Episode 102 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines how special operations forces can disrupt the strategic designs of Washington’s adversaries.
Our guests begin with an in-depth discussion on civil-military relations, examining the relationship between SOL/IC and SOCOM. They then discuss the unique capabilities that special operations forces bring to the table, both during peacetime competition and large scale combat operations. Finally, they address the complexities of interagency cooperation, and how irregular warfare units can leverage their skills to deter adversaries, impose outsized costs, and create relative positions of advantage.
Christopher P. Maier is the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. Previously, he has served in numerous positions in government to include leading the DOD’s Defeat-ISIS Task Force and serving on the National Security Council Staff as a director for counterterrorism. Mr. Maier holds degrees from the University of California, Berkley, and from the Fletcher School at Tufts University.
Eric Robinson is an acting associate director of the International Security and Defense Policy Program at RAND. Mr. Robinson’s research focuses on special operations, irregular warfare, and gray zone challenges, and he holds advanced degrees from the College of William & Mary. In 2023, he co-authored a report entitled, “Strategic Disruption by Special Operations Forces,” which serves as the anchor for episode 102.
Ben Jebb and Nathan Kaczynski are the hosts for this episode. Please reach out to Ben and Nathan with any questions about this episode or the Irregular Warfare Podcast.
The Irregular Warfare Podcast is a production of the Irregular Warfare Initiative (IWI). We are a team of volunteers dedicated to bridging the gap between scholars and practitioners in the field of irregular warfare. IWI generates written and audio content, coordinates events for the IW community, and hosts critical thinkers in the field of irregular warfare as IWI fellows. You can follow and engage with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for access to our written content, upcoming community events, and other resources.
Ryan Dresslar says
Dr. Robinson’s research is very timely and forward-leaning. I found Mr. Maier’s comments to be lackluster and more of the same talking points since the 2020 Irregular Warfare Annex to the NDS was published.