Mike Kofman on the Russo-Ukrainian War

In this episode of the Revolution of Military Affairs Podcast, host Amos Fox welcomes Mike Kofman, Senior Fellow in the Russia Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and its strategic implications. Kofman, a leading expert on Russian and Eurasian military dynamics, provides critical insights into the trajectory of the conflict and the evolving tactics and technologies on both sides.

Kofman discusses the challenges Ukraine faces, including the struggle to stabilize the front lines, particularly in the Donetsk region, and the broader implications of manpower and mobilization failures. He highlights Russia’s tactical adjustments, such as its reliance on dispersed infantry and small-scale assaults, rather than large-scale operations, which are constrained by resource and leadership deficiencies. Both sides are innovating in drone warfare and electronic warfare (EW), creating a high-tech “cat-and-mouse” dynamic on the battlefield.

The conversation also delves into broader strategic takeaways, emphasizing the importance of force structure, mobilization, and reconstitution in sustained conflict. Kofman critiques common misconceptions about “revolutionary” military advancements, stressing that meaningful change requires adapting force structure and operational concepts. This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of modern warfare and the lessons militaries must learn for the future.

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