CONTESTED GROUND: Assessing the fallout of the US’ Venezuela raid on the global ‘rules-based’ order

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson, and Steve Kuper discuss the fallout from the US’ arrest of Nicolas Maduro, America’s claims to Greenland, and the potential for regime change in Iran.

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson, and Steve Kuper discuss the fallout from the US’ arrest of Nicolas Maduro, America’s claims to Greenland, and the potential for regime change in Iran.

The trio unpack the success and complexities of the US’ raid in Venezuela and the intricacies surrounding the mission, the fallout of the “Donroe Doctrine” in action, and its relations intersecting with the 2025 US National Security Strategy’s emphasis on the western hemisphere.

They also discuss the mounting US pressure over Greenland and what is driving US interest in the island nation, which presents a significant risk of rupturing NATO at a time of mounting geopolitical upheaval.

Finally, they also discuss the US military build-up surrounding Iran and the potential for decapitation strikes against the Iranian regime, seemingly backed by the ousted shah and implications for broader global security.

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: LAND 156, counter-drone warfare and electronic warfare capability, with Department 13’s Ben Westgarth
Episode 10: PODCAST: Australia’s first 3D printed autonomous USV, with Josh Wigley and Harry Hubbert
Episode 9: PODCAST: Australia’s shipbuilding future, landing craft pipeline and autonomous vessels, with Austal CEO Paddy Gregg
Episode 8: CONTESTED GROUND: Assessing the fallout and implications of the latest Trump–Xi meeting for Iran, Taiwan and Australia
Episode 7: PODCAST: Missile manufacturing, Collins LOTE upgrades and submarine base east
Episode 6: PODCAST: Aerobatics, military aviation and Australian air shows, with Paul Bennet
Episode 5: CONTESTED GROUND: Australia and the West must ask themselves new questions in the face of the modern world, with Robbin Laird
Episode 4: PODCAST: Black Hawk capability, B-21 bomber debate, and upcoming budget
Episode 3: PODCAST: Supermarine Spitfire, warbird aviation and modern aerial innovation, with Keith Russell
Episode 2: PODCAST: Bushmaster PMV funding, long-range strike expansion and cyber defence