Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps cover image

Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

“Chinese War Games” with Sam Roggeveen

Feb 27, 2025
Sam Roggeveen, a former intelligence officer and an expert in foreign policy at the Lowy Institute, dives into the nuances of middle power struggles against superpowers like China. He reveals insights into Australia's defense strategies amid recent Chinese naval exercises and discusses the complexities of the AUKUS pact. They explore how smaller nations can navigate economic coercion, the broader implications of China’s military assertiveness, and the importance of strengthening regional alliances in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
01:44:17

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Medium-sized countries like Australia face significant challenges in asserting sovereignty against bullying superpowers such as China and the U.S.
  • Recent Chinese naval maneuvers off Australia raise serious concerns about regional security and the implications of such military provocations.

Deep dives

Escalation in Geopolitical Tensions

The podcast discusses the challenges faced by medium-sized countries when confronted by powerful nations that exercise bullying tactics. This scenario is exemplified through the dynamics between Australia and China, and Canada and the United States. The speaker illustrates how smaller nations may feel the need to push back against aggression, knowing that the larger power has the upper hand, leading to an escalating cycle of retaliation. As tensions rise, the question becomes how these countries can assert their sovereignty without inviting further aggression.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode