CONTESTED GROUND: AUKUS, Middle East tensions, and Australia’s strategic future

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson explore Australia’s readiness to meet its military needs and examine the country’s role amid a rapidly changing global landscape.

They kick things off with a discussion on Commonwealth funding, before exploring the AUKUS agreement and whether its long-term success is at risk, especially in the context of political volatility in the US.

Turning their attention to the Middle East, they unpack recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Israel’s evolving strategy, and what it all means for Western unity.

The episode wraps up with a reflection on Australia’s waning strategic influence and how generational change in Washington could challenge the long-standing Australia–US alliance.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team