Episode 431 - Cameron Leckie

The Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove

Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove Podcast Ep. 431: A Conversation with Cameron Leckie on Australia's Defence and Foreign Policy

In this special episode of the Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove podcast, Trevor, also known as the Iron Fist, converses with Cameron Leckie, a retired army officer and prolific writer. The discussion spans Cameron's military background, his evolving perspective on military service, and his critical views on Australia's defence decisions and foreign policy, particularly concerning the US alliance and the AUKUS agreement. Cameron shares insights into the broader implications of these policies, reflecting on historical patterns of imperial decline and the motivations behind Australia's strategic choices. The conversation also touches on the influence of mainstream media narratives and the importance of independent media in shaping public opinion on these critical issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove

00:52 Meet Cameron Leckie: Background and Military Career

04:19 Reflections on Military Service and Changing Perspectives

08:57 Questioning Defense Policies and the US Alliance

16:05 The Submarine Debacle and AUKUS Agreement

20:21 Australia's Role in Global Politics and Future Concerns

32:02 Rising Distrust and Fear of China

32:54 Australia's Naval Capacity and Military Concerns

34:21 China's Non-Conflict Approach

37:18 Media Propaganda and Political Influence

39:41 Independent Media and Public Awareness

42:03 Personal Experiences and Shifts in Perspective

53:04 Global Power Dynamics and Future Predictions

56:32 The Decline of the US Dollar and Its Implications

59:32 Managed Decline of the US and Australia's Position

01:02:13 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

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