Decisive Point

Decisive Point, the Parameters podcast companion series, furthers the education and professional development of senior military officers and members of the government and academia who are concerned with national security affairs. The podcast debuted in August 2020 and spans four seasons and more than 100 episodes, featuring Parameters authors discussing the research presented in their articles. Episodes range from 10–15 minutes long and cover various topics, including foreign policy, strategy, military history, gender-related issues, counterinsurgency, Landpower, and more.

Conversations on Strategy

Conversations on Strategy features quick analyses of timely strategic issues. Topics are geared toward senior military officials, government leaders, academicians, strategists, historians, and thought leaders interested in foreign policy, strategy, history, counterinsurgency, and more. The series first aired in March 2022 and includes more than 25 episodes that range in length from 15–30 minutes long. Guests include Press authors and subject matter experts from the US Army War College and other PME and academic institutions who discuss hot topics like the Russia-Ukraine War, China, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, manned-unmanned teaming, infrastructure, terrorism, urban warfare, the Middle East, and more.

CLSC Dialogues

The China Landpower Studies Center tackles complex and pressing questions about China’s emergence as a global power and its implications for the US military. The podcast will use Strategic Landpower as the focal point of discussion—providing unique and important insights that cut across the aperture of the levers of power. The forum provides senior leaders and practitioners with a better understanding of the strategies, capabilities, and the integration of the PLA into the CCP’s campaign to turn the rules-based international order to its advantage. Further, the podcast will share insights and recommendations for developing better deterrence strategies and campaigns for the United States and our allies.

SSI Live

USAWC professors and esteemed guests discuss topics ranging from military strategy to geopolitical issues. The US Army War College Press produces "Decisive Point" as a companion series to the quarterly journal "Parameters". In "SSI Live," professors discuss wide-ranging military topics.

RECENT EPISODES

Decisive Point Podcast

Decisive Point Podcast | Dec. 12, 2024

“Why the Afghan and Iraqi Armies Collapsed: An Allied Perspective”

In this episode, Colin D. Robinson discusses American and Western liberal ideas (ideological views) and politics in relation to the obstacles faced in rebuilding the Afghan and Iraqi armies. This podcast reviews the differences between Western

Decisive Point Podcast | Dec. 4, 2024

“A Long, Hard Year: Russia-Ukraine War Lessons Learned 2023”

In this episode of Decisive Point, authors Michael T. Hackett and John A. Nagl delve into insights from the article “A Long, Hard Year: Russia-Ukraine War Lessons Learned 2023.” They analyze the evolution of warfare tactics between the first and

Decisive Point Podcast | Nov. 21, 2024

"Restoring Priority on Cultural Skill Sets for Modern Military Professio...

In this episode, Colonel Daniel W. Henk (US Army, retired), PhD, and Dr. Allison Abbe discuss cultural education in the US military. They emphasize the importance of cultural capability across the competition and conflict continuum and address how

Decisive Point Podcast | Nov. 6, 2024

“Avoiding the Escalatory Trap: Managing Escalation During the Israel-Ha...

In this episode, Dr. C. Anthony Pfaff, interim director of the Strategic Studies Institute at the US Army War College, discusses his work on managing escalation during the Israel-Hamas War. The conversation covers the complexities of Israel’s

Decisive Point Podcast | Nov. 5, 2024

“The Challenges of Next-Gen Insurgency”

In this episode, Steven Metz discusses his article, “The Challenges of Next-Gen Insurgency,” which was published in the Autumn 2024 issue of Parameters. We discuss how generational conflict may drive future insurgencies, particularly tensions between

Conversations on Strategy

Conversations on Strategy Podcast | Dec. 11, 2024

Lieutenant General Robert C. Richardson, Jr. Central Pacific Theater Arm...

Dr. James D. Scudieri and Colonel Jon Klug analyze Lieutenant General Robert C. Richardson Jr.’s extensive operational reports and his role as Theater Army commander under Admiral Nimitz. The discussion highlights Richardson’s advocacy for Joint

Conversations on Strategy Podcast | Nov. 14, 2024

A Call to Action: Lessons from Ukraine for the Future Force

This episode’s topic is A Call to Action: Lessons from Ukraine for the Future Force, with Dr. John A. Nagl and Colonel Katie Crombe. They discuss the project’s origins and its goal to extract key lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War for US military

Conversations on Strategy Podcast | Oct. 30, 2024

America and the International Order

In this episode, Lieutenant General Ben Hodges (US Army, retired) discusses America’s role in the international order. The podcast covers the Russia-Ukraine War and what it means for NATO, maintaining stability in Eastern Europe, the Middle East,

