IN FROM THE COLD, BUT STILL OPERATING ON THE DARKSIDE >> The Future of Dynamic Warfare | Erik Prince

Premiered Feb 18, 2025

In this episode of The Larry Arnn Show, Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn interviews Erik Prince, businessman, former U.S. Navy SEAL officer, and founder of Blackwater. 

The two discuss Prince’s career, strategic failures in the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and how the United States military can prepare for the wars of tomorrow. 

 

You can find Prince’s Unplugged Phone here. 

• This interview was conducted on February 2, 2025. 

CHAPTERS 

 00:00 - Introduction to Iraq and Afghanistan Conflict  

00:20 - CIA vs. Pentagon: The Initial Response Post-9/11  

01:34 - Guest Introduction and Book Promotion  

01:54 - Early Life and Upbringing  

02:29 - Naval Academy Experience and Transition to Hillsdale  

03:22 - Military Career and Becoming a Navy SEAL  

04:03 - Founding of Blackwater and Private Military Training  

05:22 - Lean Manufacturing Influence on Blackwater 

 07:05 - Churchill's Philosophy on War and Its Misinterpretations  

07:50 - U.S. Strategy for Defending Taiwan  

10:58 - Military-Industrial Complex and Defense Spending  

12:02 - Historical Military Leadership and Tactical Efficiency  

16:01 - The Importance of Special Operations in Modern Warfare 

 17:22 - U.S.-China Geopolitical Competition  

20:36 - The Evolution of the Chinese Communist Party  

22:47 - U.S. vs. China: Innovation, AI, and Industrial Strength  

26:08 - Pentagon Inefficiencies and the Need for Reform  

30:24 - Life as a Navy SEAL and the Rigors of Training  

32:40 - The War in Ukraine: A Strategic Analysis 

 36:01 - The Role of Modern Warfare Technology  

38:46 - Aircraft Carriers and Their Vulnerability  

42:44 - Government Overspending and Military Budget Reform  

46:06 - The Failure of U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan 

 47:52 - Lessons from Churchill on Military Strategy  

50:30 - The British Navy and Historical Parallels to U.S. Decline  

52:28 - Critique of Israel’s Gaza Military Strategy  

55:46 - Innovation in Warfare: The Case for Alternative Tactics  

59:50 - The Role of Private Military Contractors  

1:02:34 - The Importance of Citizen Soldiers and Military Accountability  

1:07:12 - Private Sector Innovation in National Security  

1:10:17 - The Unplugged Phone: Privacy in the Digital Age  

1:14:02 - Closing Thoughts and Final Remarks 

  

REFERNCE VIDEOS FROM AN EARLIER TIME 

Task & Purpose

Blackwater Founder Erik Prince's Afghan War Plan Just Leaked, And It's Terrifying - Task & Purpose

 

YouTube

Civilian Warriors (Erik Prince - Evenings at Acton)