Just days into 2026, global headlines have been dominated by the US’ capture of Venezuela’s then-president, Nicolás Maduro. As Singapore said it is “gravely concerned” by the situation, the episode has raised uneasy questions closer to home. In an era of intensifying great-power rivalry, are small states like Singapore more vulnerable than we think?

(00:50) Dzar’s holiday

(05:27) US’ intervention in Venezuela

(10:00) Responses from other countries

(15:26) Malays as providing “windows for the Chinese”?

(23:30) Changing attitudes among Gen Z