Geoffrey Weiss - Strategy, Technology & Warfare

Brig. General Geoffrey Weiss discusses how rapid advances in military technology such as drones, hypersonic weapons & artificial intelligence contrast with the timeless principles of military strategy described in his book, “The New Art Of War”. The New Art of War: The Origins, Theory, and Future of Conflict https://www.amazon.com/New-Art-War-Origins-Conflict/dp/1108837646 *** PLEASE NOTE: The views, opinions & commentary expressed in this interview are editorial in nature and do not represent the views of the United States Air Force or Department of Defense. *** In historical conflicts, technological advances often confer tactical & strategic advantages because they’re unanticipated. The Roman Testudo, armored cavalry, rifled-barrels, and mechanized assault might be examples of this. On today’s battlefield, we’re looking at space, cyber, drones, AI, stealth, hypersonic weapons, and irregular warfare tactics – all at once. Despite this rapid change, it's important to recognize the separation between the strategy of warfare and the tools that its waged with. For example, in his book, there are lessons from Von Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Thucydides, and other leaders who were separated from each other by centuries of time & used completely different armaments, but often studied their historical predecessors and built off those strategies progressively. These timeless lessons in military strategy are more important today than ever. Trotsky said, “You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you”. Today, we’re involved with conflicts in Ukraine & The Middle East and tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Brig. General Weiss offers his thoughts on the current international situation and whether the drums of war are once again bringing an "unwelcome guest" to our doorstep. Brig. Gen. Geoffrey F. Weiss is the Director of Regional Affairs for the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. In this role, he manages relationships and provides oversight and guidance for international programs supporting national security objectives through politico-military affairs, security assistance, education, training and cooperative research and development. Brig. Gen. Weiss supervises over 3,400 foreign military sales cases valued at more than $266 billion. Brig Gen Weiss has civilian experience as a systems engineer and his military experience includes wartime operational, USAF and Joint Headquarters Staff, and command leadership positions in homeland air defense, air and missile defense, theater air battle management, command and control, nuclear deterrence, and information/influence operations. He has commanded at the wing, group, and squadron levels. He holds four masters degrees in military and aeronautical study areas, including an M.S. in National Security Strategy from the National War College. His articles have appeared in the Air and Space Power Journal and Joint Force Quarterly, and his book: The New Art of War: The Origins, Theory, and Future of Conflict. LINKS & RESOURCES: The New Art of War: The Origins, Theory, and Future of Conflict https://www.amazon.com/New-Art-War-Origins-Conflict/dp/1108837646 USAF Bio Page: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/3075724/geoffrey-f-weiss/ https://www.newscientist.com/article/2413260-what-does-ukraines-million-drone-army-mean-for-the-future-of-war/ What does Ukraine’s million-drone army mean for the future of war? Crude ground robots emerge on the battlefields of Ukraine, experts say https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2023/12/15/crude-ground-robots-emerge-on-the-battlefields-of-ukraine-experts-say/ The Replicator initiative is key to the Army’s modernization https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-replicator-initiative-is-key-to-the-armys-modernization/ GEARS of war: US Army picks 3 companies to advance autonomous resupply https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2023/12/19/gears-of-war-us-army-picks-3-companies-to-advance-autonomous-resupply/ War Memorial Center https://warmemorialcenter.org/a-true-soldier/