The Duran Podcast

Patrick and Alexander dive deep into the complexities of hybrid warfare in Ukraine. They discuss the assassination of a Russian general and the escalation of dirty war tactics like sabotage and cyber operations. British MI6's historical analogies stir curiosity about future Western actions. The duo reflects on corruption within Ukrainian leadership, with Yermak's influence remaining despite scandals. As officials reportedly seek exit strategies, they analyze battlefield developments that threaten key areas, putting pressure on Ukraine's leaders.

The discussion dives into Starmer's ambition to reverse Brexit and pull the UK closer to the EU. The impact on UK farmers due to rising costs and new EU standards is highlighted, alongside the struggles faced by fishing communities. Polling challenges for Labour and Starmer's focus on foreign policy emerge as key themes. The hosts critique the media's tendency to blame Brexit for economic woes while noting globalist influences in UK politics. The episode ends with concerns over national security and the future of EU-UK relations.

The podcast dives into Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland and his appointment of an envoy for national security reasons. It explores the U.S. strategy to bring Greenland under its control and the implications for Denmark and the EU. The discussion highlights the weakness of the EU against the great powers—U.S., Russia, and China. Greenland is framed as a potential quick win for Trump, significantly affecting Arctic presence and regional dynamics. They also assess international reactions, especially from NATO and Russia.

The hosts dissect the escalating tensions around US seizures of tankers, questioning the involvement of European states like France. They delve into the risks of targeting non-sanctioned vessels and the repercussions it could have on international relations, especially with China. Discussions on Russia's countermeasures and potential military responses highlight the growing stakes. The podcast raises alarms about global trade disruption and the dangerous implications of reckless escalations leading to potential naval clashes.

Angelo Giuliano, an independent journalist based in Caracas, and Patrick Lancaster, who reports from the Colombia-Venezuela border, dive into the geopolitical tensions shaping the region. They discuss the eerie calm in Caracas amid economic struggles and highlight the opposition's presence in affluent areas. Patrick shares insights into border tensions and the ELN's influence, while Angelo challenges drug-trafficking narratives. Both journalists emphasize the role of foreign powers like Cuba and Russia, warning of the broader implications of U.S. actions in the region.

Tensions in the EU rise as Macron reportedly blocks Merz's plan to seize Russian frozen assets. The discussion delves into rival claims among German politicians and the political fallout for Merz, highlighting his failures compared to Merkel's leadership style. Meanwhile, concerns about a proposed €90 billion loan for Ukraine surface, with risks of high interest and scrutiny from the Bundestag. The hosts also explore Macron's ambition to take on a peacemaking role, the shifting alliances in Europe, and calls for a course correction within the CDU.

The hosts dive into the intriguing topic of the Venezuela blockade and its legal ramifications. They discuss a predicted sea blockade and the shift from strikes to naval actions. The legality of seizing tankers is scrutinized, raising questions about acts of war. There's a notable narrative change from drug smuggling to asset recovery. The impacts on Cuba and Russia's involvement are explored, along with historical parallels to the Suez Crisis. A cautionary analogy suggests that sanctions could escalate into military conflict.

In this discussion, geopolitical analyst Alexander Mercouris dives deep into the implications of NATO's future military posture and Russia's strategic responses. He explores how NATO's rhetoric may escalate tensions and examines Russia's commitment to its military objectives. Mercouris highlights the critical military reforms in Russia, analyzes the balance of power shifting in Europe, and warns against the risks of potential conflict if the U.S. intervenes. His insights on Russia's strategic systems serve as a stark reminder of the stakes involved.

Joining the discussion are John Mearsheimer, an acclaimed international relations scholar known for his critiques of Western policies, and Alexander Mercouris, a keen political analyst of Russian and European affairs. They dive into the failures of Western diplomacy in Ukraine, highlighting the lack of reliable negotiation tactics and the deep divisions between conflicting parties. Mearsheimer argues that NATO expansion poses an existential threat to Russia, while Mercouris points out the declining credibility of European strategy amidst escalating tensions. The panel warns that current actions may lead to a prolonged conflict and an increasingly hostile global landscape.

The discussion dives into the EU's urgent need to support Ukraine amid looming financial collapse. Two main funding plans emerge: a controversial frozen-assets loan and collective eurobonds. Legal and political challenges arise as divisions among EU states are explored. The hosts compare current funding efforts to past bailouts of Greece and Cyprus, highlighting transparency issues. They warn of systemic risks that could trigger a wider financial crisis, questioning why EU leaders continue risky funding amid known dangers.