Delusionally Optimistic Officer
@wargamesandtheory.bsky.social
The army once paid me to write some papers, now I think people care about my thoughts...
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
“To the historically oriented, the fight for the minds of decision-makers and noncombatants does not expand the battlespace, but it does expand or at least challenge long-held Western conceptions about war.” A superb review of cognitive warfare from Frank Hoffman
smallwarsjournal.com/2025/11/14/a...
smallwarsjournal.com/2025/11/14/a...
Assessing "Cognitive Warfare" | Small Wars Journal by Arizona State University
Explore the evolving concept of cognitive warfare, its impact on global security, and how China and Russia are reshaping the cognitive domain of conflict.
smallwarsjournal.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:20 PM
“To the historically oriented, the fight for the minds of decision-makers and noncombatants does not expand the battlespace, but it does expand or at least challenge long-held Western conceptions about war.” A superb review of cognitive warfare from Frank Hoffman
smallwarsjournal.com/2025/11/14/a...
smallwarsjournal.com/2025/11/14/a...
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
In honor of Viktor Orban's visit to Washington, here's a reminder that Orban has made his country corrupt, stagnant, and impoverished:
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
America’s Future Is Hungary
MAGA conservatives love Viktor Orbán. But he’s left his country corrupt, stagnant, and impoverished.
www.theatlantic.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:52 PM
In honor of Viktor Orban's visit to Washington, here's a reminder that Orban has made his country corrupt, stagnant, and impoverished:
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
Great news, new NatSec reading list just dropped!
Packing up my place and I can only take like 15 books atm and it’s the most agonizing thing ever (I also have multiple piles on the floor)
November 8, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Great news, new NatSec reading list just dropped!
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
Your regularly scheduled reminder of one of the pioneering groups of what is now called operations research was a group of teen and twenty something women led by a gamer too ill for sea duty trying to do their part to defend their island home.
This here is one of the great U-boat hunters of the Second World War.
Grab a comfy seat and a glass of something pleasing. We're going on a journey...
Grab a comfy seat and a glass of something pleasing. We're going on a journey...
November 1, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Your regularly scheduled reminder of one of the pioneering groups of what is now called operations research was a group of teen and twenty something women led by a gamer too ill for sea duty trying to do their part to defend their island home.
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
Hi folks! A few thoughts on this essay, and the questions that we *should* be asking, rather than the ones this Army officer seems inclined to answer. I haven’t done a CMR thread in a while so I’m overdue. 🧵
Hard to imagine a more sinister & dangerous argument, couched in euphemism & high-minded language. "This essay does not argue liberalism will collapse, only that [US] military officers should be intellectually (and spiritually) prepared for alternatives." warontherocks.com/2025/10/the-...
The American Military Officer After Liberalism
Across academia, government, and Silicon Valley, on social media, and in leading journals, intellectuals and political leaders are openly debating what
warontherocks.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Hi folks! A few thoughts on this essay, and the questions that we *should* be asking, rather than the ones this Army officer seems inclined to answer. I haven’t done a CMR thread in a while so I’m overdue. 🧵
Everything on this thread is *chef's kiss*
Hi folks! A few thoughts on this essay, and the questions that we *should* be asking, rather than the ones this Army officer seems inclined to answer. I haven’t done a CMR thread in a while so I’m overdue. 🧵
Hard to imagine a more sinister & dangerous argument, couched in euphemism & high-minded language. "This essay does not argue liberalism will collapse, only that [US] military officers should be intellectually (and spiritually) prepared for alternatives." warontherocks.com/2025/10/the-...
October 31, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Everything on this thread is *chef's kiss*
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
The question of liberalism is not merely that of the rights of the weak. But that of the dignity of the strong.
October 22, 2025 at 11:11 PM
The question of liberalism is not merely that of the rights of the weak. But that of the dignity of the strong.
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
Senator Merkley is on hour 20 of reading How Democracies Die, mixed w commentary, on u.s. senate floor
October 22, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Senator Merkley is on hour 20 of reading How Democracies Die, mixed w commentary, on u.s. senate floor
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
I’m in a session at the CSCW conference featuring 6 papers focused on online misinformation. It’s one of at least 3 sessions this conference focusing on misinfo or similar. The room is completely packed. I’m concerned about how few papers and sessions we will see in 3-5 years due to funding cuts.
