Linda Robinson

The authors examine (1) the experiences of North Korea and three similar authoritarian regimes-China, Vietnam, and Cuba-to forecast why and how North Korea might adopt a new economic model; (2) what might happen if conventional deterrence fails on the Korean Peninsula; and (3) what might lead North Korea to use nuclear weapons.

This report analyzes political warfare as it is practiced today by both state and nonstate actors, and provides detailed recommendations regarding the most effective ways that the U.S. government, along with its allies and partners, can respond to or engage in this type of conflict to achieve U.S. ends and protect U.S. interests.

This report assesses the campaign against the Islamic State (ISIL), focusing on the military and political aspects. It evaluates the capabilities and motivations of the counter-ISIL forces, as well as U.S.-led efforts to provide training, equipment, advice, and assistance. While some degradation of ISIL has been achieved, lasting defeat will require more capable indigenous forces and political agreements among Iraqis and Syrians.

An unprecedented portrait of the United States Special Forces from the perspective of the fighters who served in its ranks "An intimate, valuable history of the Special Forces." --The New York Times The US Army Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets, were at the forefront of America's war in Afghanistan and the counterterrorist campaigns. But little is known about the grave, seasoned individuals from America's heartland who belong to this secretive unit. Veteran war reporter Linda Robinson gained access to their closed community and traveled with them on the front lines. Based on dozens of interviews, she recounts in vivid detail the experiences of this post-Vietnam generation of commandos in Panama, El Salvador, Desert Storm, Somalia, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq, including accounts of dramatic, previously untold missions. Now updated with a new afterword, Masters of Chaos is a gripping history of a cadre of soldiers who pioneered tactics, technologies, and strategies that continue to define global conflicts today.

Around the world, antidemocratic forces are taking aim at women leaders. Misogynistic authoritarianism has entered the mainstream, seeking to reverse decades of progress. Weaponized digital technologies have unleashed sexualized smears and violent threats. There is a deep connection between attacks on women and attacks on democracy—and female leaders can show us how to fight back. Linda Robinson—an award-winning journalist and prominent expert—tells the powerful stories of the women on the frontlines of the battle between democracy and authoritarianism. Despite age-old obstacles and virulent new dangers, these remarkable leaders have strengthened their countries, expanded gender equality, and promoted policies that benefit all. Tsai Ing-wen crafted a strategy to defend Taiwan from Chinese aggression while advancing social reforms. Estonia’s Kaja Kallas and Moldova’s Maia Sandu fought Russian hybrid warfare by pursuing European integration. Balkan leaders Vjosa Osmani and Nataša Pirc Musar bolstered their democracies against Serbian and Russian destabilization. Mia Mottley of Barbados became a global champion for climate justice, rising above sexist attacks to achieve international financial reforms. Robinson distills their hard-won lessons, providing a roadmap for other countries facing existential threats. Timely and vivid, this book spotlights women’s leadership amid the global crisis of democracy.

How can the success (or failure) of Army special operations missions be assessed? The authors develop a methodology for doing so that relies on operational, intelligence, and ambient (publicly available) data. The method assesses the plan's lines of effort and their objectives, develops measures of effectiveness and indicators, and then gathers and analyzes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data.

All Mac wanted was a donut ... instead, she finds her life turned upside-down when her boyfriend, and fellow sanctuary caretaker, is mauled to death in the lion enclosure.The police believe the attack was a careless accident, but her instincts tell her there's something else going on and suspects an exotic game ranch owner has something to do with it. Desperate to uncover the truth, she jeopardizes her own safety to investigate. After a series of unexpected twists, she makes a shocking discovery If you love animals, you'll love this book Set in Kerrville, Texas, Death at the Sanctuary readers will enjoy this adventure-thriller, full of love, deceit, and one woman's journey to speak out for the voiceless.

This report examines major U.S. decisions related to the development or employment of special operations forces (SOF). It analyzes how change has previously occurred in Army, Joint, and U.S. Department of Defense policy regarding SOF to inform future development of options for policymakers and to better articulate the ways in which the varied Army Special Operations Forces capabilities can help to meet U.S. national security objectives.