Conversations on Strategy Podcast | Oct. 23, 2024

Exploring Strategic Culture

This episode delves into the concept of strategic culture and how it influences international relations, military strategy, and deterrence, particularly between the United States, China, and Russia. Dr. Scobell and Dr. Kuznar share insights from

Conversations on Strategy Podcast | Oct. 16, 2024

Military Review and The Harding Project

In this episode, Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Griffiths, Colonel Todd Schmidt, and Major Brennan Deveraux from the Harding Project and Army University Press discuss the how-to edition of Military Review, including the initiative’s goal to enhance

CLSC Dialogues

CLSC Dialogues | Nov. 7, 2024

“China, the Illiberal Counter-Order, and the Role of Values in the Strat...

Dr. R. Evan Ellis discusses his recent article written for the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs titled, “China, the Illiberal Counter-Order, and the Role of Values in the Strategic Response.” This illuminating discussion covers what China is doing

CLSC Dialogues | Sept. 24, 2024

“A Baseline Assessment of the PLA Army's Border Reinforcement Operations...

In episode 18 of CLSC Dialogues, Josh Arostegui interviews prominent China expert Dennis Blasko on his analysis of PLA Army and Boader Defense Unit activity along the Line of Actual Control between China and India. He describes the development of

CLSC Dialogues | Aug. 26, 2024

Protracted War Series: A Discussion with Markus Garlauskas

In episode 17 of CLSC Dialogues, Markus Garlauskas discusses why we should think about the potential for a protracted war in the Indo-Pacific and what lessons we should be learning from analyzing the topic. He talks about why we should think about

CLSC Dialogues | Aug. 20, 2024

Protracted War Series: A Discussion with COL Marco Lyons

In episode 16 of CLSC Dialogues, COL Marco Lyons discusses how the Pacific Army sees, understands, and utilizes landpower in the region from peacetime to a potential protracted war. He further articulates how the U.S. Army, Pacific conducts

CLSC Dialogues | Aug. 8, 2024

Protracted War Series: A discussion with Dr. Sheena Greitens

In episode 15 of CLSC Dialogues, Dr. Sheena Greitens looks at the potential for a protracted war between the US and China by exploring how a conflict could start and variables the CCP leadership may be watching. She then addresses public perceptions,

SSI Live Podcast

SSI Live Podcast | Dec. 2, 2024

SSI Live 114 – The Role of European Allies in the Ukraine War

America’s European allies have played a critical role in providing military assistance to Ukraine. Can Europeans maintain that effort or even increase it if the United States reduces its role? What lessons can the United States learn from the role of

SSI Live Podcast | Sept. 6, 2024

SSI Live 113 – Dr. Ron Gurantz on Satellites in the Russia-Ukraine War

Satellites and anti-satellite capabilities have come to play a major role in modern warfare and strategic competition. How are they being used today in the context of the Russia-Ukraine War? What role are government-owned systems and commercial

SSI Live Podcast | Aug. 21, 2024

SSI Live 112 – Homeland Defense in the Indo-Pacific

Reconceptualizing Homeland Defense in the Indo-Pacific – Homeland defense does not begin at the water’s edge, at least not on the east and west coasts of the United States. How do we think about, plan for, and operationalize defense of far-flung

SSI Live Podcast | May 13, 2024

SSI Live 111 – Dr. Evan Ellis on the Central Role of Paraguay in South A...

Paraguay as a Linchpin Both Literally and Figuratively – Paraguay sits at the crossroads of both illicit and licit activities in South America, with implications stretching from arms trafficking to the drug trade to Hezbollah's fundraising to

SSI Live Podcast | April 25, 2024

SSI Live 110 – Proxy War Ethics: The Norms of Partnering in Great Power ...

Given the unfolding wars in Ukraine and Gaza – both of which have seen proxy activity or something that looks a lot like proxy activity – what kind of ethical concerns should policymakers focus on? Have proxy wars become more common over time, and

SSI Live Podcast | March 28, 2024

SSI Live 109 – Putin’s Reelection, Russia’s Trajectory, and the War in U...

