Drone wolf: Ukraine’s missile mastermind

This episode of The Intelligence from The Economist explores two major themes: Ukraine's evolving drone warfare strategy led by Robert Brovdy, known as 'Madjar,' and Britain's shifting relationship with the European Union post-Brexit. Brovdy, a former grain trader turned military innovator, has become a pivotal figure in Ukraine's defense by pioneering a gamified drone warfare system that prioritizes targeting Russian personnel over equipment. His approach, which leverages business intelligence tools repurposed from his past career, has led to verified Russian drone casualties exceeding recruitment rates—a turning point in the war. The episode details his journey from civilian volunteer to commander, highlighting how low-cost FPV drones were weaponized to disrupt Russian forces, creating a sustainable asymmetric advantage. Meanwhile, the second segment examines how Britain, despite leaving the EU a decade ago, has grown more aligned with European norms in areas like politics, social policy, and economic regulation. The Labour government’s recent pivot toward closer EU cooperation—driven by economic necessity and political recalibration—signals a reversal of post-Brexit orthodoxy, though concrete steps remain vague. The episode concludes with a brief look at the decline of mandatory swimming tests at elite American universities, driven by racial equity concerns as Black students are disproportionately affected by swimming proficiency gaps. Key takeaways include: 1) Targeting enemy personnel with drones can be more effective than destroying materiel in prolonged conflicts; 2) Gamification and data-driven incentives can dramatically shift military behavior and outcomes; 3) Ukraine’s success hinges on integrating civilian innovation into military strategy; 4) Britain’s post-Brexit trajectory has ironically made it more European in practice; 5) Institutional traditions must be re-evaluated through the lens of equity and inclusion; 6) Asymmetric warfare is increasingly defined by technology, speed, and adaptability; 7) Political realignment often follows economic and social realities, not ideology alone; 8) Legacy practices should be scrutinized for unintended consequences.