Dictators v Democrats: Why We Fight
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Democracy is at war. We can see the forces rallied against it: autocratic states like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, techno-aristocrats, religious fundamentalists and populist demagogues.
From the trenches of Ukraine to the halls of power in the US, democratic, free values are under determined assault.
But, there are those who resist.
In 'Why We Fight' we talk to those who claim to be defending democracy; that's everyone from soldiers, protestors, activists, religious leaders, industrialists and politicians.
We find out who they are, what drove them to take up the struggle, what their work is and why their idea of democracy is worth fighting for.
Dictators v Democrats: Why We Fight
Cdr Lance McMillan - The Navy and the News
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In this episode of Dictators v Democrats: Why We Fight, We are joined by Commander (Ret.) Lance McMillan, a former US Navy officer with more than 25 years of service and a regular contributor to independent US media on defence, security and global affairs.
Lance reflects on growing up across multiple countries during the Cold War, witnessing stark inequalities and contrasting political systems, and how those experiences shaped his instincts about power, authority and the role of the state. He discusses his father’s career in US intelligence, the realities of that world behind the myths, and how proximity to diplomacy and espionage influenced his worldview.
The conversation explores Ukraine’s theory of victory, the limits of military power, and why war termination theory suggests that negotiated settlements rarely emerge before true war-weariness sets in. Lance offers a frank assessment of Russia’s maximalist objectives, Ukraine’s strategic dilemma, and the security risks inherent in territorial compromise.
Attention then turns to the United States itself. Lance outlines his concerns about democratic backsliding, the erosion of institutional norms, and the growing influence of oligarchic and ideological power blocs. He examines voter suppression, political polarisation, and why trust in American democracy is weakening both at home and abroad.
The episode also looks at the transatlantic relationship, Europe’s move towards defence autonomy, and how democratic allies respond when US leadership becomes unpredictable. From Ukraine to Washington to Venezuela, this is a wide-ranging conversation about power, democracy and what happens when political systems begin to hollow themselves out.