On Hybrid Monodromy Inflation (Hic Sunt Dracones)
  We revisit two-field hybrid inflation as an effective field theory for
low-scale inflation with sub-Planckian scalar field ranges. We focus on a
prototype model by Stewart because it allows for a red spectral tilt, which
still fits the current data. We describe the constraints on this model imposed
by current CMB measurements. We then explore the stability of this model to
quantum corrections. We find that for relevant, marginal, and at least a finite
set of irrelevant operators, some additional mechanism is required to render
the model stable to corrections from both quantum field theory and quantum
gravity. We outline a possible mechanism by realizing the scalars as compact
axions dual to massive $4$-form field strengths, and outline how natural hybrid
inflation may be supported by strong dynamics in the dual theory.
