Contested Ground

Momentum Media

Contested Ground exposes the complex and murky world of greyzone warfare, and how state and non-state actors vie for influence beneath the threshold of armed conflict. In our interconnected and globalised world, new opportunities have emerged for states to advance their interests within the global system. From cyber operations to disinformation campaigns, and from economic coercion to food security, join us as we navigate how state and non-state actors engage in this high-stakes game of power and influence. Get in touch, get your questions answered by our experts or share your stories. Contact hello@contestedground.com.au For daily news and analysis visit www.defenceconnect.com.au and www.cyberdaily.au

  1. Apathy, complacency and the 'Lucky Country', Australia's predicament is entirely self-inflicted, with Ben Dullroy

    30 МАР.

    Apathy, complacency and the 'Lucky Country', Australia's predicament is entirely self-inflicted, with Ben Dullroy

    Australia has long prided itself on being the "Lucky Country", celebrating a culture of "she'll be right" now that a national culture of apathy is biting at home as the world continues to burn. As the war in the Middle East continues to rage by the day, Australia and Australians are beginning to feel the very real ramifications in our daily lives. All of this comes as Australia's political leaders and policymakers continue to point fingers at one another for the respective failures over the past three decades that have all combined to leave Australia dangerously exposed to the shocks of the new multipolar world. But these aren't the only challenges that are serving to leave Australia in a volatile, unpredictable position, as social cohesion, industrial and economic resilience and demographics combine to create a powder keg for both the public and its policymakers. Host Steve Kuper is joined by Ben Dullroy of Beaten Zone Venture Partners and Bravo Delta Advisory as they break down the combination of global and domestic factors shaping the nation's resilience, stability and security. This conversation comes at a time when the public and private debate continues about who has failed the nation, were the ultimate costs of neoliberal hyperglobalisation worth it and can we pivot quickly enough to secure our economic, political and strategic interests? Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

    55 мин.
  2. Australian resilience during a crisis and sovereign industrial capability

    26 МАР.

    Australian resilience during a crisis and sovereign industrial capability

    In this episode of the Contested Ground Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Steve Kuper and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack the concept of sovereign industrial capability and its growing importance amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The trio explore how the idea of sovereignty has evolved from a defence-specific concept into a broader national priority, particularly as global supply chains face disruption and Australia confronts its structural dependencies. They discuss the lack of a clear, shared definition of sovereign capability, and how misunderstandings persist even within defence and national security circles. The conversation highlights the need for Australia to identify and secure critical capabilities domestically, ranging from fuel and logistics to data and cyber resilience. The episode also reflects on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and questions whether Australia has made meaningful progress in strengthening self-reliance, or if it remains vulnerable to external shocks. With rising geopolitical tensions and shifting global dynamics, the speakers consider whether the era of globalisation is reaching its limits. These topics include engaging discussion across: The meaning (and ambiguity) of sovereign industrial capability in modern Australia. Lessons from COVID-19 and ongoing reliance on fragile global supply chains. The impact of geopolitical conflict on fuel security, logistics and economic stability. The challenge of building true national resilience versus shifting dependence. The role of political leadership and decision making in shaping sovereign capability. The effects of political fragmentation and polarisation on national security planning. Whether globalisation has reached its limits and the rise of nationalism. The practical components of sovereignty, including fuel, munitions, cyber resilience and industrial capacity. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

    16 мин.
  3. From Tehran to Sydney – why war could reshape Australian property

    24 МАР.

    From Tehran to Sydney – why war could reshape Australian property

    What does the war in Iran have to do with Australian housing? Potentially, everything. In this bold episode of the Contested Ground Podcast, Phillip Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and leading real estate commentator Tom Panos unpack one of the most overlooked questions in Australia right now: how escalating conflict in the Middle East could reshape the nation's property market. From fuel prices, inflation and interest rates to rents, construction costs, investor confidence and housing supply, this is a serious attempt to connect global conflict with local property pain (or, maybe, opportunity). The conversation explores whether Australia's real estate market is resilient enough to withstand another major shock, what it means for home owners and investors, and why the consequences of war can hit far closer to home than many realise. This is not just a discussion about foreign affairs. This podcast episode is sharp, original and one of the first serious efforts to examine how geopolitics could directly shape the future of Australian housing. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

    41 мин.
  4. War without borders – the disinformation threat arriving in Australia

    23 МАР.

    War without borders – the disinformation threat arriving in Australia

    In this episode of the Contested Ground Podcast, host Phil Tarrant sits down with co-host Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson to unpack the second-order effects of the ongoing Middle East conflict – and what it could mean for Australia's security environment. The latest Contested Ground Podcast explores how the Middle East conflict could affect Australia, with a focus on cyber disinformation and proxy activity. Tarrant highlights that influence operations are most likely to arrive online rather than on our shores, while Thompson notes the growing role of AI-driven deepfakes, synthetic media, and coordinated social media campaigns in shaping public perception. Both hosts question Australia's preparedness to counter foreign interference, warning that disinformation could inflame social and political divisions. They also flag economic impacts, including rising fuel prices and supply chain pressures, as likely long-term effects. A central theme of the discussion was resilience. Australians need to critically assess the information they consume, recognising that modern conflict extends well beyond traditional battlefields and into the digital domain. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

    33 мин.
  5. The intersection of finance, organised crime, terrorism and foreign interference with Keith Bulfin

    19 МАР.

