Hiatus Announcement: The Books to Battles team is taking a break for the remainder of the U.S. government is shutdown. We'll be back with full episodes as soon as possible. Thank you for your support!
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International Relations
In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Lina Svedin and Dr. Paige Reid discuss SAASS 632, International Relations. They explore the major theories, concepts, and debates that frame the study of global politics, highlighting how these ideas intersect with strategy and security. With readings on theory, strategic narratives, and power and change, the course challenges students to think critically about the international system and the role of air and space power within it. Their conversation illustrates how theory equips strategists to navigate today’s complex global environment.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
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Understanding International Security
In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Wes Hutto discusses his new textbook Understanding International Security. He introduces the core themes and frameworks that shape the field, from great power competition to emerging challenges in cyber and space. Dr. Hutto explains how the book blends theory and practice to prepare students and professionals for today’s complex global environment. The conversation highlights the importance of critical thinking, historical grounding, and strategic insight in navigating contemporary questions of war and peace.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
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Dr. Milena Jakšić
In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Milena Jakšić examines the Luftwaffe’s operational air warfare during World War II and what it can teach us today. She explores how German airpower adapted—or failed to adapt—to strategic and operational challenges, and the consequences that followed. Drawing lessons for modern military professionals, Dr. Jakšić highlights enduring themes in the relationship between doctrine, innovation, and strategic effectiveness, showing how history can inform contemporary approaches to air and space power.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
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Current Events (October 1, 2025)
In this episode of Books to Battles, the hosts tackle a set of pressing current events shaping strategy today. They discuss the upcoming Artemis II mission and its implications for U.S. space leadership, examine Russian incursions into Polish airspace and their impact on NATO security, and consider the forthcoming National Defense Strategy. Together, these conversations highlight how technological ambition, geopolitical tensions, and policy choices intersect—illustrating the challenges and opportunities facing air and space strategists in an increasingly complex global environment.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.
Books to Battles is the official podcast of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS), where rigorous academic thought meets real-world military application. In each episode, we'll take you inside our school to explore its courses, students, and faculty. We'll show how foundational ideas—from classic works of strategy to cutting-edge scholarship—inform the development and execution of air and space power in today’s complex strategic environment. Join us as we bridge the gap between theory and practice, bringing deep intellectual insight to the art of war in the air and beyond.All views expressed in this series are the speakers' own and are not necessarily reflective of the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organizations.
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