In this explosive episode of the Dumbrill Podcast, geopolitical expert Ben Norton (Geopolitical Economy Report) breaks down the US bombing of Venezuela on Jan 3, 2026, and the brazen kidnapping of President Maduro.

From resource grabs and debunking the "drug war" myth to Trump's fake anti-war facade, regional domino effects, and the push toward multipolarity—we expose the raw imperialism reviving the Monroe Doctrine as the "Donroe" era.

Is this accelerating America's decline? Don't miss this eye-opening convo!

Follow Ben Norton on his channel  @GeopoliticalEconomyReport 

Chapters:

Preview

0:00 - Intro

2:13 - Key Reasons for the US Actions

6:36 - Evidence for Resource Control as a Driver

12:42 - Debunking the Drug Narrative

25:38 - Broader Implications for Latin America

33:29 - Trump's Anti-War "Shift"

39:02 - Short-Term Pain for Multipolar Gain?

49:38 - Why the Operation Seemed Easy

55:53 - Maria Corina Machado's Role

1:05:29 - China & Russia an Unreliable Partner?

1:24:27 - Hypocrisy in Ukrain Venezuela Comparisons?

1:31:54 - Next Steps for Venezuela

1:32:00 - Escaping the "Donroe Doctrine"

1:36:54 - Latin American Unity as Defense

1:44:51 Outro & Thanks

In a rapidly shifting global landscape, the unipolar era dominated by the West is crumbling, giving way to a multipolar world where China's economic and technological "gravity" pulls nations—especially in the Global South—into its orbit. But where does this leave Europe, trapped in outdated alliances and self-sabotaging policies?

Join us as we dive deep into Arnaud Bertrand's groundbreaking essay, "China’s Gravitational Centrality: The Logic of Success in a Multipolar World," published in Horizons magazine's Autumn 2025 issue. This piece masterfully unpacks how structural forces like geography, demographics, and raw economic mass trump rhetoric and ideology, drawing on historical insights from Jesuit missionaries to modern examples like ASEAN's pragmatism, the SCO's vast influence, and Argentina's President Javier Milei's ideological flip for practical gains.

After a reading of the article, Arnaud himself joins the conversation to expand on these ideas. We explore fresh updates, like the Nexperia debacle—where the Dutch reversed their US-mandated seizure after a Sino-American deal left Europe "holding the bag." Discover why China's "reality-first" soft power—rooted in ancient philosophy and actions over words—outshines Western narratives, and how events like the US "mask off" moment in Gaza are accelerating the shift. Arnaud shares bold advice for Europe to reclaim sovereignty, critiques the revived Monroe Doctrine in the latest US National Security Strategy, and forecasts multipolarity's evolution by 2030.

This eye-opening discussion reveals why the world is tilting eastward, how propaganda backfires, and what a systemic, yin-yang approach means for global power dynamics. If you're fascinated by geopolitics, China's renaissance, or the West's decline, this is essential viewing.

Subscribe to this channel for more videos like these.

Subscribe to Arnaud's Substack here: https://arnaudbertrand.substack.com/

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: The Tilt Toward China

1:40 - Article Reading: China's Gravitational Centrality

27:12 - Interview Begins: Nexperia Update & Europe's Trap

30:54 - Western Dominance and Soft Power

34:49 - How Western Propaganda Backfired

39:59 - US "Mask Off" Moment and Global South Shift

43:48 - China's Systemic Model: Yin-Yang in Geopolitics

49:49 - Advice for Europe and US Strategy Implications

Join us as Daniel Dumbrill and Ben Norton walk through the art district of Chongqing & dive into the fascinating shift of TikTok users to the Chinese social media platform, XiaoHongShu (Little Red Book/RedNote), amidst the backdrop of the upcoming TikTok ban in the US.

This video explores:

• The Irony of US Censorship: How the US government's attempt to censor TikTok has led to unexpected cultural exchanges on XiaoHongShu.

• Cultural Exploration: The eye-opening experiences of non-political users encountering real-life aspects of China, debunking myths like the social credit score and highlighting the affordability of living in China.

• Digital Sovereignty: Discussing China's approach to controlling its digital space in contrast to the US's influence over global social media platforms.

• Personal Insights: With Daniel's 16 years and Ben's 1.5 years in China, hear firsthand what life is like in cities like Chongqing, discussing safety, infrastructure, and the vibrant cultural tapestry of China.

