Drone Strikes
The US Military has been using unmanned vehicles for kinetic strikes for well over a decade. And recently, we’ve all seen the devastating effect of these so-called drones on the news from the Ukraine. In his new book, Professor Mitt Regan offers an assess
Top Gun, the Ethics of CAPT Pete “Maverick” Mitchell
Every now and then, we get a chance to expand our apeture here at the Stockdale Center. With the Summer release of Top Gun Maverick, we have just that chance. Our guest host on this episode is Marc LiVecche, the McDonald Distinguished Scholar of Ethics, W
The Legacy of the Homecoming of Vietnam Era POWs
Almost fifty years ago, hundreds of U.S. prisoners of war returned home from more than eight years of brutal captivity in North Vietnam. What brought them home? Extraordinary leadership and unflappable courage, exhibited by POW leaders in Vietnam and by t
ENCORE: The Stockdale Paradox
How did a first century philosopher named Epictetus guide VADM James Stockdale through seven and one half years as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam? What does it mean to embrace things that are within our power versus things that are beyond our power? I
Cultural Connection and Empathy
How and why does Empathy matter? What about Mindfulness? What comes first, empathy or self-awareness? We discuss the importance of how a culture organizes its time and space, and how that relates to connection. How can a Midshipman develop empathy?
Artificial Intelligence is a Joint Mission
We are at an inflection point in warfare, just as significant as the introduction of gunpowder or the airplane. The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) is transforming U.S. Joint warfighting and departmental processes through the integration of Ar
When can I blame the Artificial Intelligence?
What is the Responsibility Gap with respect to Artificial Intelligence? Should you always trust an AI weapon system to make the right call? Why is it important to have explanations of algorithmic outputs? What do different scholars have to say about how t
Adaptability and Naval Special Warfare
What are the challenges faced by the United States and its allies in facing irregular statecraft and operations in the gray zone? How do US “frogmen” shift back to their roots? How important is Adaptability to our profession as naval warriors? What are th
Leadership and Log Canoes
How can the Chesapeake Bay teach leadership lessons? Professor Ken Reightler is a former astronaut and test pilot. He has worked with some of the most advanced systems on and off the planet. We discuss how working to rebuild an historic boat, a Chesapeake
Empathy and Leadership
We discuss Empathy, and its place in Leadership. Is being empathetic incompatible with the military? How can empathy for others be an enabling factor of effective leadership? Is there a link between stoicism and empathy? What can you do to become more emp