In this episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken explores the growing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, and what they reveal about the risks of military alliances. As conflict escalates in the Middle East, Julie asks a difficult question: what happens to smaller countries that host military bases or align themselves closely with global powers?

Drawing on recent events in the Gulf states, she explains how countries that host U.S. military facilities can quickly become targets during conflict — even when they were not consulted about the decision to go to war.

This raises serious questions for Australia.

Through the AUKUS agreement, Australia is committing $368 billion in defence spending and allowing expanded U.S. military presence on Australian soil. But does this arrangement actually make Australia safer, or could it place the country on the front line of conflicts that are not our own?

At a moment of rising global tension, this episode calls for public scrutiny, democratic debate, and greater transparency about one of the largest defence decisions in Australian history.