Michael Shurkin

Nov 7, 2024 | warontherocks.com | Michael Shurkin |Aneliese Bernard

In 2021, Michael Shurkin and Aneliese Bernard wrote “Ten Things the United States Should Do to Combat Terrorism in the Sahel,” where they argued that the United States should craft an effective counterterrorism strategy to address worsening jihadist violence in the region. In the wake of a changing geopolitical landscape in West Africa over the last few years, we invited Michael and Aneliese back to reflect on their article. Read more below: Image: Defense Department (Photo by Sgt.

Oct 14, 2024 | shurkin.substack.com | Michael Shurkin

Reports of Biden’s apparent efforts to restrain Israel’s response to the recent ballistic missile attack often bring up the term “proportionality.” It’s a curious word. In International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the like, which I regard as utopian, the term is invoked to argue that military force can be used, but it must be “proportional.” Otherwise, it is illegal and unethical. Of course, a key problem with IHL is that proportionality is in the eye of the beholder.

Jun 25, 2024 | shurkin.substack.com | Michael Shurkin

(This letter was prompted by my son’s impending departure for the Army. More precisely, he has been appointed to the United States Military Academy Class of 2028 and leaves next week for boot camp.)Dear Son,I struggle to find the words to convey how proud I am of you of this achievement (getting appointed to West Point) and your decision to take a path of service. Both speak volumes about your character.

Mar 13, 2024 | warontherocks.com | Michael Shurkin

French Navy Adm. Raoul Castex (1878–1968) is the greatest naval strategist you probably never heard of. He is easily at the level of French army luminaries Marshal Ferdinand Foch (1851–1929) and Gen. André Beaufre (1902–75), as well as the two giants of modern naval strategy, the American Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840–1914) and Britain’s Julian Corbett (1854–1922). Castex’s work is vast and deep. It is rich in insights about strategy in general and for anyone concerned with seapower.

Feb 13, 2024 | wavellroom.com | Michael Shurkin

Experimental Feature: Audio Read Version Britons dismayed by nearly incessant reports regarding the plight of their armed forces understandably have been fretting about the state of their military and whether they have the means to fight a major war of any sort, but especially one that resembles the conflict in Ukraine.