SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-28-26.1890 VIKINGS(1) Anatol Lieven discusses Moscow's escalation and the future of Ukraine negotiations, noting that Russia has threatened targeted strikes on Ukrainian headquarters in Kyiv. High casualty rates and stalled front lines contribute to a mood of frustration in Moscow.(2) Anatol Lieven examines the struggle for UK Labour Party leadership, where Andy Burnham is the preferred candidate to replace Keir Starmer but must first win a by-election. The rising Reform Party poses a significant threat to established political figures.(3) Josh Rogin discusses the Trump-Xi summit, noting that the President's visit to Beijing featured major CEOs but yielded no new trade agreements. Both nations remain locked in a trade war with mismatched expectations regarding economic cooperation.(4) Josh Rogin examines upcoming Section 301 investigations that will address Chinese forced labor and dumping. Simultaneously, a critical shortage of magnets from China is impacting the production of U.S. defense technology and fighter jets.(5) Evan Ellis describes turmoil in Bolivia, where supporters of Evo Morales have blockaded La Paz, causing severe humanitarian shortages. These groups utilize military-style tactics to protect drug territories and pressure the government while Morales evades justice.(6) Evan Ellis examines electoral crossroads in Colombia and Peru, with Colombia facing a choice between leftist and pro-U.S. candidates in its upcoming election. In Peru, Keiko Fujimori leads a narrow race with implications for regional security and Chinese influence.(7) Evan Ellis discusses legacies and alliances in Brazil, Venezuela, and Cuba, where Flavio Bolsonaro seeks U.S. alignment in Brazil, while the U.S. conducts military exercises near Venezuela. Meanwhile, the U.S. offers financial aid to Cuba to encourage democratic and economic transitions.(8) Evan Ellis previews Pope Leo's historic visit to South America, including his former missionary grounds. In Argentina, President Milei struggles with declining approval as Peronist opposition organizes for future electoral challenges.(9) Stephen Mazie discusses Supreme Court challenges to birthright citizenship and the President's power over the Federal Reserve. Rulings could drastically redefine executive authority and independent federal agencies.(10) Stephen Mazie examines the Supreme Court's recent ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which has disrupted primary elections by allowing the elimination of majority-minority districts. This reflects a long-term effort by the conservative majority to weaken federal oversight.(11) Jeff McCausland analyzes the tense naval standoff between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. Critics argue the administration failed to anticipate the blockade or effectively address regional Iranian proxies.(12) Jeff McCausland discusses Russian casualties and NATO's growing nuclear anxiety, noting that Russia has reportedly suffered 500,000 deaths in Ukraine, creating severe manpower shortages. Consequently, European allies like France are considering moving nuclear assets eastward due to waning confidence in U.S. support.(13) Simon Constable and Jim McTague examine global commodities and the economic impact of war, noting that high energy prices, including $8 diesel in France, are straining consumer budgets. While some commodity prices are stabilizing, the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to drive global inflation.(14) Simon Constable and Jim McTague discuss the leadership vacuum in the United Kingdom as internal Labour Party disputes intensify. Some elites are calling for Tony Blair's return while the Reform Party gains traction among dissatisfied voters.(15) Douglas Messier and David Livingston discuss the Starship 12 mission, which achieved significant milestones despite booster failures. NASA has also awarded major contracts to Blue Origin for lunar rovers and a specialized base lander.(16) Douglas Messier and David Livingston examine NASA's phased plan to establish a permanently crewed moon base by 2032. The timeline involves uncrewed test landings and orbital refueling to prepare for future human missions.

STREAMING MAKING JBS, FEATURING CONSTABLE AND MCTAGUE. 5-28-281903 POPULAR HISTORY OF FRANCE.This conversation features a broadcast recording between host John Batchelor and correspondents Simon Constable and Jim McTague, who discuss the intersection of global commodities, regional weather, and international politics. Reporting from the French Pyrenees, Constable describes the local agriculture of vines and olive trees while noting the impact of Middle Eastern violence on energy prices and Brent crude. In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, McTague highlights the burden of rising gasoline costs on American consumers, illustrating the economic strain through long lines at local fueling stations. The dialogue shifts to the instability of British leadership, critiquing the current state of the Labour Party and the nostalgic but controversial calls for Tony Blair's return. The participants also weigh the growing influence of artificial intelligence on creative work and data security, reflecting on how these technologies are reshaping professional standards. Ultimately, the transcript serves as a multinational overview of how localized environmental conditions and geopolitical skirmishes drive market volatility.

(16) Douglas Messier and David Livingston examine NASA's phased plan to establish a permanently crewed moon base by 2032. The timeline involves uncrewed test landings and orbital refueling to prepare for future human missions.1930

(15) Douglas Messier and David Livingston discuss the Starship 12 mission, which achieved significant milestones despite booster failures. NASA has also awarded major contracts to Blue Origin for lunar rovers and a specialized base lander.APRIL 1956

(14) Simon Constable and Jim McTague discuss the leadership vacuum in the United Kingdom as internal Labour Party disputes intensify. Some elites are calling for Tony Blair's return while the Reform Party gains traction among dissatisfied voters.1940

(13) Simon Constable and Jim McTague examine global commodities and the economic impact of war, noting that high energy prices, including $8 diesel in France, are straining consumer budgets. While some commodity prices are stabilizing, the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to drive global inflation.1903 TEHRAN

(12) Jeff McCausland discusses Russian casualties and NATO's growing nuclear anxiety, noting that Russia has reportedly suffered 500,000 deaths in Ukraine, creating severe manpower shortages. Consequently, European allies like France are considering moving nuclear assets eastward due to waning confidence in U.S. support.1903 BRUSSELS

(11) Jeff McCausland analyzes the tense naval standoff between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. Critics argue the administration failed to anticipate the blockade or effectively address regional Iranian proxies.KNOSSOS CRETE

(10) Stephen Mazie examines the Supreme Court's recent ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which has disrupted primary elections by allowing the elimination of majority-minority districts. This reflects a long-term effort by the conservative majority to weaken federal oversight.1890 SCOTUS

(9) Stephen Mazie discusses Supreme Court challenges to birthright citizenship and the President's power over the Federal Reserve. Rulings could drastically redefine executive authority and independent federal agencies.1876 SCOTUS

(8) Evan Ellis previews Pope Leo's historic visit to South America, including his former missionary grounds. In Argentina, President Milei struggles with declining approval as Peronist opposition organizes for future electoral challenges.80 BCE

(7) Evan Ellis discusses legacies and alliances in Brazil, Venezuela, and Cuba, where Flavio Bolsonaro seeks U.S. alignment in Brazil, while the U.S. conducts military exercises near Venezuela. Meanwhile, the U.S. offers financial aid to Cuba to encourage democratic and economic transitions.1464

(6) Evan Ellis examines electoral crossroads in Colombia and Peru, with Colombia facing a choice between leftist and pro-U.S. candidates in its upcoming election. In Peru, Keiko Fujimori leads a narrow race with implications for regional security and Chinese influence.1572

(5) Evan Ellis describes turmoil in Bolivia, where supporters of Evo Morales have blockaded La Paz, causing severe humanitarian shortages. These groups utilize military-style tactics to protect drug territories and pressure the government while Morales evades justice.

(4) Josh Rogin examines upcoming Section 301 investigations that will address Chinese forced labor and dumping. Simultaneously, a critical shortage of magnets from China is impacting the production of U.S. defense technology and fighter jets.

(3) Josh Rogin discusses the Trump-Xi summit, noting that the President's visit to Beijing featured major CEOs but yielded no new trade agreements. Both nations remain locked in a trade war with mismatched expectations regarding economic cooperation.1900

(2) Anatol Lieven examines the struggle for UK Labour Party leadership, where Andy Burnham is the preferred candidate to replace Keir Starmer but must first win a by-election. The rising Reform Party poses a significant threat to established political figures.CARTHAGE

(1) Anatol Lieven discusses Moscow's escalation and the future of Ukraine negotiations, noting that Russia has threatened targeted strikes on Ukrainian headquarters in Kyiv. High casualty rates and stalled front lines contribute to a mood of frustration in Moscow.18991

Preview for Later Today: Evan Ellis describes the turmoil in Bolivia, where blockades by cocaleros and miners, driven by Evo Morales, have paralyzed La Paz in a narco-terrorist effort aimed at returning Morales to power.1900 BOLIVIA

Preview for Later Today: Anatol Lieven analyzes the stalemate in Ukraine, highlighting the exhaustion of both populations and the political unpopularity of mass conscription, even as leadership on both sides maintains maximalist positions regarding the ongoing war.1930 LONDN

Preview for Later Today: Steven Mazie details the Supreme Court case Trump v. Barbara concerning birthright citizenship, discussing Trump's challenge to the 14th Amendment and an AI tool predicting a lopsided judicial ruling against the former president.1911 SCOTUS

Preview for Later Today: Jim McTague examines the hypothetical return of Tony Blair to lead Britain's Labour Party, questioning whether interest is genuine nostalgia or a reaction to Keir Starmer's leadership while recalling Blair's political history.1880

Preview for Later Today: Doug Messier describes NASA's innovative mission using robotic hoppers to survey the lunar South Pole, seeking water and potential sites for a future moon base through high-resolution imaging in the moon's environment.MAY 1952

Preview for Later Today: Josh Rogin discusses the Trump administration's shift toward a foreign policy that favors dealing with strongmen and dictators over promoting democratic values, potentially ceding strategic advantages to Chinain the process.1904 PEKING FRUIT MARKET

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-27-26.APRIL 1900 OTTAWA.Cliff May discusses the deepening crisis in Cuba, where extreme food and electricity shortages have led officials to describe it as a failing state. However, the regime has reportedly received hundreds of attack drones from Russia and Iran, posing a new offensive threat to U.S. interests in the Caribbean. (1)Cliff May examines the empty pageantry of the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, where the high-profile ceremony produced no major deals regarding trade or artificial intelligence. Xi Jinping made no concessions on human rights issues, such as the persecution of Christians or the Uyghurs. (2)Jon Hartley discusses the confirmation of Kevin Warsh as the new Federal Reserve Chairman, bringing a hawkish reputation focused on reducing the Fed's expanded balance sheet. Warsh advocates for a return to principles linking money growth directly to inflation control. (3)Jon Hartley proposes a new agreement modeled after the 1951 Accord that would separate the missions of the Federal Reserve and the Treasury. Under this plan, the Fed would focus strictly on short-term rates and price stability rather than long-term debt management. (4)Captain James Fanell analyzes the Balikatan military exercise, which featured 17,000 troops and, for the first time, combat forces from Japan participating in counter-invasion training. The drills demonstrated the capacity of allied nations to successfully target and strike enemy vessels at sea. (5)General Blaine Holt discusses Russian hypersonic threats and the shift to asymmetric drone warfare, noting Russia's threats of using weapons of mass destruction against Kyiv to warn European leaders against further intervention. Meanwhile, low-cost drone technology is proving to be an asymmetric force that renders expensive, multi-million dollar military systems obsolete. (6)Charles Burton examines Canada's controversial economic pivot toward China, where Prime Minister Mark Carney is pursuing a strategic partnership that includes non-public security agreements and the reduction of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Critics warn these moves compromise Canadian sovereignty and allow for significant Chineseinfiltration. (7)Charles Burton and Gordon Chang analyze China's strategic gain from prolonged conflict in the Middle East, with Beijing appearing content to allow the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz to drag out as a way to deplete U.S. military resources. This instability supports China's narrative that the United States is a declining power. (8)Michael Bernstam discusses the impact of Ukrainian drone strikes on the Russian oil market, noting that strikes on refineries and ports have forced Russia to export more crude oil at discounted prices instead of high-value refined products. Simultaneously, U.S. oil production has hit record levels, significantly influencing global market prices. (9)Michael Bernstam examines the failure of Russia's Power of Siberia 2 pipeline deal, as Vladimir Putin left Beijingwithout securing the agreement while China shows no immediate need for the gas. Furthermore, China demanded to pay domestic Russian prices, which would yield no profit for Moscow. (10)Bob Zimmerman discusses the success of SpaceX's Starship 12 test, which demonstrated major design improvements, while NASA has effectively ended Boeing's role in manned missions to the ISS. NASA awarded all manned flights through 2030 to SpaceX, leaving Boeing out of the picture. (11)Bob Zimmerman reports that the Webb telescope has detected weather variations, including morning clouds, on a distant exoplanet. Additionally, images from Mars show parallel ridges that suggest a history of climate cycles and the presence of significant near-surface ice. (12)Craig Unger argues that Donald Trump has been a Russian intelligence asset since 1987. He highlights how Trump's first trip to the Soviet Union was followed by advertisements in U.S. newspapers featuring KGB talking points. (13)Craig Unger discusses U.S. unreliability and the future of the NATO alliance, noting that under Trump, the United States is seen as an unreliable partner by allies like Finland, who fear he will not honor Article 5. This lack of reliability forces European nations to consider whether they can emerge as a self-sufficient military power. (14)Judy Dempsey examines how the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran distracts from Russian aggression in Ukraine and causes economic sluggishness in Germany. European allies feel jaundiced by the lack of consultation from the U.S. regarding Middle East diplomacy. (15)Judy Dempsey discusses how the AfD has become Germany's leading political party by capitalizing on public anger over housing shortages and the government's handling of the wars in Iran and Ukraine. The party represents a growing threat to the established political order in Europe. (16)

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING CHANG, FANELL, HOLT, BURTON, 5-27-26.1901 PEKING. This discussion from the John Batchelor Show features geopolitical experts examining China’s strategic challenges and its evolving relationships with global powers. The participants analyze internal issues like municipal debt and the military application of advanced AI within China’s vast surveillance network. The panel also critiques the Balikatan military exercises, interpreting them as a collective effort by the United States and its allies to counter Chinese maritime aggression. Additional segments address the Russian offensive in Ukraine, highlighting how emerging drone technology is disrupting traditional warfare. Finally, the sources explore Canada’s shifting foreign policy, expressing concern that increased trade with China may come at the cost of national security and sovereignty.

Judy Dempsey discusses how the AfD has become Germany's leading political party by capitalizing on public anger over housing shortages and the government's handling of the wars in Iran and Ukraine. The party represents a growing threat to the established political order in Europe. (16)1948

Judy Dempsey examines how the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran distracts from Russian aggression in Ukraine and causes economic sluggishness in Germany. European allies feel jaundiced by the lack of consultation from the U.S. regarding Middle East diplomacy. (15)1939 RHINELAND

Craig Unger discusses U.S. unreliability and the future of the NATO alliance, noting that under Trump, the United States is seen as an unreliable partner by allies like Finland, who fear he will not honor Article 5. This lack of reliability forces European nations to consider whether they can emerge as a self-sufficient military power. (14)1936

Craig Unger argues that Donald Trump has been a Russian intelligence asset since 1987. He highlights how Trump's first trip to the Soviet Union was followed by advertisements in U.S. newspapers featuring KGB talking points. (13)OCTOBER 1930

Bob Zimmerman reports that the Webb telescope has detected weather variations, including morning clouds, on a distant exoplanet. Additionally, images from Mars show parallel ridges that suggest a history of climate cycles and the presence of significant near-surface ice. (12)JANUARY 1941

Bob Zimmerman discusses the success of SpaceX's Starship 12 test, which demonstrated major design improvements, while NASA has effectively ended Boeing's role in manned missions to the ISS. NASA awarded all manned flights through 2030 to SpaceX, leaving Boeing out of the picture. (11)1951

Michael Bernstam examines the failure of Russia's Power of Siberia 2 pipeline deal, as Vladimir Putin left Beijingwithout securing the agreement while China shows no immediate need for the gas. Furthermore, China demanded to pay domestic Russian prices, which would yield no profit for Moscow. (10)BAKU

Michael Bernstam discusses the impact of Ukrainian drone strikes on the Russian oil market, noting that strikes on refineries and ports have forced Russia to export more crude oil at discounted prices instead of high-value refined products. Simultaneously, U.S. oil production has hit record levels, significantly influencing global market prices. (9)1905 BAKU

Charles Burton and Gordon Chang analyze China's strategic gain from prolonged conflict in the Middle East, with Beijing appearing content to allow the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz to drag out as a way to deplete U.S. military resources. This instability supports China's narrative that the United States is a declining power. (8)1900 SAINT LAWRENCE BASIN

Charles Burton examines Canada's controversial economic pivot toward China, where Prime Minister Mark Carney is pursuing a strategic partnership that includes non-public security agreements and the reduction of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Critics warn these moves compromise Canadian sovereignty and allow for significant Chineseinfiltration. (7)1900

General Blaine Holt discusses Russian hypersonic threats and the shift to asymmetric drone warfare, noting Russia's threats of using weapons of mass destruction against Kyiv to warn European leaders against further intervention. Meanwhile, low-cost drone technology is proving to be an asymmetric force that renders expensive, multi-million dollar military systems obsolete. (6)1875-85 BRITISH IRONCLAD GLATTON

Captain James Fanell analyzes the Balikatan military exercise, which featured 17,000 troops and, for the first time, combat forces from Japan participating in counter-invasion training. The drills demonstrated the capacity of allied nations to successfully target and strike enemy vessels at sea. (5)1890 FRENCH IRONCLAD MAGENTA

Jon Hartley proposes a new agreement modeled after the 1951 Accord that would separate the missions of the Federal Reserve and the Treasury. Under this plan, the Fed would focus strictly on short-term rates and price stability rather than long-term debt management. (4)1801 THOMAS ROWLANDSON

Jon Hartley discusses the confirmation of Kevin Warsh as the new Federal Reserve Chairman, bringing a hawkish reputation focused on reducing the Fed's expanded balance sheet. Warsh advocates for a return to principles linking money growth directly to inflation control. (3)1799

Cliff May examines the empty pageantry of the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, where the high-profile ceremony produced no major deals regarding trade or artificial intelligence. Xi Jinping made no concessions on human rights issues, such as the persecution of Christians or the Uyghurs. (2)1700

Cliff May discusses the deepening crisis in Cuba, where extreme food and electricity shortages have led officials to describe it as a failing state. However, the regime has reportedly received hundreds of attack drones from Russia and Iran, posing a new offensive threat to U.S. interests in the Caribbean. (1)1950S

Preview for Later Today: Judy Dempsey discusses the rising populist AfD party in Germany, highlighting its anti-Ukraine and anti-NATO stance. Influenced by East German pacifist traditions, the party capitalizes on these foreign policy issues before upcoming elections.1868 KINDERGARTEN

Preview for Later Today: Bob Zimmerman explains recurring leaks in the Zvezda module of the International Space Station. These stress-related cracks could lead to catastrophic failure, prompting NASA to secure the American section during docking operations.

