# Ben Zweibelson, PhD: Bad War Stories, Lessons from the Battlefield

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/nuclecast-5683481/ben-zweibelson-phd-bad-war-stories-lessons-from-the-battlefield
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/nuclecast-5683481/ben-zweibelson-phd-bad-war-stories-lessons-from-the-battlefield.md
Podcast: [NucleCast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/nuclecast-5683481)
Published: 2026-01-27T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/2482941
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/151610/2482941/nuclecast-podcast/2026_01_25_18_31_15_6ab12e88-75b5-48f0-81ae-da4ac998c030.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/nuclecast-5683481/episodes/ben-zweibelson-phd-bad-war-stories-lessons-from-the-battlefield
Duration seconds: 2242

## Resource

Dr. Ben Zweibelson, a retired US Army officer and author of "Bad War Stories" delves into the complexities of military planning, particularly in the context of nuclear deterrence and the lessons learned from two decades of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Zweibelson discusses how traditional military strategies often fall short in real-world applications, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptability in military doctrine. He shares personal anecdotes from his deployments, highlighting the emotional toll of war and the disconnect between military operations and strategic outcomes. Dr. Zweibelson's book, "Bad War Stories," serves as a critique of the glorified narratives often portrayed in Hollywood, contrasting them with the harsh realities faced by soldiers. He argues that many military professionals are trapped in outdated thinking, which hinders effective planning and execution. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of nuclear strategy in light of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, stressing the importance of curiosity and innovation in military institutions. Socials: Follow on Twitter at @NucleCast Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

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## Transcript

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