SSI Live 109 – Vladimir Putin was recently reelected to an unprecedented fifth term. He faced no serious challenges, thanks to a strict crackdown on opposition and free speech. Relatedly, last month marked two years since Russia began its second and

SSI Live Podcast | Feb. 15, 2024

SSI Live 108 – Latin America and Caribbean Outlook for 2024

SSI Live 108 – Latin America and Caribbean Outlook for 2024 – What is the outlook for security, defense, politics, and economics across Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024? How do far-away conflicts in Ukraine or Gaza impact the region? And

SSI Live Podcast | Jan. 31, 2024

SSI Live 107 – SSI Launches China Landpower Studies Center

The Strategic Studies Institute has just launched a new initiative, the China Landpower Studies Center (CLSC). SSI Live host John Deni invited its Research Director, Josh Arostegui, to discuss the new Center, its research priorities, and how China’s

SSI Live Podcast | Jan. 10, 2024

SSI Live 106 – Dr. Chris Mason on the Study of Internal Conflict

Clear, Hold, [and don’t] Build? The Study of Internal Conflict – Although strategic competition has placed China and Russia at the center of American security policy, internal conflicts in places like Iraq, Kosovo, Syria, and Yemen continue to demand

SSI Live Podcast | Dec. 14, 2023

SSI Live 105 – The Dragon and the Bear in Africa

Much is made of the ‘axis of authoritarianism’ emerging between Moscow and Beijing, and it’s clear the PRC is playing an important if only implicit role in supporting Russia’s war on Ukraine. But how do these two strategic actors collaborate in other

SSI Live Podcast | Dec. 5, 2023

SSI Live 104 – Implications of Milei’s Election in Argentina –

Libertarian Javier Milei recently won a landslide victory in Argentina’s presidential election on a platform of radical reform designed to solve the country’s major economic challenges. How did Milei pull it off? What came out of his post-election

SSI Live Podcast | Nov. 20, 2023

SSI Live 103 – Terrestrial Responses to Space Aggression

Terrestrial Responses to Space Aggression – Russia and China have both tested ground-based anti-satellite missiles as well as on-orbit anti-satellite weapons. The latter include projectiles launched from one satellite to another and satellites that

SSI Live Podcast | Oct. 30, 2023

SSI Live 102 – Ellis on Elections in Argentina Ecuador Venezuela

Implications of Elections in Argentina, Ecuador, and Venezuela – It’s election season in South America, and the outcomes in three key countries have somewhat surprised observers. The implications for Argentina’s flailing economy, the narcotics-fueled

SSI Live Podcast | June 15, 2023

SSI Live 101 – What’s the Real State of the Russia-China Relationship

What’s the Real State of the Russia-China Relationship? – The debate over the nature of the Russia-China relationship remains unsettled. One side believes the two are strategic partners, while the other believes their ties are merely an “axis of

SSI Live Podcast | May 26, 2023

SSI Live 100 – Panama’s Evolving Relationship with China

Dr. Evan Ellis is a relatively small country but one of pivotal strategic importance in our hemisphere, especially given the role of the Panama canal and the related financial services industry. Dr. Evan Ellis had the opportunity to travel there

SSI Live Podcast | April 11, 2023

SSI Live 99 – AI in Today’s (and Tomorrow’s) Military

AI in Today’s (and Tomorrow’s) Military – What are the implications of the U.S. military incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into what it does during peacetime, in conflict, and everything in between? How does trust figure into the use of AI,

SSI Live Podcast | March 17, 2023

SSI Live 98 – One Year On: Russia’s War on Ukraine

With the Russian war in Ukraine having just reached its one-year mark, how can we assess outlook for Ukraine? Is there reason for Kyiv – or Moscow – to be optimistic, given the current trajectory? And what can we make of potential Chinese

SSI Live Podcast | March 9, 2023

SSI Live 97 – One Year On: Russia’s War on Ukraine and the Role of the EU

One Year On: Russia’s War on Ukraine and the Role of the EU – With the Russian war in Ukraine having just reached its one-year mark, how can we assess the role of the European Union (EU)? Have its diplomatic, political, economic, and military

SSI Live Podcast | March 8, 2023

SSI Live 96 – One Year On: Russia’s War on Ukraine and the Role of Latin...

With the Russian war in Ukraine having just reached its one-year mark, it’s clear that economic sanctions against Russia as well as the provision of military equipment and other materiel have formed the centerpieces of the Western response to

SSI Live Podcast | Oct. 5, 2022

SSI Live 95 – Putin Mobilizes as Ukraine Advances

Ukraine’s recent battlefield successes, Putin’s partial mobilization, Moscow’s annexation announcement, and the Kremlin’s nuclear saber rattling all add up to a shifting outlook for Russia’s war of aggression. What do these events tell us about

SSI Live Podcast | Sept. 3, 2022

SSI Live 94 – Gorbachev’s Passing and Legacy

Earlier this week, the last leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, passed. To discuss his leadership of the Soviet Union’s last years and his legacy today, SSI’s own Dr. Bob Hamilton, former SSI research professor Dr. Steve Blank, and former

SSI Live Podcast | Sept. 2, 2022

SSI Live 93 – The Grand Strategy of Gertrude Bell and Implications for U...

