This is a new podcast and is currently under development (weblink). It aims to provoke debate and discourse around what shapes and influences the morale and motivations of combatants in war. It seeks to answer the eternal question; what makes people fight (or not) in armed conflicts?
The podcast seeks to explore the dual aspect of motivation and morale; why people fight and why they may not. For example, why do individuals enlist in military forces, endure the tribulations of life on active service and why they may commit war crimes. It also seeks to consider the ‘flip side’ of morale and examine why some people refuse to serve or enlist in armed forces and also study why people in combat may desert, mutiny or reject military authority.
It will explore all types of military force and conflict from non-state actors in asymmetrical campaigns to uniformed personnel in standing armies fighting in conventional battles.
Discussion will focus on why combatants enlist, fight and serve (or not) in particular conflicts with an emphasis exploring on how individual and group actions in armed conflicts are shaped and moulded by contextual factors. These factors will include examining the role of society, culture, ideologies, religion, socio-political environment or system, group dynamics, individual motivators, organisational polices and inter-personal relationships.
Interviews are sought with individuals from a range of multi-disciplinary experts including policymakers, service personnel, former combatants, sociologists, psychologists and historians. If you are interested, let me know: engage@combatmoralepod.com.