Pen and the Sword

On the battle for the narrative

In this episode of the Pen and the Sword, Adin is joined by John DeRosa, a Research Fellow at the Center for Narratives and Conflict at George Mason University where he’s also completing his Ph.D. on the subject, as well as MSG Sohail Shaikh of the Army’s Asymmetric Warfare Group.

The three discuss the historical and current roles of narratives in conflicts, how these narratives have changed alongside our enemies, and what our political and national security actors can learn from outside groups like the literary community.

Show Notes

Narrative and the Making of US National Security

War Narratives and the American National Will in War

The Eclipse of Equality: Arguing America on Meet the Press

Kendall Haven

America’s War for the Greater Middle East: A Military History

Council of War

The Wise Men

Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging

Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War