The Brendan O'Neill Show Iran, Venezuela and the new age of instability, with Frank Furedi
Jan 16, 2026
Frank Furedi, a sociologist and author known for his insights on populism and geopolitics, dives into the chaos of global instability. He discusses the unraveling of the US-led world order and critiques the 'Don-roe' doctrine's influence in Latin America. Furedi also highlights the sovereignty issues raised by US interventions, the implications of Iran's protests, and the shifting dynamics in the Middle East. He calls for a return to national interests, arguing that clarity in geopolitical strategy is essential for stability.
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No Stable Global Balance Of Power
- We live in a world without an established, stable balance of power, so states are repositioning themselves unpredictably.
- Western leaders are geopolitically illiterate and often make up policy as they go, worsening instability.
Venezuela As A Short-Term Statement
- The Venezuela operation was a technically impressive, low-risk intervention chosen as a foreign-policy statement by Washington.
- It risks unleashing messy long-term consequences similar to Libya and Syria because there's no clear long-term plan.
Playing Catch-Up With China In Latin America
- The Trumpified Monroe-like posture is different because Latin America today hosts multiple external influences, notably China.
- Washington's moves in the region aim to play catch-up with China's growing ties rather than revive the old Monroe Doctrine.