In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by Salvatore R Mercogliano PhD, Campbell University professor of history in North Carolina and What's Going on With Shipping host, as they discuss US operations in Venezuela, the capture of leader Nicolás Maduro and international maritime implications for "dark fleet" shipping.

Mercogliano, a former merchant mariner, holds degrees in military and naval history, maritime history and nautical archaeology, and marine transportation. He previously authored the 2017 book Fourth arm of defense: Sealift and maritime logistics in the Vietnam War.

The pair discuss a range of topics, including:

• An overview of "dark fleet" or "shadow ships" operating outside the rule of law to avoid international sanctions.
• Implications on global shipping following US operations and the capture of commercial shipping vessels near Venezuela.
• Historical precedent for the capture of "dark fleet" ships as well as the flight of oil tankers and commercial maritime vessels from Venezuela after US military operations.
• "Dark fleet" ships operating in other regions, such as the Indo-Pacific, where trade abuses and maritime smuggling activities have previously been linked to North Korea and other actors.
• Advances being made in military technology mounted on commercial shipping, such as containerised missile systems, containerised drone systems and close-in support weapon systems.
• The value of these systems in a wartime or blockade settings, with emphasis on the possible invasion of Taiwan by the People's Liberation Army Navy in the South China Sea.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, co-host Steve Kuper and returning co-host Liam Garman unpack the fallout of the American special forces raid in Venezuela.

The pair also discuss the broader global ramifications emerging as a result of the American direct action in Latin America, including:

• The real motivations behind America's raid and why simple claims of regime change or pursuit of oil may not be as clear-cut as some would have us believe.
• Ongoing concerns about security and stability in the Middle East following revelations of significant strategic military deployments from the US to Europe and the region.
• The sociopolitical challenges facing Australia and allied nations as protests unfold in cities across the world, with political discourse shifting from the Middle East to Venezuela and claims of American imperialism.
• The ramifications of fraying, sectarian political debates and echo chambers that undermine social cohesion and national stability.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by former commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral (Ret'd) Phil Davidson, as they discuss the allied efforts to confront a contested Indo-Pacific.

As part of this special conversation, the pair discuss a range of subjects, including:

• The shifting power dynamics emerging across the region and the implications associated with the return of great-power competition.
• Building and enhancing avenues for interoperability and interchangeability across regional allies in order to build collective deterrence.
• The importance of building a robust, adaptable and resilient allied integrated air and missile defence network across the region to help underpin regional security.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Spotlight team