Preview for Later Today: Jim Fanell analyzes the Balikatan military exercises, highlighting Japan's historic participation alongside the Philippines. This collective demonstration of regional resolve aims to counter China's naval dominance and daily bullying tactics within the South China Sea.1921 MANILA

Guest: Blaine Holt General Blaine Holt discusses routine Russian nuclear threats and the U.S. military’s measured reaction. While such rhetoric is common, the U.S. closely monitors yearly exercises in Belarus to identify critical gaps in Russian readiness.1951 USAF

Preview for Later Today: Cliff May discusses CIA Director John Ratcliffe's mission to Cuba, offering financial relief for their broken economy. The U.S. demands aid bypass the government and requires fundamental human rights reforms before providing any total bailout.1960

review for Later Today: Craig Unger examines Finnish fears regarding Russian aggression and Donald Trump's history with the Kremlin. He questions whether Trump would honor NATO's Article 5 defense commitments if Russia were to invade a member nation now.1723 ST. PETERSBURG

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-26-26.1919 WILSON DINES IN SAN FRANCISCO ON HIS TREATY CAMPAIGNING THAT LED TO ILL HEALTH.Liz Peek discusses the stabilizing energy markets despite ongoing Middle Eastern tensions, noting that global oil production remains resilient. She also explores Kevin Warsh's potential role as a reformer at the Federal Reserve. (1)Liz Peek analyzes Donald Trump's dominance in Republican primaries, highlighting his successful endorsements of loyalists over the party establishment. She notes the internal friction within the Senate GOP as Trump reshapes the party's future. (2)Jonathan Schanzer evaluates the rumored Iran memorandum of understanding, warning it may signal American vulnerability to regional adversaries. He notes that while Iran's defense base is weakened, its control over energy remains potent. (3)Jonathan Schanzer details Israel's expanding operations against Hezbollah in South Lebanon, focusing on the threat of unjammable FPV drones. He also updates the IDF's progress in Gaza against remaining Hamas leadership and territory. (4)Mary Kissel warns that prioritizing the Strait of Hormuz over dismantling Iran's nuclear program lacks necessary strategic leverage. She stresses the danger of a messianic regime partnering with major powers like China and Russia. (5)Mary Kissel discusses the potential collapse of the Castro regime due to severe economic mismanagement and food shortages. She highlights the need for a comprehensive plan to rebuild while deterring Russian and Chinese influence. (6)Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo discuss US military exercises over Caracas and the release of Alex Saabas signals of a shifting transition. They also cover Lula da Silva's health challenges and the friction within the Brazilianelection. (7)Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo cover intense protests in Bolivia triggered by a deepening economic crisis. The guests attribute the instability to Evo Morales, describing his efforts to provoke institutional chaos for his own political survival. (8)Gregory Copley discusses the tactical nature of Iran negotiations, noting continued US defensive strikes in the region. He identifies Turkey's nuclear ambitions and its ICBM program as an emerging factor for future regional stability. (9)Gregory Copley previews the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, noting President Tinubu's likely run despite his health concerns. He contrasts Nigeria's relative calm with the revolutionary anarchy currently gripping the neighboring states in the Sahel. (10)Gregory Copley examines the political instability in Britain, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces significant unpopularity within his own party. He discusses the potential for a nationalist breakup of the United Kingdom. (11)Gregory Copley praises King Charles III's leadership in maintaining national identity during political turmoil. He also discusses Prince William's preparation for the crown and critiques Keir Starmer's perceived radical leftist, anti-monarchical agenda. (12)Joseph Sternberg analyzes the widening economic gap between a prosperous United States and a stagnating Europe. He identifies the European welfare state and low productivity as significant drags compared to American economic growth. (13)Joseph Sternberg details the political melodrama in London, focusing on Keir Starmer's leadership crisis and Labour's poor performance. He highlights the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform Party and the persistent Brexit debate. (14)Thaddeus McCotter questions whether the US is conceding to Iran's nuclear program to prioritize energy prices. He also discusses Trump's successful primary strategy in shaping a loyalist Republican Party for the 2027 cycle. (15)Grant Newsham critiques the lack of clear war aims in the Iran conflict, noting that critical infrastructure remains largely untouched. He warns this perceived weakness sends a dangerous message to adversaries in Beijing and Moscow. (16)

STREAMING MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING THADDEUS MCCOTTER, 5-26-26.1919 VERSAILLES AFTERWARD.The current conflict in the Strait of Hormuz is described as a "tangle of talking, fighting, and arguing." While President Trump recently suggested he was "close to clinching" a major deal with Iran, the situation remains volatile; shortly after those remarks, the US bombed Iranian missile launch sites and boats to counter threats in the Strait. These military actions highlight the tenuous nature of mediation efforts aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire, which would ideally reopen the waterway and lay the foundation for future nuclear talks. Host John Batchelor compares these ongoing negotiations to those of the Korean conflict, which began in 1950 and has yet to reach a final resolution.Thaddeus McCotter argues that the US administration has failed to effectively communicate its concrete war aims, leading to domestic confusion. While the administration originally cited Iran's suspect nuclear weapons program as the primary casus belli in February, the focus has shifted toward the economic impact of the Strait's closure. The closure has left hundreds of ships marooned, threatening the global supply chain for fertilizer and high-end goods. McCotter notes that most Americans are "practical people" who judge the conflict based on the cost of living and prices at the gas pump, which will ultimately be an "accounting" factor in the upcoming November elections.The Iranian regime is viewed by McCotter as an untrustworthy partner that treats its nuclear program as an "umbrella" to shield its exportation of terrorism and regional destabilization. He suggests that Iran believes "time is on their side" and may be using economic pain as leverage during the US election cycle. There is also concern that the US may be transitioning toward "tolerating nukes in Tehran" if it cannot find a way to destroy Iran's ability to recreate its nuclear program "root and branch."Domestically, President Trump is "playing a hot hand," using his influence to shape the Republican Party's future through primary endorsements. For instance, he endorsed Ken Paxton against John Cornyn in Texas, signaling an effort to define the party's standard-bearers for 2027. McCotter observes that while Trump has been successful in these primaries, the real test will be whether that success translates to the general election in November.Looking ahead to 2028, the conversation anticipates a "lame duck" period in which legislative agendas may stall if the opposition captures Congress. The Republican succession battle is expected to involve figures heavily identified with Trump, such as Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance. McCotter predicts that Trump's personality will lead him to "anoint" a successor, much as Andrew Jackson did with Martin Van Buren, rather than remaining neutral in the selection process. This political maneuvering is happening against a backdrop of ongoing "kinetic engagement" in the Middle East that lacks broad public attention or clear objectives.

Grant Newsham critiques the lack of clear war aims in the Iran conflict, noting that critical infrastructure remains largely untouched. He warns this perceived weakness sends a dangerous message to adversaries in Beijing and Moscow. (16)1919

Thaddeus McCotter questions whether the US is conceding to Iran's nuclear program to prioritize energy prices. He also discusses Trump's successful primary strategy in shaping a loyalist Republican Party for the 2027 cycle. (15)

Joseph Sternberg details the political melodrama in London, focusing on Keir Starmer's leadership crisis and Labour's poor performance. He highlights the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform Party and the persistent Brexit debate. (14)1919

Joseph Sternberg analyzes the widening economic gap between a prosperous United States and a stagnating Europe. He identifies the European welfare state and low productivity as significant drags compared to American economic growth. (13)1919

Gregory Copley praises King Charles III's leadership in maintaining national identity during political turmoil. He also discusses Prince William's preparation for the crown and critiques Keir Starmer's perceived radical leftist, anti-monarchical agenda. (12)JANUARY 12, 1919, FIRST PLENARY SESSION

Gregory Copley examines the political instability in Britain, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces significant unpopularity within his own party. He discusses the potential for a nationalist breakup of the United Kingdom. (11)1919

Gregory Copley previews the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, noting President Tinubu's likely run despite his health concerns. He contrasts Nigeria's relative calm with the revolutionary anarchy currently gripping the neighboring states in the Sahel. (10)1919

Gregory Copley discusses the tactical nature of Iran negotiations, noting continued US defensive strikes in the region. He identifies Turkey's nuclear ambitions and its ICBM program as an emerging factor for future regional stability. (9)1919

Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo cover intense protests in Bolivia triggered by a deepening economic crisis. The guests attribute the instability to Evo Morales, describing his efforts to provoke institutional chaos for his own political survival. (8)1919 CLEMENCEAU TO THE GERMAN DELEGATES

Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo discuss US military exercises over Caracas and the release of Alex Saabas signals of a shifting transition. They also cover Lula da Silva's health challenges and the friction within the Brazilianelection. (7)1919

Mary Kissel discusses the potential collapse of the Castro regime due to severe economic mismanagement and food shortages. She highlights the need for a comprehensive plan to rebuild while deterring Russian and Chinese influence. (6)1919

Mary Kissel warns that prioritizing the Strait of Hormuz over dismantling Iran's nuclear program lacks necessary strategic leverage. She stresses the danger of a messianic regime partnering with major powers like China and Russia. (5)1919 GERMAN DELEGATION

Jonathan Schanzer details Israel's expanding operations against Hezbollah in South Lebanon, focusing on the threat of unjammable FPV drones. He also updates the IDF's progress in Gaza against remaining Hamas leadership and territory. (4)1919

Jonathan Schanzer evaluates the rumored Iran memorandum of understanding, warning it may signal American vulnerability to regional adversaries. He notes that while Iran's defense base is weakened, its control over energy remains potent. (3)1919 VERSAILLES

Liz Peek analyzes Donald Trump's dominance in Republican primaries, highlighting his successful endorsements of loyalists over the party establishment. She notes the internal friction within the Senate GOP as Trump reshapes the party's future. (2)1919 CLEMENCEAU AND THE GERMAN DELEGATES

Liz Peek discusses the stabilizing energy markets despite ongoing Middle Eastern tensions, noting that global oil production remains resilient. She also explores Kevin Warsh's potential role as a reformer at the Federal Reserve. (1)1919 VERSAILLES TREATY

Preview for Later Today: Mary Kissel discusses the potential for a humanitarian catastrophe in Cuba following the Castro regime's eventual collapse. She warns that without a strategic plan, the country risks becoming a failed state like Haiti.1962 CUBA

Preview for Later Today: Jonathan Schanzer discusses the threat of unjammable FPV drones used by Hezbollah against the IDF. He explains that Israel must develop new countermeasures while focusing on dismantling the group's command and control infrastructure.1950 BEIRUT

Preview for Later Today: Retired Colonel Grant Newsham discusses how Americans often lose focus during long conflicts like the one with Iran. He argues that enemies exploit this lack of "killer instinct" to outlast American military pressure.1959 IKE IN KABUL

Preview for Later Today: Liz Peek examines new Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's mission to reform the institution. Warsh, mentored by Alan Greenspan, aims to avoid the perceived political mistakes and inflationary missteps of his predecessor, Jay Powell.1917 FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD

Preview for Later Today: Joseph Sternberg explores why Europe struggles to replicate American technological and economic success. He highlights a "brain drain" where European-born entrepreneurs migrate to Silicon Valley to find better opportunities and living standards.1940 LONDON

Preview for Later Today: Former Congressman Thaddeus McCotter analyzes the historical significance of presidential endorsements in primary elections. While FDR struggled to defeat internal party rivals like Harry Truman, Donald Trump has shown greater success within current Republican primaries.1941

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW-5-25-2026.1789 NEW YORK.Guest Author Josh Ireland discusses his book The Death of Trotsky: The True Story of the Plot to Kill Stalin's Greatest Enemy. The Russian Revolution began with Bolshevik fanatics using violence to impose their will on the masses. Irelandexplains the emerging rivalry between Trotsky and Stalin amidst the brutal purge of original revolutionaries. (1/16)In The Death of Trotsky, Josh Ireland describes how the intellectual Trotsky and bureaucratic Stalin competed for power following Lenin's death. Stalin maneuvered patiently to isolate Trotsky, who missed Lenin's funeral while recovering from a mysterious and poorly timed illness. (2/16)Josh Ireland explains that Trotsky was expelled from the Politburo after labeling Stalin the "gravedigger of the revolution." He began a global exile, eventually finding sanctuary in Mexico at the invitation of muralist Diego Rivera. (3/16)Josh Ireland details how, in Mexico, Trotsky faced constant threats from Stalin's assassins. Despite the fortified walls of his compound, the NKVD relentlessly monitored his correspondence and successfully infiltrated his inner circle with undercover agents. (4/16)Josh Ireland recounts how the Mercader family, led by the radicalized Caridad, was recruited by the NKVD during the Spanish Civil War. Her son Ramon was trained as a ruthless agent capable of carrying out high-stakes assassinations. (5/16)Josh Ireland describes how Ramon Mercader seduced Sylvia Ageloff to penetrate Trotsky's inner circle under a false identity. Meanwhile, a chaotic machine-gun raid by Stalinist gunmen failed to kill Trotsky, leading to even tighter security measures. (6/16)Josh Ireland recounts how Ramon Mercader used a mountaineer's ice pick to fatally wound Trotsky inside his study. Captured by guards, Ramon maintained a web of lies to conceal his true role as a Soviet operative. (7/16)Josh Ireland explains that following Trotsky's death, Ramon served twenty years in a Mexican prison before returning to Moscow as a hero. Trotsky's wife, Natalia, lived a diminished final chapter after losing her entire family. (8/16)Guest Author Edward J. Larson discusses his book Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters. The unprovoked burning of Norfolk, Virginia, by the Royal Navy in January 1776 served as a catalyst for independence. This violence convinced many colonists that reconciliation with the British Crown was impossible. (9/16)In Declaring Independence, Edward J. Larson describes how Henry Knox executed a daring winter transport of heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. This logistical feat allowed Washington to fortify Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to evacuate the city. (10/16)Edward J. Larson recounts how Washington attempted to defend New York against a massive British armada. The Howe brothers tried to negotiate a peace deal, but American commitment to independence remained firm despite the overwhelming force. (11/16)Edward J. Larson explains that George Mason drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights while Washington realized he must preserve his army through retreat. The revolution shifted toward establishing independent state governments based on popular sovereignty. (12/16)Edward J. Larson details how, during a grueling retreat through New Jersey, Thomas Paine's The American Crisisrevitalized colonial spirits. British and Hessian atrocities against civilians further alienated the population and strengthened the resolve for independence. (13/16)Edward J. Larson recounts how Abigail Adams urged her husband to "remember the ladies" during the debates over independence. Revolutionary ideals of equality began to raise significant questions regarding the status of women and enslaved people. (14/16)Edward J. Larson describes how Washington led a desperate Christmas crossing of the Delaware River to surprise the Hessians at Trenton. The subsequent victory at Princeton provided the moral triumph needed to sustain the struggling Continental Army. (15/16)Edward J. Larson explains that the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence marked a permanent break with monarchy. New state constitutions prioritized popular sovereignty, establishing the rule of law as the foundation of the Republic. (16/16)

Edward J. Larson explains that the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence marked a permanent break with monarchy. New state constitutions prioritized popular sovereignty, establishing the rule of law as the foundation of the Republic. (16/16)1789 TRENTON BRIDGE

Edward J. Larson describes how Washington led a desperate Christmas crossing of the Delaware River to surprise the Hessians at Trenton. The subsequent victory at Princeton provided the moral triumph needed to sustain the struggling Continental Army. (15/16)1889

Edward J. Larson recounts how Abigail Adams urged her husband to "remember the ladies" during the debates over independence. Revolutionary ideals of equality began to raise significant questions regarding the status of women and enslaved people. (14/16)1870

Edward J. Larson details how, during a grueling retreat through New Jersey, Thomas Paine's The American Crisisrevitalized colonial spirits. British and Hessian atrocities against civilians further alienated the population and strengthened the resolve for independence. (13/16)1780

Edward J. Larson explains that George Mason drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights while Washington realized he must preserve his army through retreat. The revolution shifted toward establishing independent state governments based on popular sovereignty. (12/16)1850

Edward J. Larson recounts how Washington attempted to defend New York against a massive British armada. The Howe brothers tried to negotiate a peace deal, but American commitment to independence remained firm despite the overwhelming force. (11/16)1803 OHIO

In Declaring Independence, Edward J. Larson describes how Henry Knox executed a daring winter transport of heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. This logistical feat allowed Washington to fortify Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to evacuate the city. (10/16)1753

Guest Author Edward J. Larson discusses his book Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters. The unprovoked burning of Norfolk, Virginia, by the Royal Navy in January 1776 served as a catalyst for independence. This violence convinced many colonists that reconciliation with the British Crown was impossible. (9/16)1750

Josh Ireland explains that following Trotsky's death, Ramon served twenty years in a Mexican prison before returning to Moscow as a hero. Trotsky's wife, Natalia, lived a diminished final chapter after losing her entire family. (8/16)1919

Josh Ireland recounts how Ramon Mercader used a mountaineer's ice pick to fatally wound Trotsky inside his study. Captured by guards, Ramon maintained a web of lies to conceal his true role as a Soviet operative. (7/16)1917

Josh Ireland describes how Ramon Mercader seduced Sylvia Ageloff to penetrate Trotsky's inner circle under a false identity. Meanwhile, a chaotic machine-gun raid by Stalinist gunmen failed to kill Trotsky, leading to even tighter security measures. (6/16)1914

Josh Ireland recounts how the Mercader family, led by the radicalized Caridad, was recruited by the NKVD during the Spanish Civil War. Her son Ramon was trained as a ruthless agent capable of carrying out high-stakes assassinations. (5/16)1907

Josh Ireland details how, in Mexico, Trotsky faced constant threats from Stalin's assassins. Despite the fortified walls of his compound, the NKVD relentlessly monitored his correspondence and successfully infiltrated his inner circle with undercover agents. (4/16)1906

Josh Ireland explains that Trotsky was expelled from the Politburo after labeling Stalin the "gravedigger of the revolution." He began a global exile, eventually finding sanctuary in Mexico at the invitation of muralist Diego Rivera. (3/16)1906

In The Death of Trotsky, Josh Ireland describes how the intellectual Trotsky and bureaucratic Stalin competed for power following Lenin's death. Stalin maneuvered patiently to isolate Trotsky, who missed Lenin's funeral while recovering from a mysterious and poorly timed illness. (2/16)1902

Guest Author Josh Ireland discusses his book The Death of Trotsky: The True Story of the Plot to Kill Stalin's Greatest Enemy. The Russian Revolution began with Bolshevik fanatics using violence to impose their will on the masses. Irelandexplains the emerging rivalry between Trotsky and Stalin amidst the brutal purge of original revolutionaries. (1/16)1902

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, HOLIDAY 5-25-2026.1623 PERSIA.On Memorial Day 2026, the United States and Iran find themselves in a strategic quagmire as they play down hopes for an imminent breakthrough to end their conflict. While diplomats have reportedly settled the "easy" 99% of the issues, the core conflict that led to the war remains unresolved. This pattern follows a historical diplomatic tendency where the fundamental cause of a war is deferred, leaving the "one issue that brought us here" untouched.Iran currently holds the primary leverage in negotiations due to its demonstrated control over the Strait of Hormuz. By closing this vital waterway, Iran has inflicted intense pressure on the global economy, causing U.S. petrol prices to soar and President Trump's approval ratings to plummet. Consequently, the U.S. appears poised to accept a deal that leaves Iran in a stronger position than it was before the war began. The emerging agreement would see Iran reopen the Strait without a toll in exchange for phased sanctions relief and the unfreezing of billions of dollars in assets. However, the critical issue of Iran's nuclear program—specifically its refusal to concede the right to enrich or reprocess uranium—is being pushed into future negotiations.This situation has drawn fierce criticism from hawkish legislators and the Israeli government. Senator Ted Cruz labeled the deal a "disastrous mistake" that leaves Iran capable of developing nuclear weapons while maintaining effective control over the Strait. Senator Roger Wicker added that the deal is "not worth the paper it is written on," arguing that the U.S. should instead finish the destruction of Iran's conventional military. However, military experts note that reopening the Strait by force would likely require ground troops and heavy American casualties.For Israel, the outcome is particularly grim. Prime Minister Netanyahu originally sold the war as a path to regime change; instead, the conflict is ending with the Iranian regime more confident, hardline, and financially replenished. Observers note that Iran has achieved a strategic victory deeper than any military achievement by surviving the "best punch" from the U.S. and Israel while proving it can hold the world's energy supply hostage.The sources draw a parallel between this stalemate and the Korean War, suggesting the region may face a long-term, unresolved "DMZ" state that lasts for decades. Ironically, the source points out that the Iranian nuclear program originated with the Eisenhower administration's "Atoms for Peace" program, which provided the first reactor used for training.Looking forward, the Strait of Hormuz will be the lasting legacy of the Trump administration, representing a loss of American authority in the region. While there are discussions about building pipelines to bypass the Persian Gulf, Iran is expected to use that time to rebuild its military and proxy networks. Despite the geopolitical tension, markets find some encouragement in the lack of active war fighting, as the global economy pivots toward a rebuilding phase centered on Artificial Intelligence. Nevertheless, the fundamental quagmire remains: a nuclear-capable Iran effectively controlling the exit from the Persian Gulf.