• Implications for the Future: What this migration might mean for future international relations, digital platforms, and global perceptions of China.

• Geopolitical Context: Analysis of how these digital trends are symptoms of broader geopolitical tensions between the US and China.

Whether you're curious about the latest in social media dynamics, interested in cultural insights into China, or just looking to understand the implications of digital sovereignty, this video offers a unique perspective on a rapidly evolving situation.

Today we discuss an urgent update on the Dan Duggan case. In this video, we're joined once again by Robbie Barwick from the Australian Citizens Party to delve into the complexities surrounding the extradition of Dan Duggan to the United States and the implications it has for all Australians.

What You'll Learn:

Who is Dan Duggan? - A brief introduction to Dan Duggan, a former US Navy Top Gun pilot who became an Australian citizen, now facing extradition over activities conducted in South Africa in 2011-2012.

The Charges: Explore the nature of the allegations against Duggan, which involve training Chinese pilots, and the political backdrop that has escalated these events into an international issue.

Legal and Political Intricacies: Discuss the dual criminality principle, the controversial extradition treaty between Australia and the US, how these legal frameworks are being applied (or misapplied) in Duggan's case and why you should care.

Human Impact: Hear about the devastating personal toll on Duggan's Australian family, including the emotional and financial struggles they are facing.

Public Reaction and Action: Insights on the public's response, the role of media, and what Australian citizens can do to support Duggan, including fundraising and lobbying efforts.

Key Points:

• The secretive nature of the indictment and the timing of the extradition approval during the holiday season.

• The geopolitical implications of the case amidst rising tensions with China.

• The critique of Australia's legal and political subservience to US demands.

Call to Action:

Support Dan Duggan by contributing to his legal fund. Check the links below for more information on how to help.

Contact your local representatives and the Australian Attorney General to voice your concerns about this case and the need for legal reform in extradition laws.

Links:

Donation Link for Dan Duggan's Legal Fund: https://freedanduggan.org/

Australia's Attorney General's contradiction on trusting America's legal system: https://citizensparty.org.au/media-releases/how-can-mark-dreyfus-have-confidence-us-justice-system-when-joe-biden-doesnt-free

Subscribe for more updates on this case and other critical issues and global geopolitics.

Thank you for watching, and please share this video to spread awareness about Dan Duggan's situation.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ben Norton, the founder and editor-in-chief of Geopolitical Economy Report, as we delve into the complexities of the Syrian crisis, understanding its evolution, the players involved, and the repercussions that have shaped the region. Here's what you'll learn:

Historical Context: We explore how the Syrian conflict evolved from its beginnings, involving key international actors like Russia, the US, and Turkey, and how it fits into broader geopolitical strategies, including the infamous list of seven countries to be destabilized post-9/11.

The Role of External Powers: Norton explains the involvement of the US, Israel, and Turkey, highlighting motives ranging from countering Iranian influence to securing strategic geopolitical advantages. The discussion includes the controversial arming of so-called "moderate rebels" by the CIA and the paradoxical relationship between Israel and Al-Qaeda affiliates.

Economic and Humanitarian Impact: The conversation sheds light on how economic sanctions have crippled Syria, leading to hyperinflation, poverty, and massive refugee crises. The strategic use of these sanctions as a weapon of war is critically examined.

Internal Dynamics: We discuss the internal corruption, exacerbated by economic warfare, the military's morale issues due to low pay, and the role of corruption in the government's fall.

Current and Future Implications: Norton provides insights into the current situation with HTS (formerly Al-Qaeda affiliate) taking control, what this means for Syrian citizens, and the potential future scenarios including continued instability or shifts in regional power dynamics.

Global Awakening: The discussion touches on the broader geopolitical awakening, particularly among younger generations worldwide, due to conflicts like this and the actions of Western powers.

Palestinian Resistance: We analyze how the fall of Assad could impact Palestinian resistance, given Syria's role in the "axis of resistance" against Israeli occupation.

Refugee Crisis: An essential part of the talk focuses on the massive refugee displacement caused by the war, affecting not just Syria but global politics, including the rise of far-right movements in Europe scapegoating migrants.

