In this episode, Dr. Whitman Cobb and Col. Hollon are joined by SAASS 644, Irregular War, teaching team members, Drs. Lina Svedin and Rob Hutchinsonto discuss the class and its place within the curriculum. The conversation explores how the course conceptualizes irregular warfare, the distinction between war and warfare, and the roles of state and non-state actors in pursuing political objectives through violence. The guests outline the course’s structure, moving from foundational theory to historical case studies, including counterinsurgency, civil war, and great-power competition. The episode highlights how irregular war challenges traditional strategic thinking and prepares students to grapple with complex, imbalanced conflicts.

If you have questions, comments, or episode recommendations, please email us at bookstobattles@au.af.edu”

Books

Stathis N. Kalyvas, The Logic of Violence in Civil War (Cambridge University Press, 2006).

Stephen Biddle, Nonstate Warfare: The Military Methods of Guerillas, Warlords, and Militias (Princeton University Press, 2022).

David Galula, Pacification in Algeria, 1956-1957 (Rand Corporation, 2002).

“The opinions expressed here are those of the hosts or the guests and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Department of the Air Force, the Depart of Defense, or the United States Government.”