Ep. 119 - In the Shadows of Conflict: Special Forces and Foreign Policy

Former Special Forces Officer Christopher Brewer talks about his experiences in the military, particularly focusing on the unique role of Special Forces, the challenges they face in missions, and the implications of U.S. foreign policy. Brewer shares insights from his new book, 'In the Shadows Between the Wars,' detailing operations in Colombia, Panama, and Afghanistan, as well as the psychological challenges of undercover work and the complexities of navigating diverse cultures in international contexts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding local cultures, the risks of military intervention, and the need for effective communication in diplomacy.

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Christopher Brewer's bio: 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F2SMC6MT/about?ccs_id=4c8b5d86-4140-43fc-9745-197a3df52bde

His book: https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Between-Wars-Becoming-Operator-ebook/dp/B0F258871N

Keywords

Special Forces, military memoir, Christopher Brewer, undercover operations, global conflicts, cultural insights, Pablo Escobar, Panama invasion, U.S. foreign policy, psychological challenges, podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Special Forces and Their Unique Role

03:05 The Challenges of Special Operations Missions

06:09 Pablo Escobar and the Colombian Mission

09:06 The Invasion of Panama and Operation Promote Liberty

12:04 The Consequences of U.S. Withdrawal from Global Conflicts

14:58 The Risks of Arming Foreign Nations

18:00 Experiences with Secretaries of State and Military Policy

21:08 Psychological Challenges of Undercover Operations

24:13 Cultural Insights from Afghanistan and Nigeria

27:02 Balancing Diverse Cultures in the UAE

29:51 Navigating Complexities in Nigeria

32:46 Lessons from Military Experience and Normal Life

36:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for Listeners

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