Focusing on solutions, Bruce Bechtol argues in Rogue Allies that the U.S. must enforce existing sanctions to target North Korea's finances. North Korea utilizes sophisticated cyber laundering through Bitcoin and lax regulations in countries like the UAE to fund its operations. Containment strategies should include cyber warfare, vessel seizures, and selective strikes. Bechtol warns that Russia and China's open support for North Korea complicates these efforts. Ultimately, hitting the regime's "pocketbook" is the most effective non-kinetic means to disrupt their role as the logistics center for global revisionism. (4/4)JANUARY 1956

Bruce Bechtol details North Korea's massive military support for Russia and Middle Eastern proxies in Rogue Allies. North Korea has supplied Russia with 20,000 containers of munitions and 60% of its artillery shells for the war in Ukraine. In the Middle East, North Korea trained Syria in chemical warfare and constructed a 45-kilometer tunnel network for Hezbollah in Lebanon. Weapons like RPGs and machine guns are also supplied to Hamas. China remains a crucial facilitator, providing the dual-use technology necessary for North Korea's robust military-industrial complex. (3/4)JUNE 1958

In Rogue Allies, Bruce Bechtol explores the nuclear and cyber dimensions of the alliance. North Korea provided Iranwith highly enriched uranium warhead designs and constructed their underground nuclear facilities. The transfer includes advanced missile boosters, like those for the Hwasong-15. Bechtol also identifies North Korea as a leading global cyber thief, using malware and cryptocurrency laundering to evade international sanctions. This cooperation forms an "axis of resistance" alongside Russia and China, where North Korea acts as a critical technological and hardware provider. (2/4)DECEMBER 1956

Bruce Bechtol discusses his book Rogue Allies, highlighting the strategic partnership between North Korea and Iran. He emphasizes that U.S. administrations have historically underestimated this threat. Since 1983, North Korea has operated on a "cash and carry" basis with Iran, providing weapons for hard currency or oil. The proliferation extends to surrogates like Hamas. Bechtol confirms North Korea possesses the Hwasong-15 missile, capable of delivering nuclear warheads to the United States. This relationship underscores North Korea's role as a primary supplier to revisionist states seeking to challenge the liberal world order. (1/4)DECEMBER 1958

Keach Hagey addresses the development of ChatGPT and the subsequent power struggle at OpenAI. She explains how Altman's shift from prioritizing AI regulation to commercial monetization triggered a conflict with the nonprofit board, leading to his temporary firing. The board cited management issues and Altman's tendency to "bend the truth" as reasons for the dismissal. Additionally, a major falling out occurred with Elon Musk, who unsuccessfully attempted to take control of OpenAI or merge it with Tesla. The interview concludes with unresolved warnings from AI pioneers regarding the existential dangers of AGI. (4/4)MQY 1956

Keach Hagey details Altman's trajectory from a Stanford dropout to a central figure in Silicon Valley. After launching the app Loopt, Altman used his masterful storytelling skills to impress investors and Steve Jobs, despite the company's eventual commercial failure. Recognizing investing as his "superpower," Altman became the president of Y Combinatorin 2014, leading successes like Airbnb and Stripe. The source also explores Altman's relationship with Peter Thiel and Elon Musk, noting how he adopted Musk's "mission-driven" philosophy. Furthermore, Altman's interest in Georgism and universal basic income shaped his vision. (3/4)DECEMBER 1954

Keach Hagey explores Sam Altman's upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri. She describes Altman's parents: Jerry, an idealistic real estate developer, and Connie, an ambitious dermatologist and entrepreneur who served as the family's primary breadwinner. Altman was recognized early for his brilliance and attended the progressive John Burroughs School, which emphasized a moral responsibility to improve the world. While deeply interested in technology like ham radio and coding, his defining characteristic was an unsettling ability to charm and connect with others. The segment concludes with Altman's decision to attend Stanford University. (2/4)FEBRUARY 1949

Keach Hagey recounts the January 2016 founding of OpenAI in San Francisco, initially established as a modest nonprofit research lab in Greg Brockman's apartment. Co-founded by Sam Altman, Brockman, and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, the organization aimed to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) safely outside of profit motives. Major initial backers included Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, who sought to create a counterweight to Google's DeepMind. The discussion explains how neural networks utilize Nvidia's GPUs—originally designed for video games—to mimic human thought, forming the technical foundation for the current AI race. (1/4)MARCH 1959

The concluding sections of AI Valley analyze the shift toward an "accelerationist" political landscape. While the Bidenadministration proposed testing rules for safety, the Trump administration favors rapid development to maintain a competitive edge over China. This environment has led Sam Altman to retract his earlier calls for regulation. Instead, tech companies now advocate for "fair use" policies to train models on copyrighted works without compensating authors. Mark Zuckerberg's Meta has also pivoted to "open source" AI to challenge the gatekeeping of Apple and Google. Currently, accelerationists hold the advantage, viewing the trillion-dollar race for AI supremacy as a vital national priority. (8/8)1906 STANFORD

Gary Rivlin details the dramatic November 2023 firing of Sam Altman by OpenAI's nonprofit board in AI Valley. The board alleged Altman gave "short shrift" to the company's original trust and safety mission in favor of rapid growth. This decision nearly destroyed the $90 billion startup when 700 employees threatened to resign in protest. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella intervened, offering to hire the entire team to stabilize the company's future. Within five days, Altman was reinstated as CEO, signaling a definitive shift from OpenAI's idealistic roots to a competitive corporate structure. This melodrama highlights the internal tension between safety-focused researchers and executives pushing for market dominance. (7/8)1906 LA L FIESTA DE LOS ANGELES

The quest for "artificial empathy" is a central theme in AI Valley. Gary Rivlin discusses how "personality engineers" fine-tune bots like Pi to be kind, conversational, and admit ignorance. Unlike IQ-focused models, these bots use flattery and human traits to mimic genuine connection. Rivlin predicts AI will soon serve as emotional companions or affordable therapists for those who cannot pay for human professionals. However, this development creates friction, as Microsoftbuilds its own EQ-heavy rivals to compete with OpenAI's products. Even tools like Anthropic's Claude demonstrate distinct "attitudes," proving that while bots reflect training data, they are increasingly sophisticated human-like assistants. (6/8)1903 LA

AI Valley examines the "innovator's dilemma," where tech giants like Google hesitate to release advanced AI that might cannibalize their lucrative search advertising profits. This "bigness" often slows innovation, leading geniuses like Mustafa Suleyman to leave DeepMind at Google to found independent ventures like Inflection. However, the staggering cost of GPUs and computing power often pulls these startups back into the orbit of trillion-dollar corporations. For example, Suleyman eventually moved Inflection to Microsoft to leverage their near-bottomless cash reserves. This dynamic ensures that only the wealthiest companies with massive reach can truly compete in the expensive race for generative AI supremacy. (5/8)1905 LA

Addressing public fear, AI Valley uses historical analogies to argue for moderate regulation to build trust. Gary Rivlincompares AI to the automobile; early cars lacked seatbelts and killed thousands, yet society did not revert to horse-and-buggy travel. Similarly, 19th-century railroads only gained public confidence once government standards ensured safety and reliability. Currently, most Americans remain fearful of AI, making policy debates essential for building long-term trust in the technology. Rivlin also highlights the geopolitical dimension, noting China's goal to dominate AI by 2030. He argues society should focus on immediate dangers, such as autonomous AI in warfare, rather than Hollywood-style scenarios. (4/8)1902 LA

Gary Rivlin's AI Valley explores the ideological rift between "doomers," who fear existential AI threats, and "accelerationists," who demand rapid development. He highlights "bloomers" like Reid Hoffman, who believe AI will revolutionize healthcare and education by acting as a "co-pilot" for human intelligence. Hoffman views AI as a tool that grants humans "superpowers," such as instant translation or creative generation. Though Elon Musk warns of "laser robots" subjugating humanity, Rivlin dismisses such cinematic fears in favor of addressing tangible risks like privacy and copyright. Ultimately, the book notes that AI reflects its creators—a small subset of society—serving as a mirror of human literature and creativity. (3/8)1904 SAN JOSE

In AI Valley, Gary Rivlin explains how OpenAI transitioned from a $10 million nonprofit endeavor to a multi-billion dollar enterprise. The immense cost of specialized chips and million-dollar salaries for machine learning talent rendered the original nonprofit model unsustainable. Consequently, Altman orchestrated a "for-profit subsidiary" to attract massive capital, notably from Microsoft, which invested $1 billion in 2019 and later an additional $10 billion. Rivlincharacterizes Altman as a charming and brilliant strategist who now prioritizes winning the global AI race over the company's original safety mission. This shift underscores the intense competition to become the next trillion-dollar company in the AI sector. (2/8)1903 SANTA BARBARA

Gary Rivlin introduces his book AI Valley, highlighting the pivotal 2017 "transformer" paper by Google researchers that allowed computers to understand language contextually. This breakthrough became the foundation for OpenAI'sChatGPT, as the transformer architecture solved previous struggles with natural language processing. Rivlin details Sam Altman's rise through Y Combinator, an influential "startup machine" that provided seed money and intensive training for successful companies like Airbnb. Initially founded in 2015 as an idealistic nonprofit with Elon Musk, OpenAIaimed to develop safe AI for humanity. However, Altman eventually steered the company toward a "capped-profit" model to secure the billions of dollars required for talent and computing power. (1/8)1848 SAN DIEGO

(3/3) Athens Supreme, Sparta Discredited. Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. The two examine how historical narratives are "plundered" by powers seeking to legitimate their own agendas. Germanicus highlights how the British Empire elevated Athens as an enlightened, cosmopolitan model to burnish its own imperial propaganda, while dismissing Sparta as a collection of "mindless automatons." This binary view ignores historical complexity and is used to disparage modern Greece for failing to meet these idealized ancient standards. In contrast, Rome's reputation remains "classically burnished" because its "heroic militarism" is easily transformed into cliches by modern leaders. Ultimately, Greek civilization has been reduced to "emptied symbols" that serve the "narcissistic identity" of current powers. The speakers conclude that Greece is "encumbered" by philosophy, making it harder to simplify into the heroic cliches that have preserved Rome's legacy. (3/3)19009:13 PMClaude responded: Thanks, J.Thanks, J. Glad it landed right. Ready whenever the next batch comes in.You said: SOONSOON9:13 PMClaude responded: Standing by.Standing by.

(2/3) The Self-Dealing Emperor. Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. The Roman emperor system, initiated by Augustus, was fundamentally built on "self-dealing," where the ruler acted as the "single decider" of wealth, contracts, and appointments to maintain control. By the time of Domitian, this corruption was an automated "machine." Germanicus contends that modern American venality has reached an "order of magnitude" that dwarfs historical examples like the Gilded Age or the corruption of the 1920s. He describes a "self-licking ice cream cone" of corruption where the powerful are no longer ashamed but use their influence to suppress critics. Because the current system is "rotten throughout," there is no internal pathway for reform. Instead, Germanicus predicts that only a "giant reckoning"—similar to the collapse of the Roman Empire—could force change, necessitating a new source of universal moral authority. (2/3)NERO

(1/3) The Great Game. Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. Germanicus compares 19th-century British strategy to modern American policy, noting both pursued a 78-year containment of Russia. Britain's efforts from 1830 to 1908 involved "wasteful wars" in places like Afghanistan and the Crimea to block Russian expansion in Eurasia. This strategy eventually backfired; by weakening Russia and later alienating Japan, Britain suffered a massive military humiliation at Singapore in 1942, leading to the empire's collapse. The United States has followed a near-identical timeline since 1947, which Germanicus argues has driven Russia and China into a close alliance while making an enemy of Iran. He concludes that the U.S. is currently at a 1930s-style "inflection point," having lost its global reputation and "mojo." Survival now requires acknowledging this reality rather than clinging to a "godlike" view of military power. (1/3)1904

Luis Elizondo credits journalists and Chris Mellon for bringing the UAP issue into the public eye through The New York Times. He describes Mellon as a "national treasure" who pushed for congressional oversight after discovering the Pentagon was withholding data. Despite bipartisan legislative efforts, "pockets" within the Pentagon—often termed "weebies" who outlast political appointees—continue to use propaganda and classification to hide malfeasance. Elizondohighlights the danger of these objects splitting combat air formations and stresses that the military-industrial complex often operates unilaterally, ignoring the chain of command. (4/4)JULU 1930

Luis Elizondo explores the "legacy program," a term for historic efforts by the government and defense contractors to exploit recovered UAP technology. He confirms the existence of material artifacts from non-conventional crashes, though specific locations remain classified. He mentions "DIRDs"—Defense Intelligence Reference Documents—written to investigate how to replicate UAP performance. Elizondo emphasizes that his book, Imminent, is just the beginning. He urges the American public to demand transparency and accountability from their elected officials to overcome the systemic corruption and secrecy surrounding the phenomenon. (3/4)JANUARY 1951

Luis Elizondo, former head of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program(AATIP), discusses his decision to resign from the Pentagon in 2017. Frustrated by the bureaucracy's refusal to acknowledge unusual aerial systems interfering with military platforms, he wrote a final appeal to Secretary of Defense James Mattis. Elizondo details his transition from a counterintelligence career to leading a secret program focused on UAPs. Initially skeptical, he was recruited by Dr. Jim Lacatski, who warned him not to let analytic bias hinder his understanding of these real, national security-threatening phenomena. (1/4)Luis Elizondo explains that the Roswell incident of 1947 was not a joke but a serious event involving recovered biological evidence and crash materials. He notes a significant uptick in UAP activity coinciding with the dawn of the atomic age, particularly near sensitive military installations and nuclear carrier groups. Despite historical briefings to presidents like Truman and Eisenhower, a counternarrative was established to stigmatize the topic. Elizondo argues that the data from multiple sensors places the reality of these objects beyond reasonable doubt, debunking the "mass delusion" theory. (2/4)Luis Elizondo explores the "legacy program," a term for historic efforts by the government and defense contractors to exploit recovered UAP technology. He confirms the existence of material artifacts from non-conventional crashes, though specific locations remain classified. He mentions "DIRDs"—Defense Intelligence Reference Documents—written to investigate how to replicate UAP performance. Elizondo emphasizes that his book, Imminent, is just the beginning. He urges the American public to demand transparency and accountability from their elected officials to overcome the systemic corruption and secrecy surrounding the phenomenon. (3/4)Luis Elizondo credits journalists and Chris Mellon for bringing the UAP issue into the public eye through The New York Times. He describes Mellon as a "national treasure" who pushed for congressional oversight after discovering the Pentagon was withholding data. Despite bipartisan legislative efforts, "pockets" within the Pentagon—often termed "weebies" who outlast political appointees—continue to use propaganda and classification to hide malfeasance. Elizondo highlights the danger of these objects splitting combat air formations and stresses that the military-industrial complex often operates unilaterally, ignoring the chain of command. (4/4)Note: corrected "durs" → "DIRDs" (Defense Intelligence Reference Documents). Flag if you want the phonetic spelling kept.

Luis Elizondo, former head of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), discusses his decision to resign from the Pentagon in 2017. Frustrated by the bureaucracy's refusal to acknowledge unusual aerial systems interfering with military platforms, he wrote a final appeal to Secretary of Defense James Mattis. Elizondo details his transition from a counterintelligence career to leading a secret program focused on UAPs. Initially skeptical, he was recruited by Dr. Jim Lacatski, who warned him not to let analytic bias hinder his understanding of these real, national security-threatening phenomena. (1/4)V

Jeremy Zakis discusses the onset of a "super El Niño" weather pattern impacting both the United States and Australia. While currently experiencing unusually wet and cold conditions in New South Wales, Australia is preparing for catastrophic drought and bushfires by December. The discussion highlights differences in fire management between California's forced evacuations and Australia's choice-based approach, emphasizing the danger of combustible eucalyptus trees near homes. Additionally, the weather has generated massive surf swells at Bondi Beach and unexpected early snowfall in the Southern Highlands and Victoria, signaling a potentially intense winter season ahead. (1/3)1916 NSW ANZAC DAY

Jeremy Zakis details a burgeoning mouse plague in Western and South Australia, where mice are breeding rapidly and have become resilient to standard toxins. In response, the government has authorized farmers to double the dosage of zinc phosphide bait. This surge in prey has caused a corresponding increase in snake sightings, as predators forgo hibernation to feed. Most notably, a large red-bellied black snake was discovered living inside the walls of an emergency operating theater at John Hunter Hospital. Authorities were forced to close the theater to remove the snake, which had likely been eating local mice. (3/3)1927

Jeremy Zakis details a burgeoning mouse plague in Western and South Australia, where mice are breeding rapidly and have become resilient to standard toxins. In response, the government has authorized farmers to double the dosage of zinc phosphide bait. This surge in prey has caused a corresponding increase in snake sightings, as predators forgo hibernation to feed. Most notably, a large red-bellied black snake was discovered living inside the walls of an emergency operating theater at John Hunter Hospital. Authorities were forced to close the theater to remove the snake, which had likely been eating local mice. (3/3)1899 PERTH WA

In the final segment, Michael McFaul outlines a grand strategy for democratic revival, asserting that democracies still hold superior military and economic power if they remain united. He stresses the urgent need to fix domestic polarization and institutional "wobbling" to restore the U.S. as a global beacon of emulation. McFaul argues for reforming international trade and investing in Cold War-era institutions like Radio Free Europe to promote democratic ideas. He concludes that while the "glory days" of 1991 are gone, a proactive, forward-looking agenda focused on freedom and multilateral cooperation is the best path to national security. (8/8)1903 BRUSSELS

Michael McFaul proposes a forward-looking strategy that includes helping Ukraine win to undermine Putin's dictatorial logic. He advocates for capitalizing on Russia's "brain drain" by reforming Western visa policies to attract the talent currently fleeing autocratic regimes. By welcoming entrepreneurs and scientists, the West can weaken its adversaries while boosting its own technological edge. Additionally, McFaul suggests identifying fissures in the China-Russiapartnership, particularly where their interests regarding international order diverge. The goal is to leverage democratic advantages in talent and technology to ensure a favorable long-term global balance of power. (7/8)1900 BRUSSELS

Focusing on U.S. leadership, Michael McFaul discusses the importance of "peace through strength" while maintaining robust alliances with fellow democracies. He critiques recent U.S. foreign policy for causing doubt among allies and urges a return to a values-based approach that supports dissidents like Jimmy Lai. McFaul warns of a "self-help alliance" between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, who cooperate to sustain their respective regimes. To counter this, he argues that the "small-D democrats" of the world must remain united and vocal about human rights. Supporting global liberty requires both military preparedness and moral clarity. (6/8)1900 BRUSSELS

Michael McFaul explores the evolution of Putinism, characterizing Vladimir Putin as an ideological risk-taker who views the West as a threat to "Russian civilization." He critiques the West for lacking a "Plan B" during Putin's early aggressions in Georgia and Crimea, suggesting that faster NATO expansion might have deterred the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. McFaul highlights how autocratic models of development are gaining popularity globally, challenging the efficiency of democratic systems. He emphasizes that Putin's actions are motivated by anti-Western ideas rather than simple national interest, making him an unpredictable and dangerous global actor. (5/8)1900 BRUSSELS

Michael McFaul analyzes how China's "Century of Humiliation" profoundly shapes Xi Jinping's drive for national strength and order. He observes that Xi is significantly more autocratic than his predecessors, utilizing modern surveillance technology to repress pluralism. McFaul explains how Xi is moving away from the market ideas that fueled China's growth, potentially stifling the economy through increased state control. Despite this repression, McFaulbelieves a demand for freedom persists in places like Hong Kong and Tibet. He argues that the West must recognize the systemic competition between democratic innovation and autocratic control. (4/8)1900 BRUSSELS

Drawing on his time in Moscow during the early 1990s, Michael McFaul describes the revolutionary transition from Gorbachev's reforms to the radicalism of the Yeltsin era. He highlights the unprecedented uncertainty of the Soviet collapse and the subsequent failure of the West to invest in Russia's democratic consolidation. McFaul notes that the 1992 U.S. election's focus on domestic issues distracted from providing critical political and economic assistance. Unlike the post-WWII era, the lack of a perceived external threat led to complacency about the "end of history." He stresses that supporting institutional demand for democracy is vital for long-term stability. (3/8)1900 BRUSSELS

In Autocrats vs. Democrats, Michael McFaul examines the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, critiquing the U.S. decision to "look away" from human rights for economic gain. He argues that while economic engagement enriched American capitalism, the theory that economic growth would naturally lead to democratization in China failed. Drawing on George Shultz's memoirs, McFaul advocates for a dual-track diplomacy where security and economic interests are pursued alongside human rights. He warns that Western complacency following the Cold War led to a missed opportunity to consolidate democratic institutions in emerging states. Values must remain central to foreign policy. (2/8)1900 BRUSSELS

Michael McFaul discusses his book Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America and the New Global Disorder, reflecting on the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis as the most dangerous moment of the Cold War. He emphasizes that the primary lesson learned was the necessity of crisis management mechanisms and direct communication to prevent nuclear obliteration. McFaul argues that today's lack of connectivity with China is a major risk, as stabilization requires understanding an adversary's intentions. He compares the revolutionary "will" of Mao's China to Putin's modern revisionist imperialism, noting that high intentionality can be as destabilizing as raw capability. Effective diplomacy requires engaging adversaries without compromising democratic values. (1/8)1900 BRUSSELS

The 13 letters attributed to Plato remain a source of intense scholarly debate, with some considered clear forgeries. In Plato and the Tyrant, James Romm accepts five letters as genuine, including the detailed Seventh Letter, which defends Plato's actions in Syracuse. Critics like Karl Popper viewed the letters and the Republic as evidence that Plato was an enemy of the "open society." While Plato may have been naive about practical politics, he consistently argued that a society's best hope was a "dream team" of a tyrant and a wise lawgiver. Ultimately, Plato used these writings to spin the narrative of his political failures. (8/8)

