The Morning Edition

Episode: Trump's 'need for violence'. And have we joined the war on Iran?

Host: Samantha Selinger-Morris

Guest: Peter Harcher (International and Political Editor)

Date: March 11, 2026

Overview

This episode investigates the motivations behind Donald Trump’s recent instigation and planning of multiple international conflicts—namely, in Iran, Cuba, and previously Venezuela—and whether Australia has effectively joined the war against Iran. Host Samantha Selinger-Morris is joined by Peter Harcher, who unpacks the theory that Trump’s leadership is uniquely defined by a need for violence—both as spectacle and as a political tool. The discussion covers the impacts for Australia, especially in light of the government’s military support for the UAE in the Iran conflict.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump’s Apparent Appetite for Violence and Global Instability

• Constant Crisis Creation

  • Peter Harcher argues Trump has a pattern of generating crises to keep global focus squarely on himself and maintain political dominance.
  • This is not just about spectacle, but about hopping from one international drama to the next, distracting from unfinished business in current crises.
  • “He just wants a constant procession of war, of dramas to generate attention and to keep the initiative politically and to dominate.” — Peter Harcher [05:46]

• Political and Personal Motivations

  • Political historian Matt Dallek’s theory: Trump’s need for violence stems from a “pathological need to use violence” for dominance, entertainment, and maintaining the spotlight.
  • Trump’s approach is both a tactical distraction and a method of consolidating control.

2. Ongoing Campaigns: Iran, Cuba, Venezuela

• Escalation and Overlap

  • Trump has spoken about regime change in Cuba while war in Iran is ongoing, reflecting an unusual haste and overlapping military ambitions.
  • “What's the rush? You're doing one big operation and you haven't even finished it and you're talking about the next.” — Peter Harcher [02:43]

• The Shield of the Americas Initiative

  • Trump announced the Shield of the Americas, an American-led military operation aimed at eradicating cartels—potentially via US troop intervention in Latin American countries, even against their will [03:13].

3. The White House UFC “Cage Match” — Spectacle as Policy

• Violence as National Celebration

  • Trump’s plan to host a UFC fight at the White House for the 250th anniversary of US independence—on his own birthday—highlights a merging of political power, personal branding, and violent spectacle.
  • “It's going to be a series of six UFC fights… stadium style seating on the South Lawn of the White House with explosions of music and riots of Kama and the whole spectacle of UFC.” — Peter Harcher [07:55]

• Break from Tradition

  • This is a dramatic departure from previous presidential Independence Day celebrations, which were marked by speeches, parades, and family events.
  • “We have to wonder if this celebration marks a regression in human affairs.” — Peter Harcher [09:21]

4. Pattern of Political Violence at Home

• Historical Examples

  • Trump has previously advocated, unsuccessfully, for domestic uses of force, such as urging the military to shoot US protesters and using military training in cities.
  • Immigration raids under ICE led to American citizen deaths.
  • “He has thoroughly thought about using the Insurrection Act to allow the military… to operate on US soil against US citizens. That hasn’t happened.” — Peter Harcher [10:45]

• Frustration with Domestic Constraints

  • Historians suggest Trump finds domestic violence efforts “too hide bound, too rule bound,” preferring the freedom to act militarily overseas.

5. Has Australia Entered the Iran War?

• Australia’s Military Role

  • Australia supplies missiles and personnel to the UAE, aiding defense against Iranian attacks.
  • Australia’s Wedgetail AWAC plane and air-to-air missiles are supporting UAE air defense; three Australians were also on board a US submarine that sank an Iranian ship.
  • “The bold truth. The UAE has requested, apparently with full cognizance and approval from Washington, has asked Australia for help defending itself against Iran. And Australia has agreed.” — Peter Harcher [13:12]

• Minimal Yet Symbolic Involvement

  • The military commitment is small but significant, given historical defense cooperation with the UAE.
  • Australia has long operated from the Al Minad Air Base in the UAE, indicating deep-seated ties.

• Rationale and Risks

  • Protecting commercial air routes and oil flow via the UAE is seen as a national interest for Australia.
  • However, to Iranians, Australian involvement—no matter how “defensive”—makes Australian assets legitimate military targets.
  • “If an Australian Air Force plane turns up operating out of the UAE, of course it's a target for the Iranians… they'd be very happy to kill the Australians. But why wouldn’t they?” — Peter Harcher [16:54]

• Official Messaging and Reality

  • The Australian government insists the role is purely defensive, but analysts argue that offensives and defenses are indistinguishable in total war.
  • “We're best just admitting that we're now a part of this war, not just sitting in some quarantined corner. Offense and defense are just different sides of the coin of war.” — Michael Shubridge, defense analyst (quoted by host) [16:07]

• Context of Iran-Australia Hostility

  • Iranian attacks on Australian interests occurred prior to this conflict, such as state-orchestrated terror plots in Melbourne.

• No Ground Troops

  • Australia draws a sharp distinction from previous wars (like Iraq); no ground troops will be sent to Iran.

6. Broader Implications

• Australia’s Dilemma

  • The decision to support the UAE is framed as upholding mutual defense and commercial ties but increases the risk of retaliation.
  • Clear tension exists between government messaging of non-involvement and the practical realities of military logistics and alliances.

• Metaphor of Violent Spectacle

  • The forthcoming UFC event at the White House is described as a metaphor for Trump’s governing style—ruling through theatrical displays of violence, both literal and political.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump’s Tactics:
  “Trump traditionally likes a crisis. He likes to generate a crisis but then quickly to move from one drama to the next, partly to keep the globe’s attention and the electorate’s attention on him.” — Matt Dallek (via Peter Harcher) [04:08]

• On UFC Independence Day Event:
  “The plan for celebrating the US Declaration of Independence... is going to be a series of six UFC fights... with explosions of music and the whole spectacle of UFC.” — Peter Harcher [07:59]

• On Australia’s Military Contribution:
  “It’s one of Australia's six Wedgetail AWAC planes... and a supply of some air to air missiles to allow the UAE to shoot down incoming Iranian missile or drones... but it is a pretty minimal contribution.” — Peter Harcher [13:45]

• On Australian Assets Becoming Targets:
  “If an Australian Air Force plane turns up operating out of the UAE, of course it's a target for the Iranians. And... they'd be very happy to destroy it. They'd be very happy to kill the Australians.” — Peter Harcher [16:54]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:07 — Introduction and framing the question of Trump’s motivation
• 01:16 — Harcher introduces the global implications and his theory
• 03:13 — Trump’s speech and Shield of the Americas
• 04:08 — Matt Dallek’s “crisis” theory
• 06:42 — Trump’s 250th Independence Day/UFC fight announcement
• 08:57 — Contrast with past US Independence Day celebrations
• 10:22 — Trump’s domestic attempts at political violence
• 13:09 — Has Australia entered the war? Analysis begins
• 14:49 — Australia’s military base operations history
• 15:05 — Rationale for Australia’s deployment in the UAE
• 16:07 — Michael Shubridge quote: offense and defense in war
• 16:54 — Risks to Australians and assets
• 18:06 — No ground troops, context of hostilities
• 18:14 — Final reflections and importance of remembering allegiances

Conclusion

The episode exposes President Trump’s use of violence as both spectacle and strategy, delving into the international consequences—most notably for countries like Australia now facing retaliation risks due to their involvement in defending the UAE. Through expert analysis, the conversation connects Trump’s political motivations with a global cascade of instability, while laying bare the fine line Australia treads in its alliance politics.