What Political Science Can Teach Us About the Syria Strikes

Micah Zenko has researched whether or not limited airstrikes -- like the kind Donald Trump ordered on Syria last week -- actually achieve their stated political and military objectives.     His book Between Threats and War: US Discrete Military Operations in the Post Cold-War World examined some 36 airstrikes and finds that they very rarely do what they are intended to do. We discuss why that is--and what implications his findings have for further US involvement in Syria.   We do a little name dropping in this episode, including Robert Pape who wrote a definitive book on airpower called Bombing to Win.  Bob was my guest on Episode number 87  and I'd highly recommend that episode.Micah was last on the podcast about a year and a half ago to discuss his newest book, called "Red Team" which takes a look at the role of the devils advocate in international relations.   Become a premium subscriber to unlock bonus episodes, earn other rewards, and support the show! Bonus episodes for premium subscribers include: #1: International Relations Theory, explained. #2: A Brief History of Nuclear Non-proliferation #3: A Brief History of NATO #4: The Syrian Civil War, explained. (Well, sort of -- it's complicated!) #5: Meet the Kim family of North Korea #6: The Sustainable Development Goals, explained (Coming soon!) #7: The Six Day War, Explained. (Coming soon!) This is about two and a half hours for your listening pleasure. With more on the way. If there's a topic you want me to explore, please send me an email!