In the Republic, Plato argues that philosophers make the best kings because they can perceive the "Form of Justice." James Romm explains that Plato illustrates this through the Allegory of the Cave, where the philosopher must return from the light of the sun to lead those in darkness. The work concludes with the Myth of Er, a soaring account of the soul's thousand-year journey and reincarnation. Souls choose their next lives based on previous experiences; notably, Odysseus chooses the life of an ordinary man. Plato suggests that education allows the mind to recover subconscious memories of these eternal truths. (7/8)1889 THE SYMPOSIUM OF PLATO

As Syracuse collapsed into disorder, the mother city of Corinth sent Timoleon with a small hired army to intervene. James Romm notes that to the surprise of many, Dionysius the Younger abdicated voluntarily in exchange for a peaceful retirement in Corinth. He lived his remaining years in impoverishment, reportedly working as a music teacher and priest. His downfall became the source of the proverb "Dionysius is in Corinth," signifying that even the most powerful ruler can be brought low. Dionysius claimed his ability to endure exile proved he had actually learned from Plato's teachings. (6/8)SYRACUSE

Dion eventually led an invasion fleet to liberate Syracuse, but the revolution quickly descended into chaos and factional splits. James Romm explains that despite his Platonic education, Dion committed the political murder of his rival, Heraclides, which caused him a deep spiritual crisis. Dion was eventually assassinated by a faction of his own army led by Calippus, another student from Plato's Academy. Later, the historian Plutarch attempted to burnish Dion's legacy, portraying him as a "philosopher king." This defense aimed to protect the reputation of the Academy from the scandals of its students. (5/8)1839 SYRACUSE

During his five-year exile, Dion determined to overthrow the regime after Dionysius confiscated his estate and forced his wife to marry a loyalist. James Romm notes that Plato refused to join the coup but made a third voyage to Syracuse in 361 BCE to plead for Dion's reinstatement. These political failures directly informed the Republic, where Plato uses the "tyrannical man" to condemn autocracy. Syracuse was then a massive military power of 200,000 people, often compared in strength to the King of Persia. Plato's firsthand experience under a tyrant provided the basis for his philosopher king ideal. (4/8)1898 THE ACADEMY

Following the death of the Elder in 367 BCE, Dion invited Plato back to tutor the immature Dionysius the Younger. James Romm explains that Dion hoped Plato could transform the new ruler into an enlightened, constitutional monarch rather than a tyrant. Despite Plato's efforts to reform the court's lifestyle, the regime remained characterized by 90-day drinking parties and excessive wealth. The relationship soured when Dionysius intercepted a letter Dion sent to Carthaginian diplomats, viewing it as betrayal. Consequently, Dion was banished, and Plato was held under house arrest until being rescued by the philosopher-leader Archytas. (3/8)1245 THE ACADEMY

In Plato and the Tyrant, James Romm explains that Plato, born approximately 428 BCE, was deeply influenced by the 30 Tyrants of Athens, a regime involving his cousin Critias that conducted a reign of terror. After the execution of his teacher, Socrates, Plato developed a philosophy centered on a world of eternal forms, which are perfect realities beyond sensory perception. Plato visited Syracuse in 385 BCE, drawn by Dion, the ruler's brother-in-law, who shared Plato'sdisdain for the city's riotous living. This first visit was a colossal failure, as Dionysius the Elder dismissed Plato with dishonor for advocating ethical behavior. (2/8)1800 PLATO

James Romm discusses his book Plato and the Tyrant. Syracuse emerged as an immensely powerful and prosperous state in the 4th century BCE under the rule of Dionysius the Elder. He rose to power as a demagogue by railing against elite leaders and was appointed general by the sympathetic masses. To secure his rule, Dionysius utilized the "Island," a peninsula fortress with a natural spring that made it impossible to starve out during a siege. Dionysius broke Greek custom by practicing polygamy, marrying two women on the same day to project a superhuman, royal image. This double marriage eventually sparked civil war and rivalry between his children. (1/8)1871

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-22-2026.1900 ADAMS BOULEVARD.Jeff Bliss describes the rapid spread of Southern California wildfires in Riverside County. He also discusses a major fire on Santa Rosa Island caused by a stranded boater's flare. (1/16)Jeff Bliss reports on the "Disney Forward" expansion, which may include a third theme park. He notes that Harbor Boulevard faces intense traffic congestion despite Disney's advanced engineering efforts. (2/16)Richard Epstein analyzes the Trump administration's efforts to bypass state-run elections by banning voting machines. He characterizes these moves as unilateral abuses that threaten the constitutional separation of powers. (3/16)Richard Epstein critiques the Democratic Party's 2024 autopsy, arguing that Kamala Harris failed because she focused on identity politics. He claims the party lost contact with male and rural voters. (4/16)Jim McTague describes robust Memorial Day shopping in Lancaster County despite high gas prices. He warns that the economy sits in bubbles created by AI data centers and government spending. (5/16)Lorenzo Fiori discusses Italy's renewed interest in nuclear power and electric vehicle production in Naples. He also recommends the Molise region for its unique food and red Biferno wine. (6/16)Bob Zimmerman details SpaceX's IPO filings, which show Starlink earns $12 billion annually. These profits fund Starship development, while new ventures like high-powered satellite buses expand the company's commercial reach. (7/16)Bob Zimmerman explains that the Psyche probe successfully completed a Mars flyby. Meanwhile, reanalyzed data suggests Europa may lack water plumes, contradicting previous theories about the moon's potential for life. (8/16)Peter Mauch examines Hideki Tojo's 1941 strategy, where he balanced Army and Navy demands. The Navy's push for oil in Southeast Asia ultimately led to the circular logic of war. (9/16)Peter Mauch notes that Tojo acted as a tyrant by assuming multiple cabinet positions. After losing four carriers at Midway, Tojo utilized propaganda and censorship to hide the truth from the public. (10/16)Peter Mauch reveals Emperor Hirohito's daily involvement in military details. Tojo suppressed any talk of an exit strategy, though he eventually complied with the sacred decision to surrender after the atomic attacks. (11/16)Peter Mauch covers Tojo's failed suicide and his transition to a scapegoat for the Tokyo trials. He accepted responsibility for war crimes while shielding the Emperor from any legal prosecution. (12/16)Henry Sokolski argues that the NPT review highlights the failure to prevent Iran's nuclear enrichment. He warns that this creates a domino effect of proliferation across Saudi Arabia and Europe. (13/16)Mariam Wahba describes the jihadist threat in Mali led by Iyad Ag Ghaly. The group's siege on the capital endangers Nigeria, necessitating U.S. intelligence support for allies without using American troops. (14/16)Conrad Black proposes a Commonwealth economic fund to rival China and the U.S. He critiques Britain's failed governance and suggests the Reform Party offers a necessary shift away from welfare-centric politics. (15/16)Douglas Messier discusses a new partnership to develop asteroid mining technology. Key innovations like optical mining and solar thermal engines could eventually allow for large-scale robotic construction in space. (16/16)

Douglas Messier discusses a new partnership to develop asteroid mining technology. Key innovations like optical mining and solar thermal engines could eventually allow for large-scale robotic construction in space. (16/16)

Conrad Black proposes a Commonwealth economic fund to rival China and the U.S. He critiques Britain's failed governance and suggests the Reform Party offers a necessary shift away from welfare-centric politics. (15/16)1930

Mariam Wahba describes the jihadist threat in Mali led by Iyad Ag Ghaly. The group's siege on the capital endangers Nigeria, necessitating U.S. intelligence support for allies without using American troops. (14/16)1898 NIGERIA

Henry Sokolski argues that the NPT review highlights the failure to prevent Iran's nuclear enrichment. He warns that this creates a domino effect of proliferation across Saudi Arabia and Europe. (13/16)

Peter Mauch covers Tojo's failed suicide and his transition to a scapegoat for the Tokyo trials. He accepted responsibility for war crimes while shielding the Emperor from any legal prosecution. (12/16)1944

Peter Mauch reveals Emperor Hirohito's daily involvement in military details. Tojo suppressed any talk of an exit strategy, though he eventually complied with the sacred decision to surrender after the atomic attacks. (11/16)1943

Peter Mauch notes that Tojo acted as a tyrant by assuming multiple cabinet positions. After losing four carriers at Midway, Tojo utilized propaganda and censorship to hide the truth from the public. (10/16)1941-42 -43

Peter Mauch examines Hideki Tojo's 1941 strategy, where he balanced Army and Navy demands. The Navy's push for oil in Southeast Asia ultimately led to the circular logic of war. (9/16)1941

Bob Zimmerman explains that the Psyche probe successfully completed a Mars flyby. Meanwhile, reanalyzed data suggests Europa may lack water plumes, contradicting previous theories about the moon's potential for life. (8/16)1903 LA POSTCARD

Bob Zimmerman details SpaceX's IPO filings, which show Starlink earns $12 billion annually. These profits fund Starship development, while new ventures like high-powered satellite buses expand the company's commercial reach. (7/16)1900  SPRING STREET LA

Lorenzo Fiori discusses Italy's renewed interest in nuclear power and electric vehicle production in Naples. He also recommends the Molise region for its unique food and red Biferno wine. (6/16)1903 LA

Jim McTague describes robust Memorial Day shopping in Lancaster County despite high gas prices. He warns that the economy sits in bubbles created by AI data centers and government spending. (5/16)1900 HOTEL RAMONA LA, THIRD AND SPRING

Richard Epstein critiques the Democratic Party's 2024 autopsy, arguing that Kamala Harris failed because she focused on identity politics. He claims the party lost contact with male and rural voters. (4/16)1904 LA

Richard Epstein analyzes the Trump administration's efforts to bypass state-run elections by banning voting machines. He characterizes these moves as unilateral abuses that threaten the constitutional separation of powers. (3/16)1900 PASADENA GREEN HOTEL

Jeff Bliss reports on the "Disney Forward" expansion, which may include a third theme park. He notes that Harbor Boulevard faces intense traffic congestion despite Disney's advanced engineering efforts. (2/16)1908 LA

Jeff Bliss describes the rapid spread of Southern California wildfires in Riverside County. He also discusses a major fire on Santa Rosa Island caused by a stranded boater's flare. (1/16)1900 LA

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JBS, FEATURING JEFF BLISS, 5-22-26.1942-43. TOJO MOCKED.The "Pacific Watch" transcript highlights a pivotal moment for California, characterized by early-season environmental disasters, contentious political shifts, and massive infrastructure challenges.The California wildfire season has arrived with alarming speed. A significant blaze in Hemet (Riverside County) recently threatened retirement communities, with flames cresting hills directly behind residential properties. Firefighters utilized orange fire retardant to coat vegetation and slow the fire's progress, a tactic that creates a stark visual contrast against the green hillsides. Additionally, a fire on Santa Rosa Island, reportedly ignited by a stranded boater's flare gun, has consumed nearly 20,000 acres. These events occur amidst discussions of a "Super El Niño," which experts warn could create a "one-two punch": drying out the state to fuel fires and then bringing massive storms that cause mudslides and coastal erosion.The June 2nd jungle primary is the central focus of California politics. In the Los Angeles mayoral race, incumbent Karen Bass faces a surprisingly strong challenge from actor Spencer Pratt. Pratt, who entered politics after his home burned down in the Pacific Palisades fire, has become a vessel for a "protest vote" against the city's perceived disorder. While Bass maintains institutional support from unions and identity politics, Pratt has gained traction through viral, high-quality campaign ads focusing on safety, affordability, and the failure of city hall to rebuild after disasters. A controversial endorsement from Donald Trump has complicated the race, as Bass's camp uses it to label Pratt a "MAGA" candidate, a move designed to alienate West LA voters.In the race for governor, the field is dominated by Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator, and Xavier Becerra, the current HHS Secretary. Hilton is currently leading, but Becerra—a late entry backed by the Democratic "machine"—is gaining momentum due to his name recognition and appeal to Latino and union voters. Despite his national profile and potential presidential ambitions, Gavin Newsom faces criticism regarding the state's homeless crisis and the ballooning costs of the high-speed rail project, which has seen estimates jump from $30 billion to potentially over $400 billion.The "homeless industrial complex" is a major theme, with billions of dollars allegedly missing or misspent by non-governmental organizations. In Los Angeles, over half of the homeless population is reportedly from outside the city, drawn by mild weather and available services. The transcript also describes a darker side to the crisis, where criminal cartels allegedly charge homeless individuals rent to live in tents or RVs on the streets.Despite these troubles, there is economic expansion in Orange County with the "Disney Forward" project. This initiative likely involves a significant expansion of the Anaheim park system, potentially adding a "third park" or new themed lands like Toy Story Land to drive attendance and merchandise sales. These developments stand in sharp contrast to the era of 1955, when gas cost 29 cents and traffic on the I-5 freeway was virtually non-existent.

PREVIEW for Later Today: Conrad Black. Conrad Black analyzes unprecedented governance failures within the "Five Eyes" nations, focusing specifically on the streak of seven consecutive failed prime ministers currently paralyzing Great Britain.1940 GROUND DEFENSES.

PREVIEW for Later Today: Richard Epstein. Richard Epstein derides a controversial DOJ settlement worth $1.776 billion, arguing the agreement is corruptly organized and cannot legally bind future administrations' investigative powers.1945 DOJ

PREVIEW for Later Today: Peter Mauch. Peter Mauch explores Japanese leader Hideki Tojo's arrogance, detailing how his consolidation of multiple cabinet positions ultimately weakened the nation's wartime decision-making and consensus.1943

PREVIEW for Later Today: Doug Messier. Doug Messier details a commercial space partnership aiming to capture asteroids for mining water and metals, which would significantly reduce costs for future space construction.1957

PREVIEW for Later Today: Henry Sokolski. Henry Sokolski discusses the NPT review, warning against granting enrichment rights to Middle Eastern nations and emphasizing the need for stronger international enforcement mechanisms.

PREVIEW for Later Today: Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman explains how Vast is diversifying its business model by selling high-powered satellite buses to fund the development of their ambitious private space stations.NOVEMBER 1939

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-21-2026.1943 USA INFORMATION WAR.Anatol Lieven discusses the resignation of Latvia's Prime Minister following air defense failures. Ukrainian drones targeting Russia have been transiting Baltic airspace, leading to Russian threats of retaliation. Lieven explores the risk of unintended escalation between NATO and Russia amidst suspicions of Baltic-Ukrainian cooperation regarding these drone flight paths. (1/16)Following meetings in Beijing, Vladimir Putin seeks to finalize a gas pipeline to China to offset lost European markets. Anatol Lieven notes that while trade in dual-use technology grows, China remains cautious about full military escalation. Russia's involvement in the Iran and Ukraine wars complicates its position, as it lacks spare weaponry for Iran. (2/16)Russia has resumed military cargo shipments to Syria for the first time since the al-Sharaa government took power. Ahmad Sharawi explains that President al-Sharaa is balancing relations with Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine to rebuild his military. Tensions remain regarding the integration of foreign jihadist groups, such as al-Qaeda affiliates, into the new Syrian army. (3/16)Mary Anastasia O'Grady reports that the U.S. has imposed sanctions on GAESA, a shadowy military-controlled conglomerate dominating 70% of Cuba's economy. The company manages retail, ports, and foreign currency, including billions allegedly gained through human trafficking of medical personnel. These financial restrictions aim to pressure the regime toward democratic transition and have already impacted foreign investors. (4/16)Evan Ellis reports that Bolivia faces nationwide protests and blockades over austerity measures and fuel shortages. President Rodrigo Paz attempts reconciliation, but former President Evo Morales is accused of destabilizing the government to avoid child trafficking prosecution. While La Paz faces resource shortages, the eastern lowlands remain calm, highlighting a deep regional and political divide. (5/16)Evan Ellis characterizes protests in Bolivia as an organized "coup in motion" funded by coca growers' unions. Figures like Evo Morales and rivals within the government benefit from dismantling reforms. The instability threatens counter-drug efforts and allows criminal organizations to flourish while the government struggles to maintain order amidst resource blockades. (6/16)Evan Ellis reports that the U.S. Justice Department has indicted 94-year-old Raul Castro for the 1996 murder of "Brothers to the Rescue" pilots. The indictment serves as leverage in transition negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia and China pledge support to Cuba, and the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier signals a potential shift toward selective military pressure. (7/16)Evan Ellis reports that Venezuela has surrendered Alex Saab, Nicolas Maduro's former bagman, to the U.S. for prosecution. Saab possesses critical information on illicit financial flows involving Iran, Cuba, and Colombia. Delcy Rodriguez's decision to extradite him suggests a complex internal power play to appease Washington while eliminating her own political rivals. (8/16)Peter Mauch explores the early life of Hideki Tojo, focusing on his failed 1945 suicide attempt and the military code prohibiting the disgrace of surrender. Born into a samurai-descended family, Tojo's ambitions were fueled by the perceived mistreatment of his father by a cronyist military system, leading him to excel academically. (9/16)Peter Mauch explains that during the 1930s, the Japanese army split into the "Imperial Way" and "Control" factions. The Imperial Way prioritized morale and the Emperor, while Tojo's Control faction advocated for "total war" preparation involving all state resources. This rivalry turned murderous, culminating in assassinations and coup attempts against the civilian government. (10/16)Peter Mauch explains that in 1937, the Marco Polo Bridge incident sparked conflict between Japan and China. While Tokyo sought de-escalation, the Kwantung Army, including Tojo, pushed for escalation and conquest. Chiang Kai-shek's refusal to surrender drew the Japanese military into a "quicksand" interior, creating an inescapable and draining quagmire for the army. (11/16)Peter Mauch explains that as War Minister, Tojo—nicknamed "The Razor"—instilled iron discipline within the fractious Japanese army to earn the Emperor's favor. He consolidated political power by centralizing military communication and cashiering insubordinate officers. Meanwhile, Japan eyed the defenseless Southeast Asian colonies of European powers, determined not to "miss the bus." (12/16)Veronique de Rugy argues that tariffs function as taxes paid by Americans, with costs passing to consumers at a 96% rate. Despite promises to revive manufacturing, employment in that sector has continued to decline. The policy is described as a "catastrophe" resulting in billions in unconstitutional levies that require federal refunds. (13/16)Sadanand Dhume reports that the BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal marks a significant defeat for longtime leader Mamata Banerjee. Her neglect of the economy and corruption allegations led to her ouster. This victory signals Narendra Modi's regained political strength, cracking opposition bastions and positioning India as a vital alternative in global supply chains. (14/16)Anatoly Zak reports that despite sanctions and corruption scandals, Russia successfully launched the Soyuz-5 rocket, a joint project with Kazakhstan designed to replace Ukrainian technology. While international commercial prospects have vanished, Russia is pivoting toward domestic military payloads. Development continues on the Angara family of rockets, though the program faces significant spacecraft production delays. (15/16)Anatoly Zak reports that Russia has successfully tested the Sarmat, a heavy liquid-propellant ICBM designed to target the United States. Capable of carrying up to 20 maneuverable warheads, it replaces the Ukrainian-built "Satan" missile. While technologically complex and using toxic propellants, it represents Russia's commitment to maintaining a formidable strategic nuclear deterrent. (16/16)Notes: corrected "Akmed Sharawari" → Ahmad Sharawi; "Alshara" → al-Sharaa (Syrian president). Flag if you prefer alternate transliterations.

