Contested Ground

In this episode of the Contested Ground Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, and Steve Kuper discuss the Australian government's legislative efforts to combat anti-Semitism, hatred, and violent extremism in Australia.
The trio unpack the legislative proposal and political considerations that have shaped the Albanese government's Combating Anti-Semitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026, developed in the aftermath of the terrorist shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney, which resulted in at least 15 deaths and over 40 injuries on 14 December 2025.
The trio also discuss the fine line between balancing national security, freedom, protesting and religious liberties as a democracy and the different requests identified by the opposition, Greens and other minor parties ahead of the debate.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground 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 solemn 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 Bondi Beach terror attack.
The trio discuss the terrorist shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney, which resulted in at least 15 deaths and over 40 injuries. They also tackle the implications of the targeted anti-Semitic attack on Australia's intelligence and law enforcement community.
The conversation then shifts to the beginning of the broader national conversations that will now be taking place in Canberra and capital cities around the nation, as the nation and Sydney grieve the loss of national innocence.
We would also like to pass on our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the tragic events yesterday.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson are joined by special guest Dr Ross Babbage, chief executive officer of Strategic Forum and Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments in Washington DC.
Together, the trio dive into Australia's rapidly shifting strategic landscape, the pressures shaping the US–Australia relationship, and the risks emerging across the Indo-Pacific as 2026 approaches.
The team also tackles the return of a Trump administration in the US government amid rising uncertainty surrounding the People's Republic of China's internal trajectory.
A central theme of the discussion is Australia's struggle to prioritise national security in line with allied expectations.
The conversation then shifts to the composition of Australia's political leadership and its effect on national preparedness.
Finally, the podcast ends with a discussion on military deterrence and insight into needed improvements in national resilience, industrial mobilisation and defence capability in Australia.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and new co-host, Steve Kuper, detail the intricacies of the proposed Russia–Ukraine peace deal announced by US President Donald Trump.
The trio also unpack three emerging security issues: a proposed Russia–Ukraine peace deal, heightened Chinese activity in the northern Pacific, and suspected Russian sabotage operations in Europe.
The peace proposal centres on a 30-day ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and Ukraine conceding or freezing control of occupied territories. Ukraine would permanently renounce NATO membership, cap its military at around 600,000 personnel, and restrict long-range weapons. In return, the US and its partners would offer conditional security guarantees and gradually lift sanctions, with up to US$100 billion in frozen Russian assets used for reconstruction.
Chinese maritime activity has intensified, with five survey vessels operating in the north-west Pacific during major US-led exercises. Pacific analysts warn this undersea mapping may support future conflict planning.
In the UK, authorities are investigating whether Russia planted an incendiary parcel that ignited in a DHL warehouse, potentially linked to a similar case in Germany, part of a suspected GRU "mayhem" hybrid campaign.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team