Artificial intelligence is reshaping warfare, and in this episode, we explore its profound implications with Michael Nyberg, a professor at the US Army War College, and Tom Crosby, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College. Tom’s sociological view questions if AI could lead to a “post-human” war, eroding human limits and strengths, while Michael, a historian, sees AI distilling vast archives into actionable insights for leaders. Their insights, shaped by teaching future commanders, spark reflection on AI’s dual nature—amplifying or destabilising conflict.

What You’ll Learn

• AI’s Risks: How non-human actors could redefine war’s escalation.
• Historical Insight: Using AI to query past conflicts for today’s strategies.
• Cultural Dynamics: Balancing warrior ethos with modern values in AI’s shadow.
• Officer Training: Preparing leaders for AI’s opportunities and limits.

Michael and Tom offer a sobering guide to AI’s military frontier.

Key Moments

06:08 - Historical Insights via AI

10:10 - AI-Driven Targeting in Conflict

15:28 - Military Culture and AI Integration

19:34 - Engaging Future Military Leaders

24:54 - Crafting Effective AI Queries

27:27 - AI as a Thinking Tool

30:17 - Navigating Rapid Technological Shifts

34:35 - AI’s Opportunities and Limits

Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Matthew Sperzel and Daniel Shats from the Institute for the Study of War join us to explore rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. We discuss China’s growing military and diplomatic pressure—daily aerial incursions, coast guard patrols near Taiwan’s islands—and debate if Xi Jinping’s 2027 deadline signals action or posturing.

What You’ll Learn

• China’s Coercion: How daily military moves pressure Taiwan.
• Taiwan’s Defence: Asymmetric strategies against a giant.
• US Ambiguity: The delicate balance of deterrence.
• Global Stakes: Taiwan’s role in a wider geopolitical storm.

Matthew and Daniel’s insights reveal Taiwan as a crucible for our turbulent times.

Key moments

04:18 - Escalating Chinese Pressure on Taiwan
15:25 - Taiwan’s Asymmetric Military Strategy
20:14 - U.S. Military Presence in Taiwan
29:16 - China’s Blockade Drills and Scenarios
42:34 - U.S. Preparations for a Taiwan Conflict
51:29 - Hong Kong’s Impact on Taiwanese Sentiment

Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

The sky is the new battleground for global powers. In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, aerospace expert Douglas Barry from the International Institute for Strategic Studies joins us to unpack the rapid evolution of military aviation and space. From Ukraine’s drone tactics to China’s space defences and the U.S.’s next-generation fighters, we explore how drones, lasers, and sixth-generation aircraft are reshaping warfare.

We dive into escalating costs, the race for air superiority, and the electromagnetic battlefield redefining missions. From fibre-optic drones to space militarization, we examine the toll on soldiers and commanders, plus the human cost.

Key moments

• 02:56 - Surge in Aerospace Innovation
• 06:34 - Drone Proliferation and Countermeasures
• 12:01 - Electronic Warfare and Fiber Optics
• 15:14 - Role of Next-Gen Combat Aircraft
• 19:19 - Impact of Space Systems on Warfare
• 23:01 - Airspace Management Complexities
• 26:20 - Recruitment and Retention Issues
• 30:40 - AI-Driven Targeting Revolution
• 34:33 - Performative Strikes and Escalation Risks
• 38:14 - Space Vulnerabilities and Connectivity
• 40:27 - Adapting to Rapid Technological Change

Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.