In this episode of Books to Battles, Major General Parker Wright shares his perspectives on leadership, strategic education, and the evolving demands of air and space power. Reflecting on his career and experiences, he discusses the enduring importance of intellectual development for senior leaders, the challenges of modern conflict, and how SAASS prepares strategists to think critically in complex environments. His insights highlight the vital connection between rigorous academic study and the practical demands of today’s military operations.
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32:26
Special Operations Success
In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. James Kiras discusses his influential book Special Operations Success. Drawing on historical case studies and strategic theory, Dr. Kiras examines what makes special operations effective—and when they fall short. He explores the balance between tactics and strategy, the importance of context, and the enduring lessons for modern military professionals seeking to understand the true value of special operations in contemporary conflict.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
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33:23
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33:23
Strikes on Iran
In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. David Sorenson and Dr. Carl Forsberg of the Air War College join our hosts to analyze the recent strikes against Iran, examining their strategic objectives, regional implications, and potential ripple effects on global security. Drawing on their expertise in Middle East politics and military strategy, they unpack the historical context of Iranian relations with the United States and Israel, the events leading up to the strikes, and the decision-making calculus behind the strikes.
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35:05
Military Theory
In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. James Kiras and Dr. Wes Hutto join the podcast to unpack SAASS 600: Military Theory, a foundational course that explores the nature and character of war through the lens of classical and contemporary thinkers. They discuss the course’s major themes, including the interplay between theory and practice, the enduring relevance of Clausewitz, and how students wrestle with complex ideas about military power and its use. The conversation highlights key texts, evolving pedagogical approaches, and why understanding military theory remains essential for today’s strategists. Join us for a deep dive into the intellectual roots of military thought.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
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29:03
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29:03
Space Policy for the 21st Century
Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb and Dr. Derrick Frazier join Books to Battles to discuss their book Space Policy for the 21st Century. They explore key themes in contemporary space policy, including commercialization, security, and governance, and examine how strategic thinking can help navigate the rapidly evolving domain of outer space.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
Books to Battles is the official podcast of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS), where rigorous academic thought meets real-world military application. In each episode, we'll take you inside our school to explore its courses, students, and faculty. We'll show how foundational ideas—from classic works of strategy to cutting-edge scholarship—inform the development and execution of air and space power in today’s complex strategic environment. Join us as we bridge the gap between theory and practice, bringing deep intellectual insight to the art of war in the air and beyond.All views expressed in this series are the speakers' own and are not necessarily reflective of the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organizations.
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