Theory and Practice of Proxy Warfare in Strategic Competition

February 20, 2023 00:51:50
Theory and Practice of Proxy Warfare in Strategic Competition
Social Science of War
Theory and Practice of Proxy Warfare in Strategic Competition

Feb 20 2023 | 00:51:50

/

Show Notes

This episode tackles the subject of proxy warfare—specifically its role in a strategic environment characterized by great power competition. Why do states engage in proxy warfare? How does what scholars call principal-agent theory explain the way proxy warfare actually plays out—particularly the challenges that arise when the interests of a principal and a proxy diverge? And as the US military continues to prepare for large-scale combat operations, how should the ability to leverage proxies factor into planning? For the US Army in particular, these questions are vital.

To explore them, host Kyle Atwell is joined by three guests. Dr. Nakissa Jahanbani is an assistant professor in West Point's Department of Social Sciences and a researcher at the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. Dr. Vladimir Rauta is a lecturer in politics and international relations at the University of Reading and the editor of the forthcoming Routledge Handbook of Proxy Wars. And retired Lieutenant General Ken Tovo served for almost forty years in the Army, including as commanding general of US Army Special Operations Command.

Other Episodes

Episode

December 13, 2022 00:54:53
Episode Cover

Welcome to the Social Science of War: Lessons from Ukraine for the Army

This is the very first episode of a new podcast from the Department of Social Sciences at West Point: Social Science of War. In...

Listen

Episode

July 02, 2024 01:00:18
Episode Cover

US Alliances Politics in the Indo-Pacific

Optimists argue that alliances are a source of strength for American foreign policy, lending significant advantage over competitors like China. Skeptics argue that the...

Listen

Episode

May 07, 2024 00:51:11
Episode Cover

Iraq in Retrospect, Twenty Years Later

More than twenty-one years ago, when a US-led coalition invaded Iraq, the 101st Airborne Division was a key element of the operation. Dr. Isaiah...

Listen