October 20, 2025 at 10:03 AM
I’m in a session at the CSCW conference featuring 6 papers focused on online misinformation. It’s one of at least 3 sessions this conference focusing on misinfo or similar. The room is completely packed. I’m concerned about how few papers and sessions we will see in 3-5 years due to funding cuts.
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
New addition
Book chapter: Intelligence Agencies and the Military on Cyber Diplomacy by Peter B. M. J. Pijpers, Paul A. L. Ducheine, George Christou, Wilhelm Vosse, Joe Burton, Joachim A. Koops (published 01-10-2025)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-93385-1_15
Book chapter: Intelligence Agencies and the Military on Cyber Diplomacy by Peter B. M. J. Pijpers, Paul A. L. Ducheine, George Christou, Wilhelm Vosse, Joe Burton, Joachim A. Koops (published 01-10-2025)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-93385-1_15
Intelligence Agencies and the Military on Cyber Diplomacy
Diplomacy is not the prerogative of armed forces or intelligence agencies. However, with the inception of cyberspace, the media landscape has enlarged significantly and the thresholds, for a variety of actors, to engage in cyberspace have evaporated. After a time of...
doi.org
October 4, 2025 at 9:12 PM
New addition
Book chapter: Intelligence Agencies and the Military on Cyber Diplomacy by Peter B. M. J. Pijpers, Paul A. L. Ducheine, George Christou, Wilhelm Vosse, Joe Burton, Joachim A. Koops (published 01-10-2025)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-93385-1_15
Book chapter: Intelligence Agencies and the Military on Cyber Diplomacy by Peter B. M. J. Pijpers, Paul A. L. Ducheine, George Christou, Wilhelm Vosse, Joe Burton, Joachim A. Koops (published 01-10-2025)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-93385-1_15
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
Good moment to remember that US foreign policy is also being reoriented to enable foreign censors and authoritarian propaganda around the world
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
America Surrenders in the Global Information Wars
The U.S. is reorienting its foreign policy to protect governments that manipulate and suppress information.
www.theatlantic.com
September 18, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Good moment to remember that US foreign policy is also being reoriented to enable foreign censors and authoritarian propaganda around the world
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
Educating warfighters with wargames
The Royal Danish Defence College will be hosting a one-day professional conference on Educating Warfighters with Wargames in Copenhagen on 11 November 2025, addressing the use of wargames in professional military education across Europe. The agenda and contact…
The Royal Danish Defence College will be hosting a one-day professional conference on Educating Warfighters with Wargames in Copenhagen on 11 November 2025, addressing the use of wargames in professional military education across Europe. The agenda and contact…
Educating warfighters with wargames
The Royal Danish Defence College will be hosting a one-day professional conference on Educating Warfighters with Wargames in Copenhagen on 11 November 2025, addressing the use of wargames in professional military education across Europe. The agenda and contact information can be found below.
paxsims.wordpress.com
August 11, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Educating warfighters with wargames
The Royal Danish Defence College will be hosting a one-day professional conference on Educating Warfighters with Wargames in Copenhagen on 11 November 2025, addressing the use of wargames in professional military education across Europe. The agenda and contact…
The Royal Danish Defence College will be hosting a one-day professional conference on Educating Warfighters with Wargames in Copenhagen on 11 November 2025, addressing the use of wargames in professional military education across Europe. The agenda and contact…
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
One like, one Thucydides opinion.
One like, one history opinion
one like, one writing opinion.
July 26, 2025 at 6:20 AM
One like, one Thucydides opinion.
This is gold; more likes for it please, I need more niche Thucydides takes
One like, one Thucydides opinion.
One like, one history opinion
July 30, 2025 at 11:35 AM
This is gold; more likes for it please, I need more niche Thucydides takes
Love this! Jokes on the rest when they find out blorbo the terrible is actually general okennedys alt account
July 28, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Love this! Jokes on the rest when they find out blorbo the terrible is actually general okennedys alt account
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
When we started Wargaming Lab at ISM last September, one of the aims was to build and foster international collaboration with our Allies. I'm extremely happy that last week we saw the first German-Lithuanian wargaming summer school organized together with The German Wargaming Center.
July 22, 2025 at 6:50 AM
When we started Wargaming Lab at ISM last September, one of the aims was to build and foster international collaboration with our Allies. I'm extremely happy that last week we saw the first German-Lithuanian wargaming summer school organized together with The German Wargaming Center.
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
🛡️Join King's Digital Futures Institute for a panel event: Digital Futures of Security.