Anatoly Zak reports that Russia has successfully tested the Sarmat, a heavy liquid-propellant ICBM designed to target the United States. Capable of carrying up to 20 maneuverable warheads, it replaces the Ukrainian-built "Satan" missile. While technologically complex and using toxic propellants, it represents Russia's commitment to maintaining a formidable strategic nuclear deterrent. (16/16)AUGUST 1957

Anatoly Zak reports that despite sanctions and corruption scandals, Russia successfully launched the Soyuz-5 rocket, a joint project with Kazakhstan designed to replace Ukrainian technology. While international commercial prospects have vanished, Russia is pivoting toward domestic military payloads. Development continues on the Angara family of rockets, though the program faces significant spacecraft production delays. (15/16)MAY 1963

Sadanand Dhume reports that the BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal marks a significant defeat for longtime leader Mamata Banerjee. Her neglect of the economy and corruption allegations led to her ouster. This victory signals Narendra Modi's regained political strength, cracking opposition bastions and positioning India as a vital alternative in global supply chains. (14/16)1909

Veronique de Rugy argues that tariffs function as taxes paid by Americans, with costs passing to consumers at a 96% rate. Despite promises to revive manufacturing, employment in that sector has continued to decline. The policy is described as a "catastrophe" resulting in billions in unconstitutional levies that require federal refunds. (13/16)1921 WALL STREET

Peter Mauch explains that as War Minister, Tojo—nicknamed "The Razor"—instilled iron discipline within the fractious Japanese army to earn the Emperor's favor. He consolidated political power by centralizing military communication and cashiering insubordinate officers. Meanwhile, Japan eyed the defenseless Southeast Asian colonies of European powers, determined not to "miss the bus." (12/16)1943

Peter Mauch explains that in 1937, the Marco Polo Bridge incident sparked conflict between Japan and China. While Tokyo sought de-escalation, the Kwantung Army, including Tojo, pushed for escalation and conquest. Chiang Kai-shek's refusal to surrender drew the Japanese military into a "quicksand" interior, creating an inescapable and draining quagmire for the army. (11/16)2943

Peter Mauch explains that during the 1930s, the Japanese army split into the "Imperial Way" and "Control" factions. The Imperial Way prioritized morale and the Emperor, while Tojo's Control faction advocated for "total war" preparation involving all state resources. This rivalry turned murderous, culminating in assassinations and coup attempts against the civilian government. (10/16)1942

Peter Mauch explores the early life of Hideki Tojo, focusing on his failed 1945 suicide attempt and the military code prohibiting the disgrace of surrender. Born into a samurai-descended family, Tojo's ambitions were fueled by the perceived mistreatment of his father by a cronyist military system, leading him to excel academically. (9/16)1943

Evan Ellis reports that Venezuela has surrendered Alex Saab, Nicolas Maduro's former bagman, to the U.S. for prosecution. Saab possesses critical information on illicit financial flows involving Iran, Cuba, and Colombia. Delcy Rodriguez's decision to extradite him suggests a complex internal power play to appease Washington while eliminating her own political rivals. (8/16)1986

Evan Ellis reports that the U.S. Justice Department has indicted 94-year-old Raul Castro for the 1996 murder of "Brothers to the Rescue" pilots. The indictment serves as leverage in transition negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia and China pledge support to Cuba, and the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier signals a potential shift toward selective military pressure. (7/16)1920

Evan Ellis characterizes protests in Bolivia as an organized "coup in motion" funded by coca growers' unions. Figures like Evo Morales and rivals within the government benefit from dismantling reforms. The instability threatens counter-drug efforts and allows criminal organizations to flourish while the government struggles to maintain order amidst resource blockades. (6/16)1900

Evan Ellis reports that Bolivia faces nationwide protests and blockades over austerity measures and fuel shortages. President Rodrigo Paz attempts reconciliation, but former President Evo Morales is accused of destabilizing the government to avoid child trafficking prosecution. While La Paz faces resource shortages, the eastern lowlands remain calm, highlighting a deep regional and political divide. (5/16)1950

Mary Anastasia O'Grady reports that the U.S. has imposed sanctions on GAESA, a shadowy military-controlled conglomerate dominating 70% of Cuba's economy. The company manages retail, ports, and foreign currency, including billions allegedly gained through human trafficking of medical personnel. These financial restrictions aim to pressure the regime toward democratic transition and have already impacted foreign investors. (4/16)1899

Russia has resumed military cargo shipments to Syria for the first time since the al-Sharaa government took power. Ahmad Sharawi explains that President al-Sharaa is balancing relations with Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine to rebuild his military. Tensions remain regarding the integration of foreign jihadist groups, such as al-Qaeda affiliates, into the new Syrian army. (3/16)1914

Following meetings in Beijing, Vladimir Putin seeks to finalize a gas pipeline to China to offset lost European markets. Anatol Lieven notes that while trade in dual-use technology grows, China remains cautious about full military escalation. Russia's involvement in the Iran and Ukraine wars complicates its position, as it lacks spare weaponry for Iran. (2/16)1900

Anatol Lieven discusses the resignation of Latvia's Prime Minister following air defense failures. Ukrainian drones targeting Russia have been transiting Baltic airspace, leading to Russian threats of retaliation. Lieven explores the risk of unintended escalation between NATO and Russia amidst suspicions of Baltic-Ukrainian cooperation regarding these drone flight paths. (1/16)

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING JIM MCTAGUE, 5-21-2026.1943 TOJO TOURS THE PHILIPPINE OCCUPYING FORCE.In the source transcript, Jim McTague discusses a "wonderful book about Ford in his early days" that was published in 1954. While the transcript identifies the author as "Alan Nevins," this is a phonetic error or misstatement; the actual author of the definitive biography of Henry Ford published in 1954 is the historian Allan Nevins.The following details regarding this reference are found in the sources: Availability: McTague notes that the book has been long out of print and that he was only able to find a copy through a used book website called Alibris. Content: The book covers the early period of the automobile industry, describing how the technology was initially embraced by the wealthy (such as those in Newport, Rhode Island) before Ford's innovations brought it to the masses. Historical Context: McTague uses the insights from this biography to draw parallels between the "creative explosion" of the horseless carriage era and the current cycle of AI development. He characterizes Ford during the period described in the book as an "internal combustion engine nerd" who was focused on scientific competition rather than just the accumulation of wealth.

PREVIEW for Later Today: Veronique de Rugy explains that American consumers bear the full cost of Trumpadministration tariffs. These taxes make domestic manufacturing more expensive and products less affordable, contradicting claims that the policy would benefit the economy.1800 OYSTER STAND NYC

PREVIEW for Later Today: Sadanand Dhume discusses India's efforts to attract supply chains from China. While Apple has successfully diversified iPhone production there, India struggles to compete with more nimble nations like Vietnam in other various economic sectors.

PREVIEW for Later Today: Evan Ellis explores military alternatives for Cuba beyond a traditional invasion. He suggests selective strikes against command nodes or special operations to pressure the regime, providing a hard-line complement to ongoing diplomatic negotiations.1960 VASTRO AND NASSER

PREVIEW for Later Today: Peter Mauch provides a biographical look at Hideki Tojo, detailing how cronyism in the Imperial Japanese Army fueled his ambitions. Tojo's direct style earned him the nickname "the razor" as he rose to power.1940 OKINAWA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Mary Anastasia O'Grady details GAESA, a non-transparent Cuban military conglomerate that controls the island's hard currency. By hoarding foreign investment and leaving citizens with worthless pesos, the organization has become a primary target for sanctions.1915 HAVANA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Anatoly Zak compares Russia's Soyuz 5 and Angara 5 rockets to SpaceX's Falcon series. Russia's new boosters currently lack the reusability of the Falcon 9 and cannot match the heavy-lift capabilities of the Falcon Heavy.1957

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-20-26.1874 BEAVERRick Fisher discusses record-breaking arms packages for Taiwan, including loitering drones and missile defense, to counter potential Chinese invasion. Gordon Chang emphasizes the need for equipment capable of surviving an initial massive missile barrage. (1/16)Greg Scarlatoiu details North Korea's role as an arsenal for Russia and Iran, providing missiles and tunnel technology for profit. Kim Jong-un's survival strategy relies on nuclear weapons and maintaining relevance among allies. (2/16)Steve Yates critiques the personal diplomacy approach at the Beijing summit, noting an asymmetric information environment. He highlights the lack of a joint statement and ongoing tensions regarding Taiwan's sovereignty and defense. (3/16)Steve Yates characterizes China as an opportunistic bystander in foreign policy regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Russia-Ukraine. He argues Beijing lacks the will or power to lead in resolving international crises effectively. (4/16)Gordon Chang discusses China's "red lines" as tools for diplomatic intimidation. He argues China is fundamentally weak due to demographic collapse, a failing economy, and a military that lacks operational leadership for major invasions. (5/16)Michael Bernstam explains Russia's dependence on China for technology and energy exports. Despite short-term gains from high oil prices, Russia remains a junior partner struggling with domestic refinery issues caused by Ukrainian drones. (6/16)Jason Bedrick argues that the Bible is the essential foundation for the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. He laments the decline in biblical literacy, noting it creates a profound gap in cultural understanding. (7/16)Joel Kotkin explores how the Iranian diaspora in California largely favors a republic over the current regime. This highly professional and accomplished community draws on their experience in a free society to envision reform. (8/16)Mary Kissel discusses differing interpretations of the Trump-Xi summit, focusing on "strategic stability." She expresses concern over managed trade and the lack of consensus regarding North Korea's denuclearization and Chinese human rights abuses. (9/16)Mary Kissel discusses the historic indictment of Raul Castro for the 1996 shootdown of unarmed aircraft. She interprets this move as diplomatic leverage to encourage a transition toward a more open, prosperous Cuba. (10/16)Anne Lord reviews Chris Horton's Ghost Nation, detailing Taiwan's indigenous history and independent spirit. The book refutes Chinese Communist Party claims that the island has always been a "sacred territory" of mainland China. (11/16)Anne Lord emphasizes Taiwan's critical importance to the global economy via its semiconductor industry. She notes that the Taiwanese people are prepared and investing heavily in defense to protect their democracy and technology. (12/16)Simon Constable describes an idyllic spring in France before pivoting to alarming price increases for diesel, electricity, and natural gas. He warns that inflation is barreling through global economies as an "unleaded tax." (13/16)Simon Constable discusses the political maneuvering to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He critiques the lack of clear leadership in Parliament and the potential for unelected transitions of power within the Labour Party. (14/16)Bob Zimmerman discusses the upcoming SpaceX IPO, which could raise $75 billion. He argues that SpaceX is the real American space program, while NASA has become an ineffective sideshow supporting SpaceX's ambitious goals. (15/16)Bob Zimmerman explains how private enterprise and competition are transforming the space industry. He also describes unique geological features on Mars, such as "brain terrain," captured in recent images by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. (16/16)Note: corrected "Labor Party" → Labour Party (UK spelling).

STREAM THE MAKING OF THE JBS, FEATURING CHANG, FISHER, YATES, SCARLAOIU, 5-20-26.1900 BEAVERThis transcript captures a detailed discussion between John Batchelor, Gordon Chang, and various experts regarding the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the People's Republic of China. The participants analyze a high-profile summit between President Trump and Xi Jinping, debating whether the meeting produced meaningful change or was merely a "nothing burger" characterized by informational asymmetry. A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on Taiwan, specifically its multi-billion dollar arms purchases and the shifting necessity for drone technology to counter a potential Chinese invasion. The experts also examine North Korea's role as a global arms supplier to Russia and Iran, noting Kim Jong-un’s persistent anxieties regarding leadership security. Finally, the speakers critique China's internal stability, highlighting demographic decline, economic rot, and a lack of operational military leadership as evidence that the state is fundamentally weaker than its propaganda suggests.

Bob Zimmerman explains how private enterprise and competition are transforming the space industry. He also describes unique geological features on Mars, such as "brain terrain," captured in recent images by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. (16/16)1920 BURDICK ID

Bob Zimmerman discusses the upcoming SpaceX IPO, which could raise $75 billion. He argues that SpaceX is the real American space program, while NASA has become an ineffective sideshow supporting SpaceX's ambitious goals. (15/16)1910 ID

Simon Constable discusses the political maneuvering to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He critiques the lack of clear leadership in Parliament and the potential for unelected transitions of power within the Labour Party. (14/16)1900 CALDWELL ID

Simon Constable describes an idyllic spring in France before pivoting to alarming price increases for diesel, electricity, and natural gas. He warns that inflation is barreling through global economies as an "unleaded tax." (13/16)1900 HAILEY ID

Anne Lord emphasizes Taiwan's critical importance to the global economy via its semiconductor industry. She notes that the Taiwanese people are prepared and investing heavily in defense to protect their democracy and technology. (12/16)ST MARIES ID

Anne Lord reviews Chris Horton's Ghost Nation, detailing Taiwan's indigenous history and independent spirit. The book refutes Chinese Communist Party claims that the island has always been a "sacred territory" of mainland China. (11/16)1957 ABERDEEN ID

Mary Kissel discusses the historic indictment of Raul Castro for the 1996 shootdown of unarmed aircraft. She interprets this move as diplomatic leverage to encourage a transition toward a more open, prosperous Cuba. (10/16)1910 JULIETTA IDAHO

Mary Kissel discusses differing interpretations of the Trump-Xi summit, focusing on "strategic stability." She expresses concern over managed trade and the lack of consensus regarding North Korea's denuclearization and Chinese human rights abuses. (9/16)AIRCRAFT NUCLEAR PROPULSION TEST AREA ID

Joel Kotkin explores how the Iranian diaspora in California largely favors a republic over the current regime. This highly professional and accomplished community draws on their experience in a free society to envision reform. (8/16)ONEIDA COUNTY ID

Jason Bedrick argues that the Bible is the essential foundation for the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. He laments the decline in biblical literacy, noting it creates a profound gap in cultural understanding. (7/16)COUR D'ALENE, ID

Michael Bernstam explains Russia's dependence on China for technology and energy exports. Despite short-term gains from high oil prices, Russia remains a junior partner struggling with domestic refinery issues caused by Ukrainian drones. (6/16)1930S FSA ID

Gordon Chang discusses China's "red lines" as tools for diplomatic intimidation. He argues China is fundamentally weak due to demographic collapse, a failing economy, and a military that lacks operational leadership for major invasions. (5/16)1940 CALDWELL ID

Steve Yates characterizes China as an opportunistic bystander in foreign policy regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Russia-Ukraine. He argues Beijing lacks the will or power to lead in resolving international crises effectively. (4/16)1950s WALLACE ID

Steve Yates critiques the personal diplomacy approach at the Beijing summit, noting an asymmetric information environment. He highlights the lack of a joint statement and ongoing tensions regarding Taiwan's sovereignty and defense. (3/16)1910 ID

Greg Scarlatoiu details North Korea's role as an arsenal for Russia and Iran, providing missiles and tunnel technology for profit. Kim Jong-un's survival strategy relies on nuclear weapons and maintaining relevance among allies. (2/16)NAMPA IH

Rick Fisher discusses record-breaking arms packages for Taiwan, including loitering drones and missile defense, to counter potential Chinese invasion. Gordon Chang emphasizes the need for equipment capable of surviving an initial massive missile barrage. (1/16)1920S DUST BOWL IDAHO

PREVIEW for Later Today: Steve Yates explains how China manipulates diplomatic negotiations by pretending Taiwanis the only point of contention. He suggests American leaders visit Taiwan to realize the profound differences between the two governing systems.1905 SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL COURT

PREVIEW for Later Today: Gordon Chang advises against being intimidated by China's aggressive rhetoric toward Taiwan. He argues that China lacks fixed principles, often shifting its diplomatic "red lines" based on their assessment of relative global strength.1906 PEKING STREET IN SHANGHAI

PREVIEW for Later Today: Jason Bedrick explores how biblical illiteracy in American universities hinders the understanding of political philosophy and the nation's founding documents. These founding principles are deeply rooted in theological concepts and biblical narratives.1900 STANFORD

PREVIEW for Later Today: Mary Kissel discusses the indictment of Raul Castro and a potential United States "carrot and stick" strategy to encourage a political transition in Cuba. This approach leverages regime weaknesses and mirrors North Korean diplomacy.JANUARY 1959

PREVIEW for Later Today: Anne Lord examines Xi Jinping's bellicose rhetoric toward Taiwan. She warns that a Chinese move on the island would devastate the global economy because of heavy American reliance on Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturing.1925 TAIPEI

PREVIEW for Later Today: Bob Zimmerman analyzes the Louisiana legislature's efforts to attract a major aerospace company, potentially SpaceX. New laws provide tax breaks and lawsuit protections for a massive coastal land acquisition for space operations.1953

SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-19-2026.DECEMBER 1931.Elizabeth Peek discusses the confirmation of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chairman during a time of economic strength and high energy prices. Warsh, an inflation hawk, is expected to maintain current interest rates. (1/16)Elizabeth Peek analyzes the Trump-Xi summit, noting China's economic "shambles" and demographic crisis. She argues that the U.S. remains the dominant global power in energy, AI, and overall economic strength. (2/16)Jack Burnham assesses the Beijing summit's stalemate on trade and technology. He details Taiwan's $25 billion appropriation for U.S. weapons, highlighting delivery delays within the U.S. defense industrial base for legacy systems. (3/16)Jack Burnham focuses on China's history of unfulfilled trade promises regarding agricultural and energy products. Despite U.S. export controls, Chinese firms continue to acquire advanced Nvidia chips through illicit smuggling routes. (4/16)Andrea Stricker examines the NPT review amidst Middle East conflict. She details friction between nuclear-armed states and those seeking peaceful enrichment, noting the lack of arms control dialogue between the U.S., Russia, and China. (5/16)Andrea Stricker reviews the role of military force, specifically by the U.S. and Israel, in enforcing the NPT against defiant states like Iran. The UN chair seeks a concise consensus document by avoiding contentious issues. (6/16)David Daoud and Bill Roggio discuss how Hezbollah's drone use has hampered IDF operations in South Lebanon. The conflict has entered a predictable phase, complicating efforts for a permanent, genuine peace. (7/16)Bill Roggio and David Daoud explore the profound impact of low-cost FPV "silent killer" drones on the battlefield. These weapons challenge traditional military mobility and require new countermeasures at the squad level. (8/16)Gregory Copley assesses the Trump-Xi summit, characterizing China as a declining power that showed extreme respect to Trump. He argues the visit was a strategic move aimed at fracturing the Sino-Russian alliance. (9/16)Gregory Copley describes the "double blockade" in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's untenable demands. He argues the U.S. must decide whether to target Iranian infrastructure or leadership to resolve the regional security crisis. (10/16)Gregory Copley analyzes the unpopularity of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and internal challenges from rivals like Andy Burnham. The UK faces high taxes, labor unrest, and a socialist agenda that angers the public. (11/16)Gregory Copley discusses King Charles III's delivery of the government's legislative agenda. While the King serves as the guardian of the constitution, the government's socialist policies face significant public and parliamentary resistance. (12/16)Dr. Henry Miller criticizes the anti-vaccine stances of cabinet officials, calling it "statistical murder." He argues for maintaining mandates to ensure herd immunity and protect vulnerable populations against diseases like COVID. (13/16)Henry Miller describes a "tour de force" at MIT where AI is used to discover new molecules to fight antibiotic resistance. This technology identifies structures that kill pathogens like staphylococcus and gonorrhea. (14/16)Kevin Frazier explains the shift from "doomer" vs. "accelerationist" labels to more nuanced AI policy. He highlights the cybersecurity risks posed by advanced models like Mythos and the vulnerability of national infrastructure. (15/16)Kevin Frazier argues that any mandatory AI vetting must originate from Congress, as the President lacks the constitutional authority. He suggests deepening technical expertise and maintaining voluntary cooperation with AI labs. (16/16)Note: corrected "Kevin Fraser" → Kevin Frazier (matching prior thread usage).

STREAM OF THE MAKING OF JBS, 5-19-26.JULY 1930In this recording, John Batchelor provides a detailed overview of his current reading list and the methodologies he uses to synthesize complex historical information. He discusses a diverse array of subjects, ranging from the physical training of Roman gladiators to the complex legacy of Japanese General Tojo Hideki during the Second World War. The narrative also covers the legal controversies surrounding the Alec Murdaugh trial in South Carolina and a personal account of civilian survival in wartime Berlin. Furthermore, Batchelor explores ancient diplomacy revealed through Bronze Age clay tablets, highlighting how bureaucracy and conflict have remained constants throughout human history. This overview serves as a literary roadmap for his radio program, illustrating his commitment to viewing history through the perspectives of diverse cultures and eras.

