Mosul, Urban Destruction, and Political Instability

Mosul, Urban Destruction, and Political Instability

Author: Modern War Institute at West Point May 28, 2021 Duration: 42:27
In this episode of the MWI Podcast, MWI's John Amble speaks to James Verini. An award-winning journalist, he spent months reporting from Mosul as Iraqi forces, backed by US troops, fought to retake the city from Mosul. In the conversation, he not only discusses the fighting he reported on, but also offers important context about Mosul, its people, and its history—all of which is crucial to make sense of urban conflict. As he describes, Mosul also shows how urban conflict's destructive nature and political instability interact with one another in important ways. That is equally true in other sites of recent urban conflict, including during the outbreak of fighting in recent weeks between Israel and Hamas in Gaza City.

Hosted by the Modern War Institute at West Point, this series offers a direct, thoughtful examination of the ideas and strategies shaping contemporary and future battlefields. Each episode brings together the institute’s deep analytical resources with voices from the field, creating conversations that are both academic and grounded in real-world experience. You’ll hear from senior military leaders, policy experts, historians, and scholars who dissect complex topics-from emerging technologies and hybrid warfare to geopolitical shifts and the enduring human elements of conflict. Supported by the West Point Class of 1974, the podcast serves as a primary forum for the institute’s work, moving beyond headlines to explore the underlying mechanics and ethical considerations of modern defense. The discussions are detailed and nuanced, designed for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of national security challenges without the jargon and oversimplification. Tune in for a rigorous, accessible education on the art of war in the twenty-first century, where every conversation aims to inform and provoke thoughtful consideration.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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