Time Stamps:

Introduction: 0:00

Conflict Overview & Involved Players: 0:20

Has HTS Outlived it's Usefulness? Are they Next?: 14:08

What Drives HTS' Friendship With Israel?: 19:42

Involved Players Recap & Turkey's Goals: 25:31

Why American Foreign Policy Favours Israel: 37:14

Trump's Syrian Oil Comment: 38:15

Rebels from China & China's Lack of Intervention: 39:06

China's non-Interventionism: 42:42

Uyghur Rebels & Risks For The West: 43:20

Russia's Motives: 47:30

What was the Final Straw that Broke the Camel's Back?: 51:42

Falling Out of Favour with the West & Syrian Government Corruption?: 57:52

Syrian's Dancing in Streets After Assad's Fall: 1:07:44

Short-Sighted Anti-Imperialists Celebrating Assad's Fall: 1:12:46

What Happens to Syrians After The Camera's Turn Off?: 1:19:07

Implications to Palestinian Resistance: 1:21:19

Is Resistance Futile for Countries Earmarked for Destruction?: 1:27:12

Refugee Crisis and its Irony: 1:33:33

Follow Ben Norton @GeopoliticalEconomyReport on Youtube.

Join me, Daniel Dumbrill, as I sit down with Willem, a remarkable young American in his early 20s who has embarked on an unconventional quest for truth. Disenchanted by the political climate in America, he made the bold move to China, seeking a new perspective on life, politics, and global dynamics. We will discuss:

His Reasons for Leaving: Explore what drove him to leave the land of the free for a country often painted with a broad brush in Western media.

Beyond the Political Binary: Delve into his unique political philosophy, where he transcends the traditional left-right dichotomy and offers insights that challenge conventional American political thought.

Reflections on Trump's Victory: Hear his reactions to recent U.S. political events, including the re-election of Donald Trump.

A Conversation of Perspectives: Not only does he share his story, but we also engage in a mutual exchange of ideas and compare our political journey.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone feeling disillusioned with current political systems or who want to find out about people taking the jump and leaving the West in search of perspective.

It's particularly compelling for those who might have underestimated the political acumen and awareness of the younger generation. Whether you're looking for a fresh perspective on global politics or interested in understanding why some young Americans feel the need to look beyond their borders for answers, this episode offers a deep dive into the mind of someone who's not afraid to question the status quo.

Watch, listen, and perhaps, like me, you'll feel you're witnessing the rise of a new kind of influencer or activist in a phase of discovery, one who sees the world with eyes unclouded by partisan lenses.

Today Robert Barwick (Research Director Australian Citizens Party) and I discuss surprising new details on how Daniel Duggan was set up by the US Security Services and ASIO. Dan is an Australian citizen who has been locked up in solitary confinement for over 18 months while the US tries to extradite him, despite his case not meeting the basic requirements under Australian Law. Under the request of the US government, Australia has also prohibited his wife from selling their property to fund his defence. New details have emerged that have made the US' case against Dan even more absurd. When wrapped up in the context of what's happened to other Australians, like Journalist Julian Assange and Whistleblower David McBride, Australia is on a troubling downward spiral.

Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/FagDmN3IHBg

You can follow Robert/The Citizens Party on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@CitizensPartyAU and on X @RobbieBarwick

You can support Dan Duggan here: https://chuffed.org/project/109154-dan-duggan-extradition-legal-fund

Watch the 60 Minutes episode on Dan Duggan here: https://youtu.be/YTi7Lw6wTXU

I discuss the real reasons for the the attempted TikTok ban and the implications associated with taking the national security concern narrative at face value.

Clip mentioned in this video on TikTok algorithms: https://twitter.com/al__karita/status/1768705500156166325

Video version of this podcast: https://youtu.be/xMOLR1QAo_w

Join us for a discussion with Tings Chak and Marco Fernandes from Dongsheng News & Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. We will discuss some of the most interesting China headlines from the past week.

Video of episode: https://youtu.be/8huzsQeNBdk

Dongsheng News YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/dongshengnews

Dongsheng News Website: https://dongshengnews.org/

Dongsheng Africa Weekly: https://mailchi.mp/dongshengnews/africa-weekly-no-3-eng

Dongsheng's Twitter: @DongshengNews

In today's episode I discuss WallStreetBets, GameStop, Politics, Economics, The Wealth Gap, War & More with an ex-SEC Lawyer and current Finance Professional & Podcaster who goes by the Twitter name (Formosa Sheng) @Mont_Jiang whose podcast can be found here: 

https://planamag.com/podcasts/