Exploring Strategic Parallels: Shì, The Force, Coup d’œil, and Modern Geopolitics: DeMarco Banter.
While reading Michael Pillsbury's book, "The Hundred-Year Marathon," I began to ponder—if the CCP utilizes the concept of shì, what does the West or the US rely on? This reflection led me to consider Carl von Clausewitz's "On War" and the concept of coup d'œil (and The Force—for just a second). Michael Pillsbury is a …
Embracing Innovation: The Essential Role of Destiny: DeMarco Banter
I am fortunate to have several individuals whom I can call to bounce off ideas and concepts, and of course, listen to their insights. Among these valued connections is Jeff DeGraff, an innovator with years of experience. During one of our recent conversations, as we wrapped up our call, Jeff imparted a profound statement: "There …
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Decoding Asymmetric Doctrine: Revisiting “Unrestricted Warfare,” The Golden Section, and China’s Quest for Victory: DeMarco Banter
Unrestricted Warfare, an arguably influential book by Chinese Air Force Colonels Qiao Liang and Wang Xiangsui published in 1999, has become a touchstone for understanding the Chinese Communist Party's strategic doctrine. This is probably my fourth reading of this work and I find myself continually drawn back to Chapter 6: "Seeking Rules for Victory" in …
Navigating AC/DC’s Razor’s Edge: Simplicity, Paradox, and the Quest for Understanding: DeMarco Banter
Working out the other day, AC/DC's ear-splitting track "Razor's Edge" blasted through my headphones. With its driving riffs and aggressive lyrics like "There's fighting on the left, and marching on the right...Here comes the razor's edge," the song conjured vivid imagery of treading a perilous, knife-edge path. As the music pounded, my mind wandered – …
Charlie Wilson’s War 2.0: Cold War Applications in The Age of Cyber—DeMarco Banter
I am sure many remember the 2007 movie starring Tom Hanks, Charlie Wilson's War. The film dramatizes a significant yet somewhat underappreciated episode from the Cold War era, focusing on the unconventional and charismatic U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson. With the help of his sharp CIA operative ally, Gust Avrakotos, Wilson launched a covert operation that …
A Quick Existential Trip: Leadership, Innovation, Strategy–DeMarco Banter
The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China in the Age of Great Power Competition and Gray War: DeMarco Banter
The seven military classics of ancient China are a group of influential military treatises were written during the Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD) and the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD). These texts were considered essential reading for military leaders and strategists in ancient China, and they continue to be studied and analyzed for their insights …
The Five Tankers of Innovation: An OV-1 for AUiX—Fueling Innovation…A Synchronized Approach to Problem Solving
A few years ago, a pivotal meeting unfolded that would chart the course for the Air University Innovation Accelerator (AUiX). It was a gathering that brought together the keen minds of Lt Col TJ Ablay, Cadet (now 2nd Lieutenant) Abigail "AP" Carter, and myself, each of us had a shared vision to redefine the landscape …
The Prophet, Airpower, Innovators, and The Future of War: DeMarco Banter
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." The quote is commonly attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule, known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. However, there's no recorded evidence that Gandhi actually said or wrote these exact words. …
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