In modern warfare, victory is not just about firepower—it’s about understanding people. Mapping the Battlefield delves into the rise and fall of the Human Terrain System (HTS), a controversial U.S. Army program that embedded social scientists with combat units in Iraq and Afghanistan. Designed to bridge the gap between military operations and local populations, the HTS sought to provide crucial sociocultural insights to commanders navigating complex war zones. Through in-depth research, expert interviews, and firsthand accounts, this podcast unpacks the program’s origins, operations, and ethical dilemmas. How did the military attempt to use anthropology and sociology to fight insurgencies? What were the unintended consequences? And what does HTS tell us about the future of military strategy in an era of hybrid warfare? Join us as we explore the intersection of war, science, and ethics—where military objectives meet the human terrain.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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