Recent Publications - Tag Lester W. Grau

Tag: Lester W. Grau

Book Review: GSG 9: From Munich to Mogadishu: The Birth of Germany's Counterterrorism Force
April 15, 2026 — In the wake of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, Germany forged GSG 9—an elite counterterrorism unit that would stun the world with its daring 1977 rescue mission in Mogadishu. Martin Herzog’s gripping account traces the unit’s evolution from humble beginnings to global renown, drawing on exclusive interviews and archival research. This book tells the untold story of how one covert force reshaped modern counterterrorism—and inspired the creation of America’s Delta Force... MORE

Cover of GSG 9: From Munich to Mogadishu: The Birth of Germany's Counterterrorism Force by Martin Herzog

Russian Arctic Land Forces and Defense Trends Redefined by NATO and Ukraine
March 9, 2026 — This podcast argues that Russia’s Arctic land forces have been weakened by the Russia-Ukraine War and NATO’s northern expansion, creating a strategic window for Western militaries to bolster their Arctic capabilities. Unlike existing studies that focus on maritime operations and the Northern Sea Route, it integrates technical assessments of ground-based Arctic platforms with analysis of military-district reforms. Using a mixed methodology that incorporates equipment specifications, Russian government documents, media reports, and NATO strategic-response evaluations, this podcast constructs a comprehensive baseline understanding of Russia’s Arctic land-force potential and readiness. Policy and military practitioners will benefit from actionable insights into Arctic force-design shifts, equipment vulnerabilities, and strategic recommendations to exploit the temporary imbalance between NATO and Russian readiness... MORE

Decisive Point episode: Russian Arctic Land Forces and Defense Trends Redefined by NATO and Ukraine, Troy J. Bouffard and Lester W. Grau