British strategist and diplomat Gertrude Bell shaped the modern Middle East and played a leading role in crafting London’s policies at a time of shifting great power dynamics. In this podcast, Dr. Heather Gregg discusses her monograph on Bell’s life

SSI Live Podcast | July 29, 2022

SSI Live 92 – China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: Chinese Investm...

SSI Live 092 – China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: Chinese Investment in European Infrastructure – This is the fifth podcast in a short series to launch a recently published multi-author study on China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession:

SSI Live Podcast | June 9, 2022

SSI Live 91 – China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: Europe’s Evolvi...

This is the fourth podcast in a short series to launch a recently published multi-author study on China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: Beijing’s Investments and Transatlantic Security. In this podcast, Dr. John R. Deni discusses Europe’s

SSI Live Podcast | June 2, 2022

SSI Live 90 – China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: Europe’s Evolvi...

SSI Live 090 – China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: Europe’s Evolving Attitude Toward China – This is the third podcast in a short series to launch a recently published multi-author study on China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: Beijing’s

SSI Live Podcast | May 25, 2022

SSI Live 89 – China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: China’s Strateg...

This is the second podcast in a short series to launch a recently published multi-author study on China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: Beijing’s Investments and Transatlantic Security. In this podcast, contributing author Dr. Roger Cliff joins

SSI Live Podcast | May 19, 2022

SSI Live 88 – China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: COVID-19’s Econ...

This is the first podcast in a short series to launch a recently published multi-author study on China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: Beijing’s Investments and Transatlantic Security. In this podcast, contributing author Dr. Mark Duckenfield

SSI Live Podcast | Jan. 24, 2022

SSI Live 87 – China, Taiwan, and the Outlook for 2022

Tensions between China and Taiwan increased dramatically through most of 2021, yet a somewhat calmer, steady state situation has prevailed in recent weeks. What explains this? What role does the 2022 Party Congress in China play, and how might

SSI Live Podcast | Jan. 10, 2022

SSI Live 86 – Negotiating with Russia Over Ukraine

Negotiations between Russia and the United States, NATO, and the OSCE regarding the situation in/around Ukraine begin this week. How should the West approach those negotiations? SSI Live host Dr. John R. Deni argues the West should strike a hard

SSI Live Podcast | Jan. 7, 2022

SSI Live 85 – Latin America’s Shift Left

Recent elections in Honduras and Chile appear to indicate that left-leaning parties are on the rise across Latin America. Is this the case, and if so, what are the strategic implications for U.S. security? Dr. Evan Ellis, SSI’s Latin America expert,

SSI Live Podcast | Sept. 8, 2021

SSI Live 84 – Can the West get Counterinsurgency Right?

The fall of Afghanistan raises serious questions about whether the United States and the West more broadly are able to successfully implement what military practitioners call Foreign Internal Defense, or supporting a friendly foreign government under

SSI Live Podcast | Sept. 7, 2021

SSI Live 83 – Explaining Afghanistan’s Downfall

How did Afghanistan fall to the Taliban after 20 years of effort by the United States and its allies? SSI Live host Dr. John R. Deni invited his SSI colleagues Dr. Chris Mason to address the end of America’s longest war and to help shed light on the

SSI Live Podcast | Sept. 21, 2020

SSI Live 82 – Striking the Balance: US Army Force Posture in Europe, 2028

Within the context of Europe, the US Army must develop a force posture that best navigates the tensions between deterring or defeating armed conflict at an acceptable cost, successfully competing below armed conflict, and maintaining global

SSI Live Podcast | July 24, 2020

SSI Live 81 – Addressing Hypercompetition in the Indo-Pacific Theater

Given the multifaceted great power competition underway in the Indo-Pacific theater, how can the United States military best position itself? What role can and should the Army play in facilitating a joint approach? After a two-year hiatus, SSI Live

SSI Live Podcast | July 31, 2018

SSI Live 80 – Is a Reset with Russia in the Offing?

