Iran, Ukraine and the limits of American power: geopolitical update part 1

Iran, Ukraine and the limits of American power: geopolitical update part 1

Author: ANU National Security College September 17, 2026 Duration: 30:27

How much strategic bandwidth does the United States have as it manages the Iran war, Ukraine and its wider global commitments?

How are conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East changing the nature and cost of modern warfare?

What does China’s growing military power and activity in the Indo-Pacific mean for Australian security?

 

In this episode, Sharryn Parker is joined by Charles Edel, Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva and Euan Graham to discuss the wars in Iran and Ukraine – and what they are revealing about the United States’ capacity, weapons stockpiles, and the changing character of warfare.

 

Dr Charles Edel is Senior Adviser and Australia Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and an expert on statecraft and great power competition.

Dr Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva is a Lecturer at the ANU National Security College (NSC) and an expert on Central Asia and the positioning of the Global South in world power.

Dr Euan Graham is an Expert Associate at NSC whose research spans military strategy and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

Sharryn Parker is Senior Policy Advisor at NSC, on secondment from the Department of Defence.

 

TRANSCRIPT

 

Show notes:


 

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Produced by the ANU National Security College, The National Security Podcast offers a deep and nuanced examination of the forces shaping regional and global stability. This isn't just a surface-level news recap; it's a forum for serious, informed discussion grounded in academic rigor and policy expertise. Each episode features conversations with leading thinkers, practitioners, and analysts who unpack the complex security landscape, from geopolitical shifts and economic coercion to cyber threats and climate-related risks. The focus is consistently on the pressing challenges and strategic choices confronting Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Listeners will gain access to a range of perspectives that cut through the noise, providing clarity on how today's decisions shape tomorrow's security environment. By engaging with this podcast, you join a conversation that is both timely and essential, one that connects theoretical understanding with the practical realities of government and international affairs. The dialogue here is built on evidence and experience, offering listeners a trusted source to better comprehend the intricate dynamics of power, diplomacy, and defense. It's an ongoing exploration of what security means in a rapidly changing world, delivered through thoughtful, long-form discussions that prioritize depth and insight.
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