Summary

In this episode of Midrats, Sal and Mark discuss various aspects of national security, including military deployments, the influence of drug cartels, and the geopolitical dynamics in South America. They delve into the implications of China’s growing presence in the Western Hemisphere and the challenges posed by information warfare. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations surrounding military orders and reflects on the representation of military experiences in media, particularly in relation to the Vietnam War.

Show Links

• The Last 600 Meters
• Does Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D NH) really have your back?
• NORK labor to Russia to build drones
• Nauru President visits PRC
• Corbett, China, and Counterintelligence
• The Navy’s new unmanned acquisition office
• Tactical quantum
• Small Wars Journal on the Future Fight

Chapters

00:00: Welcome and Thanksgiving Reflections
02:11: Military Deployments and National Security
04:41: Venezuela and Drug Cartels
10:47: South America: Political Dynamics and Security
12:54: China’s Influence in the Western Hemisphere
20:31: Information Warfare and Disinformation
25:59: China’s Global Relationships and Military Strategy
30:03: The Role of Smaller Nations in Global Security
35:05: Technological Challenges in Modern Warfare
48:25: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Military Orders
01:00:34: Reflections on Vietnam and Military Representation