Without stabilization, successful warfighting often does not produce desired political outcomes. Yet warfighters are not the most capable actors for many stabilization tasks. This report supports Department of Defense efforts to update its stabilization guidance by assessing recent history and evaluating the roles for the U.S. military and its ability to execute them in conjunction with interagency and other key partners.

Larabeth McCall has too much idle time since the youngest of her two daughters joined her sister in college. Blessed with an innate love of the great outdoors, Larabeth craves to explore nature in a motor home. But the empty-nest doldrums become the least of her worries as she awaits the results of a recent biopsy. With breast cancer having claimed lives in her family for the previous two generations, she has every reason for concern.Unlike his wife, Elton McCall is not the adventurous sort but reconsiders her request to travel after he's threatened with the possibility of losing the love of his life. He purchases a luxury motor home, leaves his business in his partner's hands, and sets out with Larabeth to fulfill her dream on "The Taj McCall." Surprisingly, Elton begins to enjoy the life-changing journey.Wind, rain, sleet, and snowstorms aside, Elton's sudden health issues create havoc and complicate their travel plans. An anxious Larabeth learns valuable lessons about people, poverty, and purpose-that God provides guardian angels, puts the needy in her path, and has a plan for her.

This report investigates humanitarian and stabilization needs in Iraq, through a case study of Mosul. and offers recommendations for actions for stabilization after liberation from ISIS. The research team examined humanitarian needs, security implications, infrastructure and services, and governance and reconciliation. All of these activities will affect the immediate stabilization of Iraq and Mosul more specifically, including whether civilians can return home.

This report presents findings from an examination of six historical case studiesa "in Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Uganda, and Yemena "in which the mission of special operations forces in each of the six countries transitioned over time to include some level of inclusion in the U.S. embassya (TM)s Security Cooperation Office, with a focus on what lessons these experiences offer for the transition of SOF in Afghanistan.

This report examines the 14-year experience of U.S. special operations forces in the Philippines from 2001 through 2014 and the activities and effects of special operations capabilities employed to address terrorist threats in Operation Enduring Freedom Philippines through training and equipping Philippine security forces, providing operational advice and assistance, and conducting civil military and information operations."

Hybrid irregular and conventional military operations are playing an increasingly prominent role in international conflict, exploited by countries such as Russia and Iran. To counter this trend, the United States should adopt a new form of operational art for special warfare. This report proposes a framework for the design and execution of special warfare campaigns.

Natalie Hudson-daughter of doting parents, college student preparing for a career in veterinary medicine, and fianc e of the perfect friend and companion-couldn't be happier. Until her idyllic world is shaken by unexpected news and circumstances.Nicholas, her betrothed, asks to postpone their wedding for reasons she can't understand. Is Natalie being selfish if she gives Nicholas the boot, abandons the Christian Triple C group, and spends time with a new male friend who desires more than friendship?Natalie soon discovers her new life is nothing like she has always dreamed it would be. The angst and trials of her teen years seem trivial compared to the struggles of adulthood with its many choices, commitments, and consequences.Will the man Natalie once called the love of her life become her husband and father her children? Or is the term soul mate a fantasy too? Join Natalie as she faces the challenges and life-altering events of an adult in a real world rife with stormy clouds and turbulent temptations.

Drawing lessons from the past 13 years of war, this study analyzes the future operating environment and identifies critical requirements for land forces and special operations forces to operate successfully in conjunction with joint, interagency, and multinational partners in irregular and hybrid conflicts.

A tragic accident crushes high school senior Natalie Hudson's spirits, jeopardizes her chances of graduating, and threatens her faith.Though she's excited to move away to college, she soon suffers severe homesickness and questions her decision to leave the protection of her home and loving family, even for the veterinarian career she covets.Natalie experiences horrifying events and learns valuable lessons not taught in a college classroom. Will the student she's attracted to become her best and most-trusted friend, or is he her stalker? Will she defy her daddy's wishes and marry the man of her dreams before her education is complete?Natalie's Commitments, Book Two in author Linda Robinson's faith and family trilogy, will keep you on the edge of your seat, praying Natalie can live up to her commitments.