A total of 45 episodes were produced across two series. The project is now closed, though additional episodes may be added to Season 2 on an ad hoc basis. The episodes are available here.
This podcast was developed to provoke debate and discussion around the factors that shaped and influenced the morale and motivations of combatants in war. It aimed to explore the enduring question: what makes people fight—or not—in armed conflict?
The podcast examined the dual aspects of motivation and morale: why individuals chose to fight and why others refused. It considered why people enlisted in military forces, endured the hardships of active service and, in some cases, committed war crimes. At the same time, it explored the ‘flip side’ of morale—why some refused to serve or enlist, and why others deserted, mutinied or rejected military authority.
The podcast addressed all types of military forces and conflicts, from non-state actors engaged in asymmetrical warfare to uniformed personnel in standing armies fighting in conventional battles.
Discussions focused on why combatants enlisted, fought and served (or not) in particular conflicts, with an emphasis on how individual and group behaviour in war was shaped by contextual factors. These included the influence of society, culture, ideology, religion, political systems, group dynamics, individual motivations, organisational policies and interpersonal relationships.
The podcast featured interviews with a wide range of contributors, including policymakers, service personnel, former combatants, sociologists, psychologists and historians.
Updated 1 July 2025