The West’s new hybrid war front.

Sam Cooper of Bureau News in conversation with political columnist Brian Lilley.

In Brief by Probe International

This must-see, fast-moving and eye-popping exchange between Cooper and Lilley examines the geopolitical implications of recent events in Venezuela, particularly the removal of President Nicolás Maduro, which they assert is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to counteract foreign influence from China and Russia in the Western Hemisphere.

They look at how both nations have been expanding their presence in Latin America, with China involved in infrastructure projects and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, and its deadly impact on North America. The Maduro regime, a narco-state, poses a significant threat, not only through drug trafficking but also by serving as a proxy for China and Russia. Cooper and Lilley assert the U.S. government’s actions, including the extraction of Maduro, are necessary for national security and reflect a shift towards hard power in international relations.

The conversation shifts to the activities of “ghost ships” that evade sanctions and engage in sabotage, such as a recent incident where a Russian ship was accused of damaging undersea telecom cables in Finland. Such actions indicate a Cold War-like environment, with Russia and China actively undermining Western interests. Cooper and Lilley also discuss Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland, suggesting that while he may not seek a hostile takeover, he aims to establish military control over the region to counter Russian and Chinese influence.

Concerns over influence extend to the infiltration of various foreign actors, including Cuban and Iranian operatives, into Canada, and the influence of disinformation campaigns on public perception regarding these geopolitical issues. Both Cooper and Lilley stress the average citizen may not fully grasp the extent of these threats, as mainstream media regularly fails to report on the underlying dynamics at play.

The video of this discussion is available at The Bureau’s website here.