Irregular Warfare Initiative

As I am settling into the Editorial Director role with Irregular Warfare Initiative, I wanted to share a few thoughts to encourage publications with us. The continued and growing need for Irregular Warfare is apparent, and so is our need for thoughtful analysis and recommendations from IWI's diverse community. Look forward to being a part of the discussion with the rest of the Editorial team. Kate Espinosa, MPP, Steve Ferenzi, Eric Robinson, Lisa Munde, Benjamin Jebb, Tobias Bernard Switzer, Carolyne Davidson, Doug Livermore, David L. Knoll, Ania Z., Jonathan Hackett, Richard Tilley https://lnkd.in/eBrd-9EC

??? Call for Submissions: Irregular Warfare Podcast The IW Podcast is seeking new episode proposals! We pair academic research with practitioner experience to bridge theory and practice in irregular warfare. What we need: ????????? Scholarly peer-reviewed literature as the central focus ????????? Proposed Academic author + senior practitioner (GO/FO, SES level) ????????? Topics in counterterrorism, cyberspace ops, security cooperation & more Submit your 150-250 word concept to Don Edwards ([email protected]) and Jackie Giunta ([email protected]). See submission guidelines for full details. Join us in advancing the IW conversation! https://lnkd.in/gMQadPHg #IrregularWarfare #NationalSecurity #Podcast

??? Call for Submissions: Irregular Warfare Podcast The IW Podcast is seeking new episode proposals! We pair academic research with practitioner experience to bridge theory and practice in irregular warfare. What we need: ????????? Scholarly peer-reviewed literature as the central focus ????????? Proposed Academic author + senior practitioner (GO/FO, SES level) ????????? Topics in counterterrorism, cyberspace ops, security cooperation & more Submit your 150-250 word concept to Don Edwards ([email protected]) and Jackie Giunta ([email protected]). See submission guidelines for full details. Join us in advancing the IW conversation! https://lnkd.in/gMQadPHg #IrregularWarfare #NationalSecurity #Podcast

Don’t miss this opportunity! Closing soon!

The UK’s Cyber Power Strategy: Balancing Sovereignty, Security, and Influence ?????? How does the UK position itself as a cyber power in an increasingly contested digital landscape? In a recent?Irregular Warfare Initiative?article, author?Abaigeal Lorge explores the UK’s evolving approach to cybersecurity, highlighting the delicate balance between national sovereignty, security, and international influence. From defensive measures against cyber threats to offensive capabilities and strategic partnerships, the UK’s cyber strategy reflects the broader struggle nations face in asserting control while remaining globally competitive. The article examines key policy shifts, alliances, and challenges that shape the UK’s digital defense posture. Read the full analysis here: ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/gJttVDrr #CyberSecurity #CyberPower #UK #NationalSecurity #IrregularWarfare #Geopolitics

Excited to share my first article at the Irregular Warfare Initiative! In this piece, I examine how the fall of #Assad’s regime in #Syria would reshape #Iran’s regional network: 1-It diminished #Iran’s influence in Syria. 2- Disrupting #Hezbollah’s critical supply routes. 3-#Assad’s collapse would significantly heighten the chances of a "Sunni Uprising" against #Iranian influence in both #Iraq and #Lebanon. As history has shown—most notably with the rise of I#SIS in 2013-14—instability in Syria rarely stays contained. Especial thanks to Grant Martin for his edits and support.

???? The Fall of Assad’s Regime: What It Means for Iran’s Proxy Network ???? The sudden collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime marks a major shift in the Middle East. Iran’s ability to sustain its regional strategy—particularly through Hezbollah—is now under serious strain. ?? Key Takeaways: ? Iran’s Logistics Disrupted – Syria was Tehran’s primary corridor for supplying Hezbollah. With Assad gone, Iran faces major challenges in sustaining its proxy network. ? Hezbollah’s Vulnerability – The group has suffered heavy losses in leadership, manpower, and firepower, leaving it at its weakest point in years. ? A Shifting Regional Balance – Could a Sunni-led Syria spark insurgencies in Iraq and Lebanon, further complicating Iran’s position? ? U.S. Policy Considerations – With Iran facing setbacks, Washington has a window to recalibrate its strategy—but how will Tehran respond? The regional power balance is shifting. What happens next? Read the full analysis by Arman Mahmoudian, Ph.D. to learn more ?? https://lnkd.in/gb4tKMi8 #IrregularWarfare #MiddleEast #Iran #Syria #Hezbollah #Geopolitics #NationalSecurity #Defense

?? Get to Know our 2025 IWI Fellows! ?? At the Irregular Warfare Initiative, we’re proud to have a team of dedicated fellows who bring diverse expertise and fresh perspectives to the conversation on irregular warfare. From military practitioners and policymakers to academics and journalists, our fellows are shaping the future of security and conflict studies. ?? What do they do? Our fellows contribute thought-provoking articles, lead engaging discussions, and help bridge the gap between theory and practice in irregular warfare. Their work spans topics such as hybrid threats, counterinsurgency, great power competition, and emerging technologies. ?? Why does it matter? Understanding irregular warfare is more critical than ever in today’s rapidly evolving global security environment. Our fellows help ensure that decision-makers, researchers, and military professionals have access to cutting-edge insights and analysis. ?? Stay tuned! Over the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to our fellows, highlighting their backgrounds, research, and contributions to the field. Want to learn more? Drop a comment below and let us know what topics you’d like to see covered! Meet the 2025 Fellows: https://lnkd.in/gxkkuwhU #IrregularWarfare #IWIFellows #SecurityStudies #MilitaryStrategy #NatSec

Over the last three years, IWI has been a leading source for insights on Russia’s full-scale invasion of #Ukraine. We're recapping a year of impactful research and discussions supporting Ukraine’s defense and resilience: ?? Ukraine’s Railway Wars: How to Sabotage Russian Military Logistics by Doug Livermore https://lnkd.in/eywAN-G4 ?? From the Shadows to the Social Sphere: Ukraine’s Strategy of Engagement by Peter S. https://lnkd.in/efEJjTAw ?? Ukraine’s Special Operations Troops Sow Destruction in Russia by Doug Livermore https://lnkd.in/ghpxWDyw ?? Lessons from the Eastern Front: Security Force Assistance in Ukraine?by Benjamin Jebb https://lnkd.in/gCVkN4q8 ?? IWI Responds: The Two-Year Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine by Sam Rosenberg https://lnkd.in/gPiWmDBD ?? Two Years On: Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine and the Continuing Lessons for the Future of Irregular Warfare by Doug Livermore https://lnkd.in/gGDnaZFP ?? The Key to Ukrainian Victory is Partnering (not Ukrainifying) by Spencer Meredith https://lnkd.in/gbmA9_Um This scholarship exemplifies a global commitment to supporting Ukraine through education, research, and strategic collaboration, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in addressing contemporary security challenges. #IrregularWarfare

The Irregular Warfare Initiative has earned a reputation as a thought leader in the IW ecosystem because of its outstanding content, engagements, and non-resident Fellows program. This group of committed volunteers is advancing the study of, thinking about, and influencing IW education within the DoD and academia. Have an idea you want to contribute? Here is your chance. Don't wait.