Kevin Frazier argues that any mandatory AI vetting must originate from Congress, as the President lacks the constitutional authority. He suggests deepening technical expertise and maintaining voluntary cooperation with AI labs. (16/16)1978 NETHERLANDS IBM 360

Kevin Frazier explains the shift from "doomer" vs. "accelerationist" labels to more nuanced AI policy. He highlights the cybersecurity risks posed by advanced models like Mythos and the vulnerability of national infrastructure. (15/16)1980 IBM 370

Henry Miller describes a "tour de force" at MIT where AI is used to discover new molecules to fight antibiotic resistance. This technology identifies structures that kill pathogens like staphylococcus and gonorrhea. (14/16)1750

Dr. Henry Miller criticizes the anti-vaccine stances of cabinet officials, calling it "statistical murder." He argues for maintaining mandates to ensure herd immunity and protect vulnerable populations against diseases like COVID. (13/16)1918

Gregory Copley discusses King Charles III's delivery of the government's legislative agenda. While the King serves as the guardian of the constitution, the government's socialist policies face significant public and parliamentary resistance. (12/16)1879

Gregory Copley analyzes the unpopularity of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and internal challenges from rivals like Andy Burnham. The UK faces high taxes, labor unrest, and a socialist agenda that angers the public. (11/16)1642 COMMONS

Gregory Copley describes the "double blockade" in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's untenable demands. He argues the U.S. must decide whether to target Iranian infrastructure or leadership to resolve the regional security crisis. (10/16)1650

Gregory Copley assesses the Trump-Xi summit, characterizing China as a declining power that showed extreme respect to Trump. He argues the visit was a strategic move aimed at fracturing the Sino-Russian alliance. (9/16)1903

Bill Roggio and David Daoud explore the profound impact of low-cost FPV "silent killer" drones on the battlefield. These weapons challenge traditional military mobility and require new countermeasures at the squad level. (8/16)1947 LEBANON

David Daoud and Bill Roggio discuss how Hezbollah's drone use has hampered IDF operations in South Lebanon. The conflict has entered a predictable phase, complicating efforts for a permanent, genuine peace. (7/16)1930S TRIPOLI LEBANON

Andrea Stricker reviews the role of military force, specifically by the U.S. and Israel, in enforcing the NPT against defiant states like Iran. The UN chair seeks a concise consensus document by avoiding contentious issues. (6/16)1960 SWEDEN

Andrea Stricker examines the NPT review amidst Middle East conflict. She details friction between nuclear-armed states and those seeking peaceful enrichment, noting the lack of arms control dialogue between the U.S., Russia, and China. (5/16)1966 SWEDEN

Jack Burnham focuses on China's history of unfulfilled trade promises regarding agricultural and energy products. Despite U.S. export controls, Chinese firms continue to acquire advanced Nvidia chips through illicit smuggling routes. (4/16)1966 CALIFORNIA

Jack Burnham assesses the Beijing summit's stalemate on trade and technology. He details Taiwan's $25 billion appropriation for U.S. weapons, highlighting delivery delays within the U.S. defense industrial base for legacy systems. (3/16)1960 NASA PROJECTIONS

Elizabeth Peek analyzes the Trump-Xi summit, noting China's economic "shambles" and demographic crisis. She argues that the U.S. remains the dominant global power in energy, AI, and overall economic strength. (2/16)1966 NETHERLANDS

Elizabeth Peek discusses the confirmation of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chairman during a time of economic strength and high energy prices. Warsh, an inflation hawk, is expected to maintain current interest rates. (1/16)1966 ALABAMA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Gregory Copley discusses King Charles III's invitation to address the Irish Parliament. Similar to his appearance before the U.S. Congress, the King is viewed as a calming influence meant to soothe significant political upheaval worldwide.1690 CHARLES II

PREVIEW for Later Today: Jack Burnham discusses Taiwan's $25 billion arms package, highlighting the $14 billion portion currently stalled in the U.S. He explains the tension regarding this critical defense appropriation and Chinese "red lines."1899 DEPARTING FOR BOXER REBELLION

PREVIEW for Later Today: Kevin Frazier examines how AI tools like Mythos and GPT 5.5 reveal critical vulnerabilities in national infrastructure. He highlights U.S. Navy cyber weaknesses and emphasizes the urgent need for a robust national cybersecurity apparatus.JUME 1957

PREVIEW for Later Today: Bill Roggio explores the evolution of drone warfare, noting the transition from large aircraft-sized systems to inexpensive, 3D-printed drones. He warns that these accessible tools are now utilized by states and terrorists.1965 YEMEN

PREVIEW for Later Today: Andrea Stricker examines the NPT review, noting a shift from disarmament to managing proliferation. She discusses the unwinding of restraint, potential European nuclear deterrents, and the impact of China'semergence on global dynamics.2952 LAS VEGAS

PREVIEW for Later Today: Elizabeth Peek argues that President Xi's Taiwan threats are a smokescreen for China'sfailing economy, trailing AI, and geopolitical isolation. She highlights the struggles of allies like Russia and Iran against U.S.-led pressure.1914 BAEDECKER PEKING

SCHEDULE JBS 5-18-26.1962 ALGERIA Pakistan deployed 8,000 troops and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to reassure its ally. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggionote that while mediating the Iran war, Islamabad leverages this military presence to avoid direct involvement in the regional conflict. (1/16)Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio observe that Washington is currently distracted by domestic politics and upcoming midterms, pushing the Iran war to secondary headlines. Global leadership has eroded due to partisan squabbling over issues like high gas prices. (2/16)Bill Roggio and Samuel Bener report that Israeli strikes killed Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the last original planner of the October 7 massacre remaining in Gaza. His elimination signals a pressure campaign against Hamas as they refuse to disarm during the ceasefire. (3/16)Bill Roggio and Bridget Toomey report that Iraq's new government remains incomplete with nine ministries vacant due to sectarian disputes. Washington refuses to cooperate if these posts are filled by members of Iran-backed, US-designated terrorist militia groups. (4/16)Malcolm Hoenlein criticizes The New York Times for publishing an opinion piece echoing propaganda against Israelalongside a report on Hamas atrocities. Critics suggest this timing was intended to undermine Israeli investigative findings. (5/16)Malcolm Hoenlein reports that Iran launched a digital insurance platform to bypass maritime sanctions and generate revenue in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Hezbollah refuses to disarm in Lebanon despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations held in Washington. (6/16)Alan Tonelson argues the Beijing summit achieved little, noting no shifts in Taiwan policy or tariffs. Tonelson and Gordon Chang emphasize China's economic distress, manufacturing overcapacity, and strategic reliance on rare earth minerals. (8/16)Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo discuss Raul Castro's potential indictment and regional shifts toward the right. They highlight the extradition of Alex Saab as a significant blow to Maduro. (9/16)Alejandro Peña Esclusa attributes Bolivia's turmoil to Cuban influence and Evo Morales's ties to drug trafficking. Ernesto Araújo views Bolivia as a critical "bellwether" for the criminal socialist project in Latin America. (10/16)Edmund Fitton-Brown discusses the Strait of Hormuz closure and the potential for military escalation if negotiations fail. He critiques European passivity and notes China's interest in reopening the vital waterway. Bill Roggio joins the conversation. (11/16)Edmund Fitton-Brown critiques a New York Times report on Israeli violence as poorly sourced and timed to distract from Hamas's sexual violence. He warns about shifts in American media coverage. Bill Roggio joins the conversation. (12/16)John Hardie examines the escalation of drone strikes between Ukraine and Russia, including attacks on Moscow'sinfrastructure. He notes the pressure on Russian air defenses and the stalemate in the Donbas region. Bill Roggio joins the conversation. (13/16)Joe Truzman details how Iran and its proxy, Kata'ib Hezbollah, outsource low-tech attacks against Jewish targets in Europe. He also discusses Israel's ongoing pursuit of justice for October 7th victims. Bill Roggio joins the conversation. (14/16)Sophie McDowall explains how terrorist groups use music on platforms like SoundCloud to radicalize new listeners. She details how artists bypass content moderation using coded language and nasheeds featuring battlefield audio. (15/16)Sophie McDowall explores the complex difficulty of balancing free speech rights with moderating radicalist audio content. She identifies Islamic art bands with ties to Hamas that use music to oppose coexistence. (16/16)

STREAMING MAKING JBS, FEATURING ROGGIO, HAQQANI, BEN-UR, 5-18-26.SUGAR CANE 1969This text provides a transcript of a discussion regarding the ongoing regional instability in the Middle East, specifically examining the economic and military consequences of the conflict with Iran. The speakers debate the increasing cost of fuel and the perceived lack of clarity from the Trump administration, suggesting that the American public is becoming desensitized to the war's rhetoric. The dialogue transitions to analyze Pakistan’s military involvement in Saudi Arabia and the complexities of its role as a mediator with shifting loyalties. Furthermore, the participants evaluate the targeted killing of a Hamas commander and the logistical challenges of implementing a peace plan in Gaza. Throughout the conversation, there is a recurring concern that partisan politics in Washington have diminished global leadership and obscured the actual threats posed by regional actors.

Sophie McDowall explores the complex difficulty of balancing free speech rights with moderating radicalist audio content. She identifies Islamic art bands with ties to Hamas that use music to oppose coexistence. (16/16)1960 UNGA WITH NASSER

Sophie McDowall explains how terrorist groups use music on platforms like SoundCloud to radicalize new listeners. She details how artists bypass content moderation using coded language and nasheeds featuring battlefield audio. (15/16)1960

Joe Truzman details how Iran and its proxy, Kata'ib Hezbollah, outsource low-tech attacks against Jewish targets in Europe. He also discusses Israel's ongoing pursuit of justice for October 7th victims. Bill Roggio joins the conversation. (14/16)1959

John Hardie examines the escalation of drone strikes between Ukraine and Russia, including attacks on Moscow'sinfrastructure. He notes the pressure on Russian air defenses and the stalemate in the Donbas region. Bill Roggio joins the conversation. (13/16)1953 UNDER ARREST

Edmund Fitton-Brown critiques a New York Times report on Israeli violence as poorly sourced and timed to distract from Hamas's sexual violence. He warns about shifts in American media coverage. Bill Roggio joins the conversation. (12/16)1950S CASTRO

Edmund Fitton-Brown discusses the Strait of Hormuz closure and the potential for military escalation if negotiations fail. He critiques European passivity and notes China's interest in reopening the vital waterway. Bill Roggio joins the conversation. (11/16)1964

Alejandro Peña Esclusa attributes Bolivia's turmoil to Cuban influence and Evo Morales's ties to drug trafficking. Ernesto Araújo views Bolivia as a critical "bellwether" for the criminal socialist project in Latin America. (10/16)1962 ALGERIA

Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo discuss Raul Castro's potential indictment and regional shifts toward the right. They highlight the extradition of Alex Saab as a significant blow to Maduro. (9/16)JANUARY 1959 ENTERING HAVANA

Alan Tonelson argues the Beijing summit achieved little, noting no shifts in Taiwan policy or tariffs. Tonelson and Gordon Chang emphasize China's economic distress, manufacturing overcapacity, and strategic reliance on rare earth minerals. (8/16)1959 MONTREAL

Gordon Chang and Charles Burton describe the Trump-Xi summit as political theater where China projected strength despite economic weaknesses. Concerns exist that support for Taiwan may become a transactional bargaining chip in future trade deals. (7/16)1960 SUKARNO IN HAVANA

Malcolm Hoenlein reports that Iran launched a digital insurance platform to bypass maritime sanctions and generate revenue in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Hezbollah refuses to disarm in Lebanon despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations held in Washington. (6/16)1970S CASTROR

Malcolm Hoenlein criticizes The New York Times for publishing an opinion piece echoing propaganda against Israelalongside a report on Hamas atrocities. Critics suggest this timing was intended to undermine Israeli investigative findings. (5/16)1959 BUENOS AIRES

Bill Roggio and Bridget Toomey report that Iraq's new government remains incomplete with nine ministries vacant due to sectarian disputes. Washington refuses to cooperate if these posts are filled by members of Iran-backed, US-designated terrorist militia groups. (4/16)1969

Bill Roggio and Samuel Ben-Ur report that Israeli strikes killed Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the last original planner of the October 7 massacre remaining in Gaza. His elimination signals a pressure campaign against Hamas as they refuse to disarm during the ceasefire. (3/16)1960S CASTRO

Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio observe that Washington is currently distracted by domestic politics and upcoming midterms, pushing the Iran war to secondary headlines. Global leadership has eroded due to partisan squabbling over issues like high gas prices. (2/16)1970S CASTRO

Pakistan deployed 8,000 troops and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to reassure its ally. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggionote that while mediating the Iran war, Islamabad leverages this military presence to avoid direct involvement in the regional conflict. (1/16)1950S CASTRO

PREVIEW for Later Today: Analyzing Xi Jinping's Petty Power Plays During Trump's Visit. Guest: Gordon Chang. Gordon Chang highlights Xi Jinping's "petty" behavior during a Forbidden City summit, including using higher chairs to appear dominant. Despite Xi's talk of a "new era," his actions suggest underlying weakness.1898

PREVIEW for Later Today: The Role of Music in Jihadist Radicalization and Recruitment. Guest: Sophie McDowell. Sophie McDowell explains how jihadists utilize music to foster a sense of pride and community among potential recruits. Music creates a subconscious affinity for radical movements, especially for those seeking belonging.1930 SAUDI ARABIA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Evo Morales: A Cuban-Linked Threat to Bolivian Stability. Guest: Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Alejandro Peña Esclusa discusses Evo Morales's efforts to regain power in Bolivia through organized turmoil. Morales, a Cuban-educated regional leader for coca growers, is linked to drug trafficking and ideological interests directed by Cuba.1948 CARACAS

PREVIEW for Later Today: Ukrainian Strikes Undermine Russian Public Support for Endless War. Guest: John Hardie. John Hardie analyzes how long-range Ukrainian drone strikes on critical infrastructure, like oil refineries, damage Russian morale. Environmental impacts and leadership failures to protect facilities exacerbate unspoken public frustration with the ongoing conflict.1856 BLACK SEA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Overestimating China's Global Influence and Economic Integration. Guest: Alan Tonelson. Alan Tonelson argues that China's global influence is vastly overestimated despite its economic growth. Its primary leverage remains a near-stranglehold on rare earth minerals and magnets, which are critical for defense and electronics.1793

PREVIEW for Later Today: Iraq's New Oil Ministry Faces Critical Export and Budget Challenges. Guest: Bridget Toomey. Bridget Toomey examines Iraq's urgent need to diversify oil export routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz. The new ministry must repair post-war facilities and address a looming budget crunch while managing production levels.1700

In their final discourse by the Thames, Gaius and Germanicus explore the inescapable cultural legacy of Rome, noting its presence in modern architecture, law, and even the worship services of the New Testament. Gaius posits that Rome is "everywhere," from the basilica-style churches of Connecticut to the very temperament of Western business. Germanicus offers a provocative thesis: as modern elites deconstruct Christian traditions, the United States is returning to a "traditional Roman coloration" defined by pre-Christian ruthlessness and a focus on raw power. This secular shift mirrors ancient Roman pragmatism, where the "hand on the shoulder" of moral constraint is replaced by a focus on ideology and statecraft. As the orchestra gathers and the centurions finish their third cups of wine, the speakers reflect on a world that is becoming "more Roman than ever," where power precedes all other human concerns. (3/3)1849 CESARE MACCARRI.

As the wine flows in the Spring of 92 AD, Gaius and Germanicus shift their focus to the power of ceremony and the "paper tiger" status of modern empires. They analyze the symbolic "disrespect" shown during a meeting between the American and Chinese emperors in Beijing, noting how ritualized slights reflect a collapsed military reputation. Germanicus argues that the United States has "defanged" its own sea power, rendering a clash over Taiwan unnecessary because the global power dynamic has already shifted. The duo also delves into historical revisionism, suggesting the Pacific War was an avoidable tragedy exacerbated by failed diplomacy with Japan. Amidst "upbeat stories" for the resting centurions, they conclude that the Anglo-American alliance is viewed as a single entity by Eastern powers, much as it was during the 20th century. The retired soldiers find comfort in these tales of strategic errors that do not reflect their own storied service. (2/3)1937 IMPERIAL JAPAN ARMY IN SHANGHAI

In a sun-drenched Londinium wine bar overlooking the calm Thames, Gaius and Germanicus engage in a spirited debate before an audience of retired centurions from the Eighth Legion. The discussion centers on the "Roman way of war"—characterized by relentless engineering, abundant resources, and the demand for total victory—contrasted against the declining American military reputation. Germanicus identifies seven historical pillars of American power, such as total mobilization and superior technology, which he argues have eroded over the last fifty years. Citing failures in Korea, Vietnam, and more recently in Ukraine and Iran, the speakers suggest that the United States has transitioned from a "redeemer nation" into a state struggling with ineffective, marginal conflicts. The centurions, professional combatants who once fought alongside former gladiators, listen intently as Gaius compares the Roman spirit to the aggressive naval strategies of the Second World War. (1/3)1940 HO CHI MINH

Stalin strategically delayed Operation Bagration until two weeks after D-Day, ensuring that the Western Allies would exhaust German forces first. Using American steel, fuel, and Studebaker trucks, the Red Army emerged as a massive, mechanized force capable of expanding Soviet dominance from Berlin to Beijing. Sean McMeekin explains that after the war, the U.S. facilitated this rise by arming Stalin's far eastern armies while cutting off aid to the Chinese Nationalists in 1946. Ultimately, Lend-Lease provided the mobility and resources—including butter and sugar—that created the conditions for the Soviet Union to emerge as a global superpower. (8/8)1900

The Soviet Union used Lend-Lease to "plunder" American technology, including entire Ford factories and suitcases of blueprints guarded by NKVD agents. Harry Hopkins personally intervened to facilitate the shipment of specialized chemicals and enriched uranium to the USSR. Sean McMeekin notes that while some officials like Harry Dexter Whitewere identified as NKVD agents, Hopkins acted as a devoted "agent of influence," routinely overruling ambassadors like Averell Harriman when they attempted to exert leverage over these transfers. Hopkins ensured that the flow of vital resources remained unconditional, viewing Stalin's interests as his own and outmaneuvering anyone who raised concerns. (7/8)UNDATED BAKU

Following the 1943 discovery of the Katyn Forest massacre, where the Soviets executed thousands of Polish officers, FDR and Churchill knowingly supported the Soviet lie blaming the Nazis to preserve the alliance. Stalin used this event as a strategic lever to break off relations with the Polish exile government in London. Sean McMeekin explains that this maneuver allowed Stalin to isolate moderate Polish patriots and clear the path for the installation of communist puppets. By endorsing the lie, the Allies effectively facilitated Stalin's goal of dominating Poland's political future and destroying any viable alternative to Soviet-backed rule. (5/8)UNDATED BAKU

At the 1943 Casablanca Conference, FDR announced the policy of "unconditional surrender" largely as a diplomatic gift to appease Stalin's constant "needling" for a second front. Despite FDR giving Stalin first priority for advanced aircraft and even offering U.S. pilots to defend Soviet skies, Stalin remained ungrateful and dismissive of anything short of a full-scale invasion of Europe. Sean McMeekin notes that Stalin's "unquenchable" bellyaching continued even after Allied landings in Italy, while he simultaneously maintained a close collaboration with Imperial Japan, refusing to open a second front in Asia to help his Western allies. (4/8)1905 BAKU

Winston Churchill viewed the Soviet Union as a necessary bulwark against Hitler, leading him to treat Stalin as a "brother-in-arms" despite Soviet crimes. To keep the Russian army fighting as "cannon fodder," Churchill diverted crucial equipment—including 200 Hawker Hurricane fighters and tanks meant for Singapore and North Africa—directly to Stalin. This massive transfer of resources retarded Britain's own domestic manufacturing and aircraft industries. Sean McMeekin argues that Churchill's "historical imagination" allowed the British to avoid direct land combat with Germany for several years while the Russians suffered the brunt of the casualties, leading to modern Russian moral blackmail arguments. (3/8)1905 BAKU

FDR faced significant domestic opposition from powerful congressional voices like Harry Truman and Hiram Johnson, who viewed both Hitler and Stalin as "monsters" or "beasts." Internal polls showed that 54% of Americans opposed aiding the Soviet Union, with majority support in only 11 states. To bypass this political resistance, the Roosevelt administration kept the early stages of Soviet aid secret for six months. Sean McMeekin notes that it was only after the Soviet regime survived the 1941 winter that Roosevelt publicly admitted to a multi-billion dollar credit line with no strings attached, effectively winning the political battle through executive discretion. (2/8)1900 BAKU

Professor Sean McMeekin explains that Joseph Stalin's core strategy was to allow capitalist "monster nations" like France, Germany, and England to exhaust each other before he intervened to expand the Russian Empire. This vision was realized through Harry Hopkins' 1941 mission to Moscow, which established a direct communication channel between FDR and Stalin. Hopkins shocked Stalin by promising that the United States would provide "whatever he wants" with no conditions applied, even sacking military observers who requested access to information. This created a "peculiarly one-sided" relationship where the U.S. fueled and armed the USSR without demanding assistance against Japan. (1/8)1875 BAKU OIL FIELDS

Admiral James Stavridis highlights the heroism of Doris "Dory" Miller and Commander Ernest Evans. Despite the segregated Navy of 1941, Miller displayed immense courage at Pearl Harbor by manning an anti-aircraft gun and rescuing shipmates. His legacy is honored by the naming of a future aircraft carrier. Commander Ernest Evans is celebrated for his "last stand" during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Leading the destroyer Johnston against a massive Japanese fleet, Evans engaged in a heroic bluff that forced the enemy to retreat. Though Evans was lost, his decisiveness protected the landing forces and earned him the Medal of Honor. (4/4)US CAIRO

