Episode description

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Major General (Ret’d) Gus McLachlan, former Commander Forces Command, joins hosts Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman to unpack modern asymmetrical warfare: from the Taliban in Afghanistan to Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the Philippine Sea, and even how social media is spurring political divisions.

• The podcast begins by analysing what grey zone warfare looks like in the modern geopolitical environment, from resource competition to militarisation of civilian capabilities to compel an adversary beneath the threshold of armed conflict.
• The trio then discuss lessons from the Taliban in Afghanistan, including the utilisation of information to seize control of the narrative.
• They then examine the need to seize freedom of manoeuvre in the online domain, and the risks of forfeiting social media.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team