Russian Recruiting, Technological Turmoil, and Wargaming

Will China’s ICBM test affect international security and diplomacy? What constitutes Russian will to fight? How can AI systems be used to supplement human decision-making? Is American deterrence failing? What role can the US play in West Africa?

War on the Rocks contributors tackled these questions, among many others, this week. Read below.

Articles

In 2016, Michael wrote “The Ordinary and Unique Russia’s Electoral Information Warfare Game .” Eight years later, we asked him to revisit his article.

Renewing its reputation as a broker of peace, with a focus in Western Africa, may serve to rebuild U.S. standing with regimes that have moved toward alternative providers of peace and security, such as China.

World leaders are convening in New York for the 79th annual United Nations General Assembly. As wars rage in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and beyond, we asked a panel of experts to tell us what to expect.

Understanding why Russia is still fighting, and when its will might break, can help articulate a compelling theory of victory for Ukraine and, in doing so, help sustain the West’s own commitment.

Despite the remarkably prescient and consistent findings, there is little evidence that the Sigma Wargame series changed key American decisions about Vietnam. Why?

No technology is a panacea or poses a risk independent of the people and institutions surrounding its use.

Your bi-weekly update about America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists.

Podcasts

On this special emergency episode of Thinking the Unthinkable, Ankit sits down with Scott to discuss China’s testing of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific.

In this episode of Soldier Pulse, Jason spoke with LTC Archuleta about all things military pay: the ins, the outs, where it came from, and where it's going.

Robert D. Kaplan spoke at the University of Texas at Austin, where he discussed how our leaders can come to grips with a world seemingly in disarray.

Erin sat down with Drew, author of "Lai Ching-te’s First 100 Days and What It Tells Us About the Future ," which was published on September 20.

Despite over 150,000 Sudanese people having been killed and more than 12 million displaced in nearly a year-and-a-half of conflict, the Sudanese civil war often flies under the radar. Amos sat down with Michelle to discuss.

Almost three months after a snap election delivered a hung parliament, French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled his new government, marking a decisive shift to the right. Emma sat down with Gesine to discuss. 

On this episode of Marine Pulse, Ian spoke with GySgt McGrorty-Hunter about the increased integration of wargaming across the Corps.

Chris, Melanie, and Zack discuss Carter Malkasian’s recent article on “America’s crisis of deterrence.”

On this episode of Sailor Pulse, Claude Berube (Ret.) is joined by Bob Kavetsky, the CEO of Energetics Technology Center, to talk about Navy energetics.

Erin sat down with Harry, author of “Strangers in the Motherland: The Dynamics of Russia's Foreign Recruitment ,” which was published on September 13.

Following a military coup in 2023, Niger’s ruling junta ended a basing agreement that allowed U.S. forces to operate throughout the country. Nathaniel tells us the implications for international security.

Argentina’s libertarian president, Javier Milei, has announced that he intends to eliminate the country’s budget deficit entirely next year. Emma sat down with Benjamin to talk through the proposals.