Admiral James Stavridis focuses on the leadership trait of emotional detachment. Stavridis criticizes Admiral Bill Halsey for allowing competitive rivalry to cloud his judgment at Leyte Gulf, contrasting him with leaders like Michelle Howard who maintain composure. The discussion also covers Stephen Decatur's heroism at Tripoli, where he demonstrated the flexibility to change plans—burning the USS Philadelphia when "cutting it out" became impossible. Stavridis further defends Lloyd Bucher's surrender of the Pueblo as a rational act in the absence of any means of resistance, arguing that leadership requires acting logically rather than choosing suicidal defiance. (3/4)1890 USN NAHUNT

Admiral James Stavridis examines resource evaluation using David Farragut's victory at Mobile Bay as a model of combined arms and technological adaptation. Farragut successfully managed the transition from wooden sailing ships to ironclad steam vessels. In contrast, Captain Lloyd Bucher of the USS Pueblo faced a tragic lack of resources when captured by North Koreans in 1968. Without support, Bucher made the controversial but rational decision to surrender to save his crew. Finally, Captain Brett Crozier of the USS Theodore Roosevelt is highlighted for prioritizing his people during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating that moral leadership sometimes carries harsh career consequences. (2/4)2872 BRITISH MONITOR

Guest Author Admiral James Stavridis discusses the necessity of gathering intelligence through the contrasting examples of George Dewey and Bill Halsey. At Manila Bay, Dewey successfully utilized human intelligence from State Department diplomats to construct a victory. Conversely, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Halsey suffered from incomplete communication and imperfect intelligence, leading him to abandon the landing force. Stavridis also introduces Admiral Michelle Howard, who exemplifies the ability to weigh consequences. Howard's successful rescue of Captain Phillips highlights how assessing risk effectively is a vital leadership skill, even when newly assigned to a command. (1/4)1863 DANISH IRONCLAD

The mission's climax involved the sample capsule's return to Earth in the Utah desert. Dante Lauretta describes the harrowing moments when the drogue parachute failed to deploy as scheduled, threatening a catastrophic crash landing. The successful deployment of the main parachute at 60,000 feet ultimately secured a "mission success" and the recovery of a spectacular sample. Lauretta has since transitioned the spacecraft's ongoing mission, now called OSIRIS-APEX, to his former student Daniella DellaGiustina. He concludes by celebrating the mission's impact on training over 200 students, ensuring a legacy for future planetary exploration. (4/4)AUGUST 1961

When the spacecraft arrived at Bennu in late 2018, the team was shocked to find a rugged, boulder-strewn surface instead of the expected sandy "beach." Bennu revealed itself as a "trickster" and an "active asteroid," frequently ejecting rock particles into space like "popcorn." These surprises forced the team to abandon their original laser-guided landing plan for a more sophisticated "Bullseye TAG" autonomous system. During the eventual sample collection at the "Nightingale" site, the asteroid's surface behaved like a fluid; the collector plunged so deep it became overfilled, causing precious material to leak into space. (3/4)SEPTEMBER 1963

Dante Lauretta details the complex scientific objectives that formed the OSIRIS-REx mission name: Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, and Regolith Explorer. He reflects on the mythological significance of Osiris as both a bringer of life and a harbinger of death, mirroring the nature of asteroids. The mission faced a major turning point when Mike Drake passed away shortly after NASA's 2011 selection, leaving Lauretta to lead as the designated "risk mitigation." Despite rigorous technical reviews in 2014 that challenged their landing design, the team convinced NASA of their cost-credibility and engineering resilience. (2/4)JANUARY 1951

Professor Dante Lauretta discusses the origins of his journey to explore the dawn of the solar system. The mission began in 2004 when his mentor, Mike Drake, invited him to meet with Lockheed Martin to propose an asteroid sample return mission. Lauretta shares his personal background as a once "directionless" student who found inspiration through a NASA job advertisement. The team's initial proposals suffered demoralizing rejections from NASA, which served as a "gut punch" but ultimately strengthened their resolve. These early challenges led to the identification of the target asteroid, 1999 RQ36. (1/4)FEBRUARY 1930

The ICC suspended funding for Cricket Canada following allegations of corruption, match-fixing, and "Bishnoi mafia" influence. A specific match against New Zealand is currently under investigation. Additionally, England's "Bazball" era appears to be ending, signaled by the removal of opening batsman Zak Crawley from the team. (2/2)1928

John Batchelor and Jeremy Zakis discuss an impending "Super El Niño" causing extreme global weather patterns. Australia prepares for catastrophic bushfire risks due to unprecedented dry conditions and a lack of winter rain. Conversely, the United States and parts of South America expect heavy flooding and severe storms. (1/2)1931 QUEENSLAND

Matthew Shindell explores the history of robotic exploration, starting with political shifts during the Nixonadministration that pivoted NASA away from post-Apollo human Mars missions. He emphasizes the extraordinary success of the Mariner and Viking programs, which provided the first surface-level scientific data from the red planet. Shindell tracks technological evolution through modern milestones like the Perseverance rover and the Ingenuityhelicopter. While figures like Elon Musk aim for human settlement, Shindell stresses the immense technical and biological challenges involved. These include protecting astronauts from radiation and ensuring survival during the long wait for favorable planetary alignment. (4/4) July 1952

Matthew Shindell examines the Scientific Revolution, noting how pioneers like Galileo and Newton gradually replaced ancient models with modern physics and natural history. By the 18th century, William Herschel popularized the idea of an inhabited Mars, believing it to be the most Earth-like planet in the solar system. This curiosity peaked with Giovanni Schiaparelli's mapping of Martian "canals," which Percival Lowell later interpreted as evidence of a desperate, dying civilization. Shindell notes that H.G. Wells transformed these projections into satire, using The War of the Worlds to critique British imperialism through the lens of an alien invasion. (3/4)september 1941

Matthew Shindell discusses the Islamic Renaissance, noting that scholars in Baghdad and Damascus conducted rigorous scientific observations while Western Europe possessed only fragmented ancient knowledge. This era's large-scale translation movement and original astronomical research eventually fueled the later European Renaissance. Shindellalso analyzes Dante Alighieri's reinterpretation of Mars in the Divine Comedy, where the planet represents a celestial sphere of virtue. Moving beyond traditional associations with war, Dante portrays Mars as a symbol of fortitude and holy martyrdom. This literary shift connected the red planet to the sacrifice of Christ and his followers. (2/4)1917 Burroughs

Matthew Shindell explores how ancient civilizations interpreted Mars to understand their connection to the cosmos. He explains that archaeologists studying the Mayan Dresden Codex identified a "Mars beast" representing the planet's opposition and retrograde motion. In ancient China, astronomy served as a political tool, where planetary patterns helped hold rulers accountable for maintaining heavenly harmony. Shindell highlights Mesopotamian omen-tracking as the foundational "birth of science" due to their meticulous record-keeping and predictive mathematics. Finally, he discusses how Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Ptolemy struggled to reconcile Mars's erratic behavior with their earth-centered models. (1/4)june 1954

Elbridge Colby argues that the U.S. must prioritize Asia as the primary theater, as China stands a plausible chance of regional hegemony unlike Russia. While maintaining NATO, the U.S. should shift conventional obligations to Europeans, as America cannot handle simultaneous major conflicts. Regarding nuclear proliferation, Colby warns that independent arsenals for allies like Australia or Japan are not a panacea for conventional weakness. Instead, a robust conventional defense is preferred to avoid the dilemma of "going nuclear first" or surrendering autonomy to Beijing'sdictate. (8/8)

Elbridge Colby explains that the binding strategy addresses the psychological aspect of war by preparing for the resolve and morale required for a larger conflict. It aims to force China into a dilemma: accept the status quo or take actions that inevitably catalyze the coalition's collective resolve. By integrating the defense of allies like Japan and Australia, the U.S. ensures that a Chinese move against Taiwan precipitates a wider war China would likely lose. This strategy leverages Thumos, or spiritedness, to ensure that Chinese aggression triggers a "don't tread on me" reaction from nationalistic regional powers. (7/8)SEPTEMBER 1932

Elbridge Colby explains that if a denial defense succeeds, the burden of escalation falls on China, which may attempt horizontal (geographic) or vertical (intensity) escalation. Colby notes that limited nuclear use is risky for Beijing as it might catalyze American "righteous might" and vengeance. Conversely, if the denial defense fails, the coalition faces the difficult challenge of mobilizing for a larger conflict to recapture territory. Despite economic concerns, societies are often more resilient than expected. Ultimately, backing down would have catastrophic global implications, fundamentally altering American freedom and prosperity over time. (6/8)DECEMBER 1951

Elbridge Colby explains that a denial defense focuses on preventing China from successfully executing a fait accompli by denying their ability to seize and hold key territory. The primary goal is to degrade or destroy the invasion force while it is most vulnerable—during transit across the Taiwan Strait or while preparing on the mainland. Unlike the total dominance the U.S. enjoyed in the 20th century, Colby argues that denial is a more attainable standard given China'smassive economic and military strength. Success is measured by keeping the target state "on side" rather than achieving a total defeat. (5/8)NOV 1931

Elbridge Colby warns that China's primary military tool is the fait accompli, which involves using brute force to conquer and hold key territory before the U.S. can effectively react. This approach avoids a long conflict that might catalyze international resolve. Colby notes that constant "gray zone" activities, such as air provocations, are intended to dull warning systems and weaken Taiwanese defenses through exhaustion. If China successfully seizes Taiwan, they could then use the same threat of a fait accompli against the Philippines, potentially causing the entire U.S.-led security architecture in Asia to collapse or become irreparably compromised. (4/8)AUG 1930

Elbridge Colby argues that Beijing has abandoned its "hide and bide" approach for a more assertive, aggressive posture. China's most effective strategy to achieve regional dominance is a focused and sequential plan designed to undermine confidence in U.S. leadership. By targeting vulnerable but significant coalition members, China aims to demonstrate the coalition's hollowness without precipitating a costly total war. Colby argues that targeting a U.S.-linked partner like Taiwan is strategically superior for Beijing, as it serves as a "canary in the coal mine" for U.S. credibility, forcing other regional states to consider cutting deals with China. (3/8)

Elbridge Colby explains that the U.S. strategy aims to preserve American security, freedom, and prosperity by building a coalition to check Chinese regional predominance. This coalition is rooted in concrete interests rather than shared ideology; therefore, members do not necessarily have to be democracies. Colby identifies four primary filters for coalition membership: defensibility, cost, resolve, and power. Defensibility is the ability of a nation to hold on long enough to contribute to the collective effort, while cost is critical because U.S. interests in Asia, though vital, are not existential for the American public. (2/8)1931

Elbridge Colby, co-founder and principal of the Marathon Initiative and author of The Strategy of Denial, defines a limited war as a conflict where participants have strong incentives to avoid apocalyptic escalation, primarily due to the presence of survivable nuclear arsenals. He argues that the United States must be prepared to fight a limited war under the "nuclear shadow" to prevent China from unilaterally seizing regional stakes. Because China is prepared for such risks, U.S. unreadiness would grant Beijing significant room to maneuver. These conflicts are not for existential survival but are rules-based, where boundaries are often shaped by the potential for third-party intervention. (1/8)1930

The attack on Pearl Harbor instantly unifies the American public and merges separate global conflicts into World War II. Lindbergh immediately offers his services as a loyal citizen, but FDR personally blocks his return to the military. Roosevelt refuses to allow his chief critic to become a military hero, leaving Lindbergh to serve as a civilian consultant. Labeled a "Nazi fellow traveler," Lindbergh surreptitiously flies unauthorized combat missions in the Pacific to train pilots and test aircraft. He lived until 1974, with his legacy forever defined by his bitter pre-war struggle against the Roosevelt administration. (8/8)1936

FDR declares an "unlimited national emergency" in May 1941, placing the country on a wartime footing and targeting dissenters. He begins labeling Lindbergh and America First supporters as "copperheads" and "fifth columnists," effectively questioning their loyalty. Lindbergh's reputation suffers a fatal blow after a speech in Des Moines, where he identifies the British, the Jews, and the administration as those pushing for war. Branded an anti-Semite and Nazi sympathizer, he becomes politically radioactive. This controversy leads to the decline and eventual disbandment of the America First Committee as war becomes imminent. (7/8)1936

Testifying before Congress, Lindbergh challenges the administration's claim that technological advances make the United States more vulnerable to attack. He argues that air power actually enhances hemispheric defense by allowing the U.S. to intercept invading forces far offshore. Rejecting the "isolationist" label, he proposes a robust defense of the Western Hemisphere rather than the Rhine River. Lindbergh continues to hold massive rallies, where he adopts sharper rhetoric against "interventionists" and "defeatists." However, he begins to realize he is outmatched by Roosevelt'ssuperior political maneuvering and control over the national conversation. (6/8)1936

In 1941, the Lend-Lease Act (HR 1776) effectively aligns America's industrial future with Britain's survival. Rooseveltframes this as a hard-headed business deal, while covertly facilitating British propaganda led by William Stephenson to sway American sentiment. FDR even presents a likely forged map of Nazi designs on Latin America to incite fear among the public. Lindbergh argues that such aid supports British imperialism rather than democracy, specifically citing India. He maintains that every step away from neutrality is a calculated move by the President toward inevitable military intervention. (5/8)1936

During the Battle of Britain, FDR maneuvers for an unprecedented third term by using "Rooseveltian misdirection" to sideline his political rivals. Lindbergh warns that a third term could transform the presidency into a "presidency for life," a prediction that eventually comes true. He becomes the star speaker for the America First Committee, drawing massive crowds to rallies across the country. While Lindbergh highlights America's geographic security behind two oceans, Roosevelt utilizes masterful press conferences to influence the media narrative. The domestic divide intensifies as both men battle for public support amidst campaign promises to stay out of war. (4/8)1936

FDR seeks to modify the Neutrality Acts to provide aid to the Allies, sparking a fierce debate with Lindbergh and non-interventionist senators. These critics deeply distrust Roosevelt, believing he is incrementally leading the nation toward war through deceptive policy shifts. FDR counters by labeling his opponents "ignorant" and "isolationist," while carefully shaping public opinion to avoid the political backlash faced by Woodrow Wilson. The rapid fall of France in 1940 reinforces Lindbergh's warnings, yet it also prompts FDR to initiate the destroyers-for-bases deal with Winston Churchill. This transaction effectively signals the end of true American neutrality. (3/8)1936

Following the invasion of Poland, Lindbergh uses his celebrity status to broadcast radio speeches advocating for strict neutrality. Influenced by his father's persecution during World War I, he views politics as a deceptive business and fears permanent American involvement in Europe. Lindbergh argues that Britain and France have started a war they cannot win without U.S. intervention. He prioritizes American interests over the survival of the British Empire, which he believes is in decline. Meanwhile, British critics dismiss him as a "schoolboy" who lacks the maturity to understand complex global diplomacy. (2/8)1936

In April 1939, Charles Lindbergh returns to America as a global celebrity following his historic 1927 flight and the tragic "trial of the century." As tensions rise in Europe, Franklin Roosevelt invites the aviator to the White House, hoping to co-opt his influence and technical expertise. Lindbergh possesses detailed knowledge of international airfleets, making him an invaluable unofficial air attaché for the War Department. Although he finds FDR charming, Lindberghvalues his independent voice and refuses to join the administration. He fears the President is maneuvering to draw America into the war to assist the British. (1/8)1936

SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-15-26.1900 MT LOWE IN LA COUNTY.FActor Spencer Pratt uses "guerrilla marketing" and viral Lego ads to challenge Mayor Karen Bass over homelessness and slow fire recovery, while Portland faces similar urban decay from expanding tent encampments and addiction. (1/16)High-profile candidates like Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer navigate a crowded field to replace Gavin Newsom, while outsider Steve Hilton gains traction as voters express frustration with rising costs and failing infrastructure. (2/16)Political rhetoric increasingly targets the Supreme Court's legitimacy, moving away from historic "comity" toward venomous attacks on nominees, as seen in the treatment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh and recent term-limit legislative proposals. (3/16)President Trump's visit to Beijing reveals a global landscape in "shambles," with China facing internal military and economic troubles while the U.S. struggles to project a consistent and strong foreign policy. (4/16)Lancaster County exhibits a "K-shaped" economy where wealthy boomers continue spending despite high gasoline prices, while lower-income families struggle with inflation and a general slowdown in retail foot traffic and department stores. (5/16)Rome celebrates its 2,779th birthday as the Ministry of Culture plans museum expansions to handle over-tourism, while the Italian Navy deploys a new, multi-purpose combat ship to the Indo-Pacific region. (6/16)The upcoming Starship launch tests revolutionary Raptor 3 engines and heat shield tiles, as SpaceX explores new launch sites in Louisiana and negotiates with Google to place data centers in orbit. (7/16)Probes Europa Clipper and Juice provide a 360-degree view of an interstellar comet, while the Curiosity rover accidentally uncovers unique "brain terrain" and fluted rock formations after a drilling mishap on Mars. (8/16)Facing a total oil collapse, Cuba considers a U.S. aid offer for internet access while the state maintains Chinese listening stations and a tenuous military relationship with a distracted and entangled Russia. (9/16)The Rodriguez regime leverages lifted sanctions to stabilize power while slow-walking democratic transitions, frustrating an opposition that remains sidelined as new oil money potentially strengthens the existing repressive and criminal state apparatus. (10/16)Bolivian miners clash with police demanding President Paz's resignation, while Peru faces a high-stakes runoff between Keiko Fujimori and a leftist candidate, and Colombia grapples with worsening security under President Petro. (11/16)Prime Minister Philip Davis secures a landslide victory in the Bahamas, while Argentina sees a significant drop in monthly inflation under Javier Milei, leading major investment houses to lower the country's risk. (12/16)Prime Minister Mark Carney shifts toward increasing defense spending to 5%, acquiring sophisticated submarines to protect Arctic interests, and navigating "overwhelming contiguity" with the U.S. while maintaining a firm stance on Ukraine. (13/16)Successful private sector figures joining the Trump administration struggle with the rigid rules of government, finding it far more difficult to cut spending or fire employees than in the private sector. (14/16)Despite Javier Milei's free-market reforms, his decision not to dollarize leaves the peso unstable, creating investor skepticism about whether his policies will survive past the next election cycle against the Peronists. (15/16)The proposed Golden Dome missile shield could cost $1.2 trillion, sparking debate over whether the U.S. should prioritize space-based interceptors or address the immediate, low-cost threat of locally launched drones. (16/16)Note: corrected "gorilla marketing" → "guerrilla marketing" in 1/16.

STREAMING THE MAKING JBS, FEATURING JEFF BLISS AND MICHAEL VLAHOS, 5-15-261905 LAThe provided transcript captures a segment of The John Bachelor Show, where the host and contributor Jeff Bliss discuss political upheaval in California and broader geopolitical tensions. The conversation highlights the unconventional mayoral campaign of Spencer Pratt in Los Angeles, noting how viral Lego-themed parodies created by supporters are effectively criticizing incumbent Karen Bass. The dialogue then shifts to the California gubernatorial race, examining the vulnerabilities of candidates like Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer while addressing the state's struggles with homelessness and economic decline. Transitioning to a historical perspective, the guest Germanicusutilizes a Roman lens to analyze modern American diplomacy. He characterizes President Trump’s visit to Beijing as a supplicant’s mission, suggesting it signals a weakening of American influence relative to China's imperial traditions. Finally, the group concludes by reflecting on the looming economic pressures and the shifting power dynamics regarding Taiwan and Iran.

