges of irregular warfare. The piece highlights the importance of equipping the next generation of military leaders with the tools and perspectives needed to navigate complex, asymmetric challenges. From leveraging historical lessons to adapting to emerging threats, the article provides insights into how military education is being shaped to address the realities of contemporary competition. 💡 Read more about the future of irregular warfare education here: https://lnkd.in/gErqDSS3 #IrregularWarfare #StrategicCompetition #ProfessionalMilitaryEducation College of International Security Affairs

🚨 New Article Alert! 🚨 #Leadership transitions are critical moments in #geopolitics—and understanding them can open strategic opportunities. 🧠 Irregular Warfare Initiative’s Chief HR Officer, Alexandra Veyne, dives deep into the dynamics of #succession within #Hezbollah in her latest article. 📖 “The Day After #Nasrallah: Succession and Strategic Opportunities” explores the potential impacts of leadership changes within the organization and what they mean for U.S. strategy and security in the region. 🔗 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eZpaGPtw #Hezbollah #competition #MiddleEast #IW

🚨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 👇 #Israel #Hezbollah #IrregularWarfare #MiddleEast #Leadership #Lebanon #NationalSecurity