On May 1, 2025, Istanbul saw one of its most sweeping May Day crackdowns in recent memory — over 400 arrests, streets sealed by barricades, and protesters dragged into unmarked vans. This episode examines the events of that day, the historical roots of Turkey’s May Day repression, and the evolving tactics of resistance movements under an increasingly authoritarian state. From facial recognition surveillance to “swarm” protests, we explore how the state’s security architecture is reshaping dissent, and what this means for the future of civic space in Turkey.

In this episode, we dissect Ukraine’s four parallel campaigns in its war against Russia: precision strikes deep inside Russian territory, a static land defense along entrenched frontlines, a maritime denial effort in the Black Sea, and a global information offensive. Each campaign has achieved notable successes, from degrading strategic bombers to forcing Russia’s Black Sea Fleet to reposition. Yet, none have delivered a decisive breakthrough—largely due to the absence of cross-domain integration. We explore how Ukraine’s asymmetric strategy has disrupted one of the world’s largest militaries, the risks of targeting an adversary’s preferred tools, and why true victory will depend on unifying these efforts into a coherent operational tempo.

In this bonus episode, we examine H.R. 5061 — the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act — a bill aimed at reauthorizing and reforming federal counter-unmanned aircraft system authorities. We break down how it seeks to improve transparency, safety, security, and accountability in detecting and mitigating drone threats. Key topics include protections for critical infrastructure and public events, FAA counter-UAS activities, restrictions on foreign-manufactured systems, and new reporting and training requirements. Whether you’re in aviation, security, or policymaking, this episode offers a clear, practical look at what’s inside the legislation and its potential impact on U.S. airspace security.

Energy pipelines have become the new frontlines in global conflict—targets for sabotage, cyberattacks, and insurgent campaigns. In this episode, we examine how pipelines have evolved from economic lifelines to strategic pressure points in hybrid warfare. From the Nord Stream blasts in the Baltic Sea to the Niger Delta’s decades-long insurgency and the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack, we explore the tactics, motives, and consequences of striking these vital arteries. We also look ahead to emerging battlegrounds in the Arctic and the Pacific, where undersea networks and LNG routes could become the next flashpoints.

This episode explores why highly politicized militaries, such as those of China and Russia, are especially vulnerable to irregular warfare. We examine how loyalty-driven command structures, internal surveillance, and political interference can undermine operational flexibility, erode trust within the ranks, and create exploitable weaknesses. Historical examples and contemporary analysis reveal how these factors open the door to both internal dissent and external unconventional threats.

This episode examines the OSS Simple Sabotage Field Manual, a declassified World War II document created to guide Allied agents and resistance networks in disrupting enemy operations. We explore its origins, how it was intended to be used, and its mix of practical and often unintentionally humorous advice — from damaging infrastructure to slowing down organizations through meetings, paperwork, and inefficiency. Presented with historical context and analysis, this is a look at sabotage as both a wartime tool and a fascinating piece of intelligence history.

This episode examines Che Guevara’s theory of guerrilla warfare, exploring his vision of armed struggle as both a military and political tool for revolution. We break down his foco theory, the role of rural insurgency, and how his ideas influenced movements across Latin America and beyond.

This episode explores the life and campaigns of T.E. Lawrence, examining how his experiences during the Arab Revolt shaped enduring principles of irregular warfare. We discuss his strategies for working with indigenous forces, the interplay of politics and combat, and the relevance of his ideas to modern conflict.