    The intersection of finance, organised crime, terrorism and foreign interference with Keith Bulfin

    In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with financial intelligence expert and author, Keith Bulfin as they unpack the intricacies of the global financial systems and the weaponisation of the institutions by organised crime, terrorist and state-backed networks. The pair discuss a range of subjects including the ramifications of lax regulation and enforcement, that has resulted in significant funding, resources and technology making its way to organised crime and rogue regimes, especially Iran. Mr Bulfin's experience working for the US Department of Justice and consulting with law enforcement and intelligence communities on the financial networks of organised crime organisations like the Mexican cartels and their overlap with terror organisations. The interconnected ecosystems linking organised criminal enterprises, paramilitary and terror groups through hubs in the Middle East, particularly via hubs in Iran, the UAE, Asia and Africa. The diverse areas of growth focus for these organisations as they seek to collaborate and circumvent traditional law and intelligence countermeasures to expand their operational impact and revenue streams. The challenges presented by the growing symbiotic relationship between traditionally isolated organisations, that now share common objectives and means for furthering their business, or political reach. The continuing flow of "black money" from nations like China and India, that continue to flow into Australia, exposing our economy to major vulnerabilities across areas like real estate, consumer goods and services. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground Team

    43 мин.
  6. The fragility of Australia's energy ecosystem, with AVM (Ret'd) John Blackburn AO

    17 МАР.

    The fragility of Australia's energy ecosystem, with AVM (Ret'd) John Blackburn AO

    In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast miniseries following the outbreak of the latest conflict in the Middle East, hosts Steve Kuper and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson are joined by Air Vice-Marshal (Ret'd) John Blackburn AO to discuss the implications of the Iran conflict on Australia's energy system. The trio begin by discussing the Australian government's rhetoric around the nation's liquid fuel supplies, its access to the global energy markets and the immediate ramifications of the ongoing throttling of oil flows out of the Middle East. As part of this, they unpack the state of Australia's liquid fuel stockpiles, the challenges governments face in moving to "calm" the Australian public and prevent a run on the nation's limited crude oil reserves. They also discuss the decline in the nation's refining capacity, our dependence on foreign refined fuel imports from south-east Asia and the implications for national security and resilience. Finally, they unpack the policy and regulatory challenges and opportunities that face Australia's policymakers and the immediate steps we can take to build national resilience. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

    51 мин.
  7. Australia faces fallout closer to home as Iran continues to fight back

    11 МАР.

    Australia faces fallout closer to home as Iran continues to fight back

    In this episode of the Contested Ground Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, and Steve Kuper discuss the immediate aftermath of the US–Israeli strikes against Iran and the ramifications for Australia. The trio lays the foundation for a mini-series of focused podcast conversations over the coming weeks to address the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on Australia and the Australian public. These topics will include engaging conversations with a range of experts across the following: The impact on social cohesion and the rise of foreign interference in Australia's diaspora communities. Australia's declining industrial sovereignty and the impact of contested, frayed and interrupted supply chains. The economic impacts of the conflict in the Middle East and Australia's cost-of-living crisis and the fuel security challenges Australia faces. The impact on Australia's key economic pillars and the connective tissue of logistic supply chains. Cyber security, disinformation and proxy activity in Australia. Migration and the challenges facing Australia's diaspora communities. Questions relating to Australia's geographic isolation and the psychology behind our "Tyranny of Distance" and the impact on Australia's security posture. Questions relating to what kind of "Middle Power" Australia wants to be. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

    33 мин.
  8. We're no longer in a BAU world, with Andrew Henderson, Agsecure

    25 ФЕВР.

    We're no longer in a BAU world, with Andrew Henderson, Agsecure

    In this episode of the Contested Ground Podcast, hosts Steve Kuper and Liam Garman speak with Agsecure's Andrew Henderson as they unpack the recently released US food security strategy. The trio unpack the details underpinning the pivot in American thinking resulting in the development of the food security strategy. They also discuss the key priorities and focus areas identified in the food security strategy, ranging from concerns around biosecurity, foreign ownership of agricultural land through to supply chain bottlenecks and constraints for key inputs. The trio also unpack the lessons for Australia as we begin our own national conversation about our food security and the challenges we face despite exporting 70 per cent of our annual agricultural produce. Enjoy the Podcast The Contested Ground team

    42 мин.
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Contested Ground exposes the complex and murky world of greyzone warfare, and how state and non-state actors vie for influence beneath the threshold of armed conflict. In our interconnected and globalised world, new opportunities have emerged for states to advance their interests within the global system. From cyber operations to disinformation campaigns, and from economic coercion to food security, join us as we navigate how state and non-state actors engage in this high-stakes game of power and influence. Get in touch, get your questions answered by our experts or share your stories. Contact hello@contestedground.com.au For daily news and analysis visit www.defenceconnect.com.au and www.cyberdaily.au

Информация

  • Автор
    Momentum Media
  • Годы выхода
    2024 - 2026
  • Выпуски
    55
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Авторские права
    © All rights reserved
  • Сайт подкаста
    Contested Ground

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