The Helsinki summit meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin may be the first step in a rapprochement between the United States and Russia. If so, what are the strategic and policy implications in Europe, with specific regard to the security of

SSI Live Podcast | June 7, 2018

SSI Live 79 – Avoiding the Trap in U.S.-China Relations

Getting the Indo-Asia-Pacific and relations with China right is the key to a peaceful and prosperous 21st Century. The challenge for the U.S. administration, and for policy experts writ large, is to build an effective strategy for a

SSI Live Podcast | Jan. 26, 2018

SSI Live 78 – The New National Defense Strategy

SSI Live Podcast | Jan. 8, 2018

SSI Live 77 – Multi-Domain Battle and the Pacific Theater

In gross or raw potential, the United States remains the world’s leading global military power. At present though, American power is either dormant in or ill-adapted to many if not most of the world’s most important competitive spaces. American

SSI Live Podcast | Oct. 17, 2017

SSI Live 76 – Decertification of the Iranian Nuclear Deal

On 13 October, President Trump announced his intention not to certify Iran’s compliance with the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and threatening to leave the nuclear deal altogether if it was not amended in various ways. Why did the

SSI Live Podcast | Sept. 15, 2017

SSI Live 75 – Rotational Deployments vs. Forward Stationing – Deni

Continuing security challenges in Eastern Europe, as well as saber-rattling on the Korean Peninsula, have raised questions once again about the capabilities, posture, and positioning of U.S. overseas forces. In this podcast, SSI Live host Dr. John R.

SSI Live Podcast | Aug. 25, 2017

SSI Live 74 – The Trump Administration’s New Afghanistan Strategy

On 21 August, President Trump announced a new strategy toward the conflict in Afghanistan, America’s longest war. What’s new about the strategy? Does a renewed focus on Pakistan, and the role it plays in Afghanistan, have any chance of succeeding?

SSI Live Podcast | July 11, 2017

SSI Live 73 – At Our Own Peril: DoD & Risk Assessment

How does DoD go about defining, identifying, and mitigating risk? Are DoD risk assessment practices and procedures effective and useful to the Department and other stakeholders? SSI Research Professor Nate Freier joined Dr. John R. Deni to discuss

SSI Live Podcast | July 5, 2017

SSI Live 72 – Great Power War: Growing BCTs and an Expanded Army

Is the Army ready for a ‘Great Power War’ against a peer competitor, in terms of the number of Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs)? If the Army had to double in size, what challenges would it face in terms of expanding the number of maneuver units? What

SSI Live Podcast | June 21, 2017

SSI Live Ep 71 – Great Power War: Organization, Materiel, and an Expande...

Is the Army ready for a ‘Great Power War’ against a peer competitor, in terms of its organization and materiel? If the Army had to double in size, what challenges would it face in terms of expanding its organization and ensuring sufficient materiel?

SSI Live Podcast | June 12, 2017

SSI Live 70 – Great Power War: Personnel and an Expanded Army – Echevarr...

Is the Army ready for a ‘Great Power War’ against a peer competitor, in terms of personnel? If the Army had to double in size, what challenges would it face in terms of expanding its personnel pool? What steps should the Army consider to overcome

SSI Live Podcast | June 8, 2017

SSI Live 69 – Great Power War: Military Intelligence and an Expanded Arm...

Is the Army ready for a ‘Great Power War’ against a peer competitor, in terms of military intelligence? If the Army had to double in size, what challenges would it face in terms of expanding its intelligence capability and capacity? What steps should

SSI Live Podcast | June 5, 2017

SSI Live 68 – Great Power War: Force Generation Installations and an Exp...

Is the Army ready for a ‘Great Power War’ against a peer competitor, in terms of its force generation installations? If the Army had to double in size, what challenges would it face in terms of using its Mobilization Force Generation Installations

SSI Live Podcast | June 1, 2017

SSI Live 67 – Great Power War: Special Operations Forces and an Expanded...

Is the Army ready for a ‘Great Power War’ against a peer competitor, in terms of expanding its Special Operations Forces? If the Army had to double in size, what challenges would it face in terms of increasing Special Operations Forces? What steps

SSI Live Podcast | May 26, 2017

SSI Live 66 – Great Power War: Maintaining and Sustaining an Expanded Ar...

SSI Live Podcast | May 23, 2017

SSI Live 65 – The NATO Summit and German Burden-Sharing – Dr. John R. Deni

On 24-25 May, NATO heads of state and government will meet in Brussels. This will be President Trump’s first NATO summit, and although the meetings will lack the scope and number of initiatives and other deliverables many have come to expect from a