<b>Summary</b><br /><br />In this episode of Midrats, Sal and Mark discuss various aspects of national security, including military deployments, the influence of drug cartels, and the geopolitical dynamics in South America. They delve into the implications of China’s growing presence in the Western Hemisphere and the challenges posed by information warfare. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations surrounding military orders and reflects on the representation of military experiences in media, particularly in relation to the Vietnam War.<br /><br /><b>Show Links</b><ul><li><a href="https://amzn.to/4o9mNrb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Last 600 Meters</a></li><li><a href="https://x.com/RepGoodlander/status/1992420904010489958" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Does Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D NH) really have your back?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2025/11/north-korean-workers-to-make-russian-drones-ukrainian-intel-says.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NORK labor to Russia to build drones</a></li><li><a href="https://khabarasia.com/opinion/20250717-nauru-president-explores-heritage-strengthens-china-ties-in-guangdong-visit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nauru President visits PRC</a></li><li><a href="https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/november/corbett-china-and-counterintelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Corbett, China, and Counterintelligence</a></li><li><a href="https://news.usni.org/2025/11/18/new-navy-unmanned-aqusition-office-could-oversee-up-to-66-programs-consolidate-6-peos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Navy’s new unmanned acquisition office</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/the-pentagon-cant-trust-gps-anymore-is-quantum-physics-the-answer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tactical quantum</a></li><li><a href="https://smallwarsjournal.com/2025/11/20/future-war-will-be-fought-with-sticks-and-stones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Small Wars Journal on the Future Fight</a></li></ul><b>Chapters</b><br /><br />00:00: Welcome and Thanksgiving Reflections<br />02:11: Military Deployments and National Security<br />04:41: Venezuela and Drug Cartels<br />10:47: South America: Political Dynamics and Security<br />12:54: China’s Influence in the Western Hemisphere<br />20:31: Information Warfare and Disinformation<br />25:59: China’s Global Relationships and Military Strategy<br />30:03: The Role of Smaller Nations in Global Security<br />35:05: Technological Challenges in Modern Warfare<br />48:25: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Military Orders<br />01:00:34: Reflections on Vietnam and Military Representation<a href="https://www.spreaker.com/cms/shows/3270000/%25%25half_magic_comments_url%25%25" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>