Leading experts Tony Reeves (Deloitte), @cearadau.bsky.social, @lucavigano68.bsky.social discuss emerging technology in security.
📆| 23 July 2025
⏰| 19.00 BST
📍| ONLINE
👇
bit.ly/4eTIQix
#digitalfutures
#KCL
Leading experts Tony Reeves (Deloitte), @cearadau.bsky.social, @lucavigano68.bsky.social discuss emerging technology in security.
📆| 23 July 2025
⏰| 19.00 BST
📍| ONLINE
👇
bit.ly/4eTIQix
#digitalfutures
#KCL
Digital Futures of Security
Leading experts explore how emerging technologies are reshaping the global security landscape.
bit.ly
July 18, 2025 at 12:14 PM
🛡️Join King's Digital Futures Institute for a panel event: Digital Futures of Security.
Leading experts Tony Reeves (Deloitte), @cearadau.bsky.social, @lucavigano68.bsky.social discuss emerging technology in security.
📆| 23 July 2025
⏰| 19.00 BST
📍| ONLINE
👇
bit.ly/4eTIQix
#digitalfutures
#KCL
Leading experts Tony Reeves (Deloitte), @cearadau.bsky.social, @lucavigano68.bsky.social discuss emerging technology in security.
📆| 23 July 2025
⏰| 19.00 BST
📍| ONLINE
👇
bit.ly/4eTIQix
#digitalfutures
#KCL
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
I'm working on a starter pack... its focus is Information Warfare, Covert Ops and Propaganda... trying to fill gaps on existing lists of 'disinfo' experts and bring in a wider sweep of experts on covert ops & information warfare, broadly defined. go.bsky.app/7NTCqKZ
December 27, 2024 at 12:26 AM
I'm working on a starter pack... its focus is Information Warfare, Covert Ops and Propaganda... trying to fill gaps on existing lists of 'disinfo' experts and bring in a wider sweep of experts on covert ops & information warfare, broadly defined. go.bsky.app/7NTCqKZ
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
Relieved that my forthcoming book, Fakers, on British Cold War forgeries, fakes and black propaganda has passed the publisher’s legal review
(Life would be so much easier researching something boring!)
(Life would be so much easier researching something boring!)
a close up of a man 's face with the words you can 't handle the truth
ALT: a close up of a man 's face with the words you can 't handle the truth
media.tenor.com
July 3, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Relieved that my forthcoming book, Fakers, on British Cold War forgeries, fakes and black propaganda has passed the publisher’s legal review
(Life would be so much easier researching something boring!)
(Life would be so much easier researching something boring!)
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
We're looking for new speakers for the Georgetown University Wargaming Society virtual webinar series! Former speakers have ranged from commercial designers to professional wargamers - such as Mark Herman, Jason Matthews, and others. Please drop your suggestions below!
🔗 youtube.com/@georgetownu...
🔗 youtube.com/@georgetownu...
June 28, 2025 at 12:23 PM
We're looking for new speakers for the Georgetown University Wargaming Society virtual webinar series! Former speakers have ranged from commercial designers to professional wargamers - such as Mark Herman, Jason Matthews, and others. Please drop your suggestions below!
🔗 youtube.com/@georgetownu...
🔗 youtube.com/@georgetownu...
Reposted by Delusionally Optimistic Officer
And when debate collapses, power doesn’t disappear, it just becomes unaccountable. Truth becomes tribal. Institutions become hollow. People are left shouting across a void, each group certain the others are insane or evil. That’s not freedom, it’s fragmentation.
June 27, 2025 at 6:57 AM
And when debate collapses, power doesn’t disappear, it just becomes unaccountable. Truth becomes tribal. Institutions become hollow. People are left shouting across a void, each group certain the others are insane or evil. That’s not freedom, it’s fragmentation.
"Emo teenager, who stupidly tries to score an actual political practitioner"-ass political ideology
June 9, 2025 at 11:12 AM
"Emo teenager, who stupidly tries to score an actual political practitioner"-ass political ideology
In light of recent developments, a personal #RequestForLiterature : is there a recommendable comprehensive theory on the relationship between #DemocraticBacksliding / #Authoritarianism and #StateCapacity?
May 30, 2025 at 4:22 PM
In light of recent developments, a personal #RequestForLiterature : is there a recommendable comprehensive theory on the relationship between #DemocraticBacksliding / #Authoritarianism and #StateCapacity?
Putting the "I" back in "Mice", i guess...
May 30, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Putting the "I" back in "Mice", i guess...