HENRY SOKOLSKI: The proposed Golden Dome missile shield could cost $1.2 trillion, sparking debate over whether the U.S. should prioritize space-based interceptors or address the immediate, low-cost threat of locally launched drones. (16/16)AUGUST 1931

C1899

VERONIQUE DERUGY Successful private sector figures joining the Trump administration struggle with the rigid rules of government, finding it far more difficult to cut spending or fire employees than in the private sector. (14/16)1929 HOOVER  INAUGURATION PARADE

CONRAD BLACK Prime Minister Mark Carney shifts toward increasing defense spending to 5%, acquiring sophisticated submarines to protect Arctic interests, and navigating "overwhelming contiguity" with the U.S. while maintaining a firm stance on Ukraine. (13/16)1929 OTTAWA

Prime Minister Philip Davis secures a landslide victory in the Bahamas, while Argentina sees a significant drop in monthly inflation under Javier Milei, leading major investment houses to lower the country's risk. (12/16)1920 CA

EVAN ELLIS Bolivian miners clash with police demanding President Paz's resignation, while Peru faces a high-stakes runoff between Keiko Fujimori and a leftist candidate, and Colombia grapples with worsening security under President Petro. (11/16)1947 CA

EVAN ELLIS The Rodriguez regime leverages lifted sanctions to stabilize power while slow-walking democratic transitions, frustrating an opposition that remains sidelined as new oil money potentially strengthens the existing repressive and criminal state apparatus. (10/16)1930

EVN ELLIS: Facing a total oil collapse, Cuba considers a U.S. aid offer for internet access while the state maintains Chinese listening stations and a tenuous military relationship with a distracted and entangled Russia. (9/16)1920 NEW ZEALAND

BOB ZIMMERMAN: Probes Europa Clipper and Juice provide a 360-degree view of an interstellar comet, while the Curiosity rover accidentally uncovers unique "brain terrain" and fluted rock formations after a drilling mishap on Mars. (8/16)AUGUST 1924 CA

BOB ZIMMMERMAN: The upcoming Starship launch tests revolutionary Raptor 3 engines and heat shield tiles, as SpaceX explores new launch sites in Louisiana and negotiates with Google to place data centers in orbit. (7/16)1949 ITlALY

LORENZO FIORE: Rome celebrates its 2,779th birthday as the Ministry of Culture plans museum expansions to handle over-tourism, while the Italian Navy deploys a new, multi-purpose combat ship to the Indo-Pacific region. (6/16)1920

Lancaster County exhibits a "K-shaped" economy where wealthy boomers continue spending despite high gasoline prices, while lower-income families struggle with inflation and a general slowdown in retail foot traffic and department stores. (5/16)1920 CONTEDT CA

President Trump's visit to Beijing reveals a global landscape in "shambles," with China facing internal military and economic troubles while the U.S. struggles to project a consistent and strong foreign policy. (4/16)1895 SF

Political rhetoric increasingly targets the Supreme Court's legitimacy, moving away from historic "comity" toward venomous attacks on nominees, as seen in the treatment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh and recent term-limit legislative proposals. (3/16)1920 CA

High-profile candidates like Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer navigate a crowded field to replace Gavin Newsom, while outsider Steve Hilton gains traction as voters express frustration with rising costs and failing infrastructure. (2/16)1920 CA

Actor Spencer Pratt uses "guerrilla marketing" and viral Lego ads to challenge Mayor Karen Bass over homelessness and slow fire recovery, while Portland faces similar urban decay from expanding tent encampments and addiction. (1/16)1895 SF

REVIEW for Later Today: Conrad Black discusses Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's commitment to national defense, highlighting his plan to purchase twelve submarines and increase the defense budget to 5% to fulfill Canada'sobligations within the Western Alliance.1903 CANADA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Jeff Bliss examines Spencer Pratt's surprising lead in the Los Angeles mayoral race. Pratt, a non-politician, gains support from blue-collar workers and celebrities alike who seek a fresh vision to address rampant crime.1904 LA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Evan Ellis analyzes Colombia's political shift under Gustavo Petro. He suggests the country could restore its historic alliance with the United States if right-wing candidates win upcoming elections, reversing current distancing and instability.1900 BOGOTA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Jim McTague details the "K-shaped" economy, where wealthy homeowners thrive while lower-income families struggle with rising costs. He notes that slowing retail foot traffic indicates financial pressure on working-class Americans living paycheck to paycheck.1941 LANCASTER COUNTY

PREVIEW for Later Today: Mary Anastasia O'Grady explores why Argentina retains the peso despite Javier Milei'sdollarization promises. She explains how the currency's instability benefits wealthy elite and traders while ordinary citizens prefer holding dollars for financial security.1930 ARGENTINA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Bob Zimmerman discusses a mysterious "brain terrain" image from Mars. He explains that scientists are unsure if the feature was formed by volcanic activity or ice sublimation, emphasizing the need for future geological exploration.FEBRUARY 1955

SHOW SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-14-26.1920 EAST BATTERY, CHARLESTON SC.  Anatol Lieven explores the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, focusing on China's economic shifts and the precarious nature of Taiwan's independence, which remains a primary flashpoint for potential war. (1/16)Anatol Lieven details the internal rebellion against Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Following poor election results, rival Wes Streeting's resignation signals a broader challenge for party control and the future of leadership. (2/16)Peter Berkowitz examines Harvey Mansfield's assessment of Harvard's decline. They discuss how grade inflation, political agendas, and the abandonment of meritocracy have replaced the university's commitment to genuine intellectual excellence. (3/16)Michael Toth highlights how foreign investors utilize litigation finance to gain tax advantages. He advocates for defining legal investments as ordinary income to close loopholes that favor oligarchs and burden shareholders. (4/16)Lance Gatling and Jim McTague discuss Japan's record stock market highs and strategic use of national oil reserves. Despite Middle Eastern instability, Japan maintains economic stability through subsidies, technological leadership, and careful energy diversification. (5/16)Jim McTague and Lance Gatling report on "shrinkflation," where product sizes decrease as prices rise. They analyze the impact of high inflation on daily life in both Pennsylvania and Tokyo. (6/16)Cosmologist Patricio Gallardo presents evidence from galaxy clusters proving that gravity follows Newton's inverse square law across vast distances, effectively debunking alternative theories like Modified Newtonian Dynamics over hundreds of millions of light-years. (7/16)Patricio Gallardo discusses the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. He details future efforts to calibrate telescopes for detecting the "Axion" particle to understand the composition of the missing universe. (8/16)James Lasdun introduces the trial of Alex Murdaugh for the execution-style murders of his wife and son. He examines the surprising speed of the 2023 guilty verdict despite primarily circumstantial evidence. (9/16)James Lasdun describes the Murdaugh family's century-long dominance of South Carolina's legal system. He compares Alex's betrayal of trust and embezzlement to the intimate crimes punished in Dante's deepest circles of hell. (10/16)James Lasdun analyzes the investigation into the double murders, focusing on the kennel video that trapped Alex Murdaugh in a massive lie regarding his whereabouts and exposed investigative deference from authorities. (11/16)James Lasdun explores Murdaugh's claims of opioid addiction and a bizarre staged roadside shooting. He scrutinizes these events as attempts to distract from financial crimes or secure insurance payouts for survivors. (12/16)James Lasdun details how iPhone and GPS data provided a critical timeline of the murders. Despite the lack of direct physical evidence, digital tracking and family-owned ballistics proved vital to the prosecution. (13/16)James Lasdun investigates the years of embezzlement enabled by Murdaugh's status. By siphoning millions from clients and his law firm, he maintained a lifestyle of privilege through a doomed, long-term Ponzi scheme. (14/16)James Lasdun applies the concept of "family annihilators" to Alex Murdaugh. He examines the mindset of successful men who murder their families to prevent the shame of their criminal exposure coming to light. (15/16)James Lasdun recounts Murdaugh's disturbing, hour-long courtroom performance. He discusses signs of psychopathy, including a "robotic" detachment and grandiosity, alongside credible reports of a previously hidden history of violence against women. (16/16)Note: corrected "Michael Todd" → Michael Toth (matching prior thread usage and the prior preview). Flag if "Todd" was intended.

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING LAANCE GATLING AND JIM MC TAGUE, 5-14-26.1920 SENATOR SMITH AND FAMILY,This broadcast transcript features John Batchelor and his guests, Jim McTague and Lance Gatling, discussing a convergence of global economic and geopolitical crises. The conversation primarily focuses on President Trump’s high-stakes visit to Beijing and its implications for Taiwan and the Straits of Hormuz oil shipping routes. The participants analyze Japan’s record-breaking stock market and its strategic oil reserves while weighing the impact of surging inflation on both American and Japanese consumers. Additionally, the dialogue touches on the Alex Murdaugh murder trial and the broader shift toward a new, unpredictable global order. Ultimately, the speakers express deep concern over whether diplomatic negotiations can successfully resolve mounting tensions regarding nuclear proliferation and international trade.

James Lasdun recounts Murdaugh's disturbing, hour-long courtroom performance. He discusses signs of psychopathy, including a "robotic" detachment and grandiosity, alongside credible reports of a previously hidden history of violence against women. (16/16)1920 SOUTH BATTERY CHARLESTON

James Lasdun applies the concept of "family annihilators" to Alex Murdaugh. He examines the mindset of successful men who murder their families to prevent the shame of their criminal exposure coming to light. (15/16)1920 ANDERSON SC

James Lasdun investigates the years of embezzlement enabled by Murdaugh's status. By siphoning millions from clients and his law firm, he maintained a lifestyle of privilege through a doomed, long-term Ponzi scheme. (14/16)1920 WALHALLA SC

James Lasdun details how iPhone and GPS data provided a critical timeline of the murders. Despite the lack of direct physical evidence, digital tracking and family-owned ballistics proved vital to the prosecution. (13/16)1920 SC

James Lasdun explores Murdaugh's claims of opioid addiction and a bizarre staged roadside shooting. He scrutinizes these events as attempts to distract from financial crimes or secure insurance payouts for survivors. (12/16)1920 SPARTANBURG SC

James Lasdun analyzes the investigation into the double murders, focusing on the kennel video that trapped Alex Murdaugh in a massive lie regarding his whereabouts and exposed investigative deference from authorities. (11/16)1920 GREENVILLE SC

James Lasdun describes the Murdaugh family's century-long dominance of South Carolina's legal system. He compares Alex's betrayal of trust and embezzlement to the intimate crimes punished in Dante's deepest circles of hell. (10/16)1920 CHARLESTON

James Lasdun introduces the trial of Alex Murdaugh for the execution-style murders of his wife and son. He examines the surprising speed of the 2023 guilty verdict despite primarily circumstantial evidence. (9/16)1920 SC

Patricio Gallardo discusses the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. He details future efforts to calibrate telescopes for detecting the "Axion" particle to understand the composition of the missing universe. (8/16)1920 SC

Cosmologist Patricio Gallardo presents evidence from galaxy clusters proving that gravity follows Newton's inverse square law across vast distances, effectively debunking alternative theories like Modified Newtonian Dynamics over hundreds of millions of light-years. (7/16)1920 CHARLESTON

Jim McTague and Lance Gatling report on "shrinkflation," where product sizes decrease as prices rise. They analyze the impact of high inflation on daily life in both Pennsylvania and Tokyo. (6/16)1920 GREEENVILLE SC

Lance Gatling and Jim McTague discuss Japan's record stock market highs and strategic use of national oil reserves. Despite Middle Eastern instability, Japan maintains economic stability through subsidies, technological leadership, and careful energy diversification. (5/16)1920 GREENVILLE SC

Michael Toth highlights how foreign investors utilize litigation finance to gain tax advantages. He advocates for defining legal investments as ordinary income to close loopholes that favor oligarchs and burden shareholders. (4/16)1920 MANNING SC

Peter Berkowitz examines Harvey Mansfield's assessment of Harvard's decline. They discuss how grade inflation, political agendas, and the abandonment of meritocracy have replaced the university's commitment to genuine intellectual excellence. (3/16)11920 SC

Anatol Lieven details the internal rebellion against Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Following poor election results, rival Wes Streeting's resignation signals a broader challenge for party control and the future of leadership. (2/16)1920 CHARLESTON SC

Anatol Lieven explores the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, focusing on China's economic shifts and the precarious nature of Taiwan's independence, which remains a primary flashpoint for potential war. (1/16)SOUTH CAROLINA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Peter Berkowitz discusses Harvey Mansfield, a retired conservative Harvard professor. Despite working among liberal colleagues who often disdained his politics, Mansfield remained a "happy warrior," never complaining about his unique ideological position at the university.1910

PREVIEW for Later Today: Cosmologist Patricio Gallardo explains his research using specialized telescopes to observe cosmic microwave background radiation. He seeks to understand dark matter and dark energy, testing physical theories to explain the history of the universe's expansion.FIFTH PLANET OF CANCRI 55

PREVIEW for Later Today: Lance Gatling reports from Tokyo on how the Persian Gulf crisis impacts Japan's energy supplies. This has led to unexpected shortages of packaging dyes, forcing major fast-food manufacturers to adopt stark black and white labels.1926 JAPAN

PREVIEW for Later Today: Author James Lasdun explores the case of Alex Murdaugh, a convicted "beefy good old boy" killer and swindler. Lasdun connects Murdaugh's betrayal and embezzlement to Dante's circles of hell, analyzing the psychology of the crime.1793

PREVIEW for Later Today: Anatol Lieven analyzes turmoil within the Labour Party, focusing on MP Wes Streeting'smove to challenge Keir Starmer. Streeting's timing is influenced by poor election results and the potential exoneration of rival Angela Rayner.1901 COMMONS

PREVIEW for Later Today: Michael Toth explains the trend of investing in litigation trials for profit. He highlights how Russian oligarchs utilize this legal investment strategy to evade international sanctions and gain specific benefits from the American tax code.1936 NYC

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-13-26.JULY 1930 ASTOUNDING.Vladimir Putin's isolation and paranoia were evident during a significantly diminished Victory Day parade in Moscow. Ivana Stradner notes that North Korean troop presence reflects Russia's military degradation and growing domestic security concerns. (1/16)Drone technology has shifted the war in Ukraine's favor while Putin seeks to exhaust Western resolve through protracted conflict. Ivana Stradner warns that the Kremlin uses psychological tactics to gain leverage during negotiations. (2/16)Iran's violation of uranium enrichment limits challenges the Non-Proliferation Treaty's effectiveness. Peter Huessyexplains how nations like North Korea and China have successfully circumvented international rules to develop and proliferate nuclear weapons. (3/16)U.S. allies like Saudi Arabia pursue nuclear power, raising proliferation concerns. Peter Huessy argues that Chinastrategically facilitates proliferation to create global instability while draining American military resources and testing international diplomatic authority. (4/16)Donald Trump's Beijing summit focuses on trade and Taiwan arms sales. Grant Newsham warns that relaxing advanced chip exports would provide China a dangerous advantage in AI warfare and broader geopolitical competition. (5/16)The CCP is "Sinicizing" Christianity by rewriting biblical stories to promote socialist values. Samuel Bener explains that state-run churches now emphasize loyalty to Xi Jinping and the party over traditional religious teachings and scripture. (6/16)European leaders monitor the Trump-Xi summit while seeking economic autonomy. Judy Dempsey notes that Europeremains strategically divided and lacks a unified response to the global energy crisis caused by Middle Eastern conflicts. (7/16)Germany's far-right AfD party is surging by exploiting voter anger over inflation and the Iran war. Judy Dempseyhighlights the party's success in eastern Germany, where it taps into deep-seated cultural and political resentments. (8/16)Mary Kissel highlights the scripted nature of Chinese diplomacy and warns against using Taiwan as a bargaining chip. She stresses that U.S. national security must be prioritized over short-term corporate interests and business deals. (9/16)Ukraine's innovative defense industry has enabled it to resist a larger Russian force. Mary Kissel criticizes weak European leadership and argues that only overwhelming military force will effectively bring Iran back to diplomatic negotiations. (10/16)Sinan Ciddi compares Eurasian trade corridors, noting that the U.S.-backed IMEC currently holds an advantage. He identifies Turkey's infrastructure deficits and economic instability as major hurdles for its ambitious regional transport and finance projects. (11/16)Russian oil production and exports are declining due to technological sanctions and successful Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries. Mikhail Bernstam notes that Russia's air defenses have proven ineffective against low-cost, highly destructive drone attacks. (12/16)Simon Constable reports on rising global commodity prices, including energy and food. He explains that inflation is outpacing take-home pay in Europe and the U.S., creating severe political challenges for current governing administrations. (13/16)Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a significant revolt within the Labour Party due to extreme unpopularity. Simon Constable cites unpopular economic policies, like cutting winter heating allowances, as primary drivers of widespread public discontent. (14/16)Bob Zimmerman discusses private sector aerospace growth, including SpaceX's potential expansion in Louisiana. He highlights the success of vertically integrated companies like Rocket Lab and new private space station ventures involving multiple international partners. (15/16)Future Mars exploration will utilize high-speed helicopter rotors and data from the Psyche probe. Bob Zimmerman also emphasizes the abundance of water on Mars and the growing global alliance of Artemis Accords nations. (16/16)

STREAMING MAKING JBS, FEATURING IVANA STRADNER, THADDEUS MCCOTTER, SIMON CONSTABLE, 5-13-26.1930 ASTOUNDING MAGAZINE, 20 CENTS.In this broadcast transcript, host John Batchelor facilitates a wide-ranging discussion on the current geopolitical and economic climate with experts across the globe. Dr. Ivana Stradner highlights Vladimir Putin's growing domestic isolation and paranoia, evidenced by his retreat into bunkers and a scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow. The conversation shifts to the technological advancements in Ukraine, specifically how drone warfare is challenging Russian aggression and potentially turning the tide of the conflict. Meanwhile, Simon Constable provides updates from Franceon rising global commodity prices, noting significant spikes in energy, food, and metals like copper. The panel also critiques the political struggles in London, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces internal party revolts and public dissatisfaction over economic policies. Finally, the dialogue addresses American concerns regarding China, emphasizing the strategic dangers of maintaining close economic ties with the communist regime.

PREVIEW for Today: Michael Bernstam analyzes Russia's shadow fleet oil exports to China, India, and Egypt. Despite China's increased reliance on Russian energy, Russia remains unable to fully capitalize on high oil prices during the ongoing global conflict.1900 Baku

PREVIEW for today: Ivana Stradner highlights Vladimir Putin's strategic weaknesses, noting he is an unreliable ally to nations like Armenia and Iran. Internal domestic resentment grows as Russia's military capacity remains strained by the brutal ongoing Ukrainian war.1898 russia

Future Mars exploration will utilize high-speed helicopter rotors and data from the Psyche probe. Bob Zimmerman also emphasizes the abundance of water on Mars and the growing global alliance of Artemis Accords nations. (16/16)1930 "THE APE MEN"

Bob Zimmerman discusses private sector aerospace growth, including SpaceX's potential expansion in Louisiana. He highlights the success of vertically integrated companies like Rocket Lab and new private space station ventures involving multiple international partners. (15/16)1932

Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a significant revolt within the Labour Party due to extreme unpopularity. Simon Constable cites unpopular economic policies, like cutting winter heating allowances, as primary drivers of widespread public discontent. (14/16)JUNE 1930

Simon Constable reports on rising global commodity prices, including energy and food. He explains that inflation is outpacing take-home pay in Europe and the U.S., creating severe political challenges for current governing administrations. (13/16)1931

Russian oil production and exports are declining due to technological sanctions and successful Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries. Mikhail Bernstam notes that Russia's air defenses have proven ineffective against low-cost, highly destructive drone attacks. (12/16)1930 "THE BEETLE HORDE"

Sinan Ciddi compares Eurasian trade corridors, noting that the U.S.-backed IMEC currently holds an advantage. He identifies Turkey's infrastructure deficits and economic instability as major hurdles for its ambitious regional transport and finance projects. (11/16)1930

Ukraine's innovative defense industry has enabled it to resist a larger Russian force. Mary Kissel criticizes weak European leadership and argues that only overwhelming military force will effectively bring Iran back to diplomatic negotiations. (10/16)1930

Mary Kissel highlights the scripted nature of Chinese diplomacy and warns against using Taiwan as a bargaining chip. She stresses that U.S. national security must be prioritized over short-term corporate interests and business deals. (9/16)1930

Germany's far-right AfD party is surging by exploiting voter anger over inflation and the Iran war. Judy Dempseyhighlights the party's success in eastern Germany, where it taps into deep-seated cultural and political resentments. (8/16)Q930 ASTOUNDING

European leaders monitor the Trump-Xi summit while seeking economic autonomy. Judy Dempsey notes that Europeremains strategically divided and lacks a unified response to the global energy crisis caused by Middle Eastern conflicts. (7/16)1920

The CCP is "Sinicizing" Christianity by rewriting biblical stories to promote socialist values. Samuel Ben-Ur explains that state-run churches now emphasize loyalty to Xi Jinping and the party over traditional religious teachings and scripture. (6/16)1920

Donald Trump's Beijing summit focuses on trade and Taiwan arms sales. Grant Newsham warns that relaxing advanced chip exports would provide China a dangerous advantage in AI warfare and broader geopolitical competition. (5/16)1941

U.S. allies like Saudi Arabia pursue nuclear power, raising proliferation concerns. Peter Huessy argues that Chinastrategically facilitates proliferation to create global instability while draining American military resources and testing international diplomatic authority. (4/16)1930

Iran's violation of uranium enrichment limits challenges the Non-Proliferation Treaty's effectiveness. Peter Huessyexplains how nations like North Korea and China have successfully circumvented international rules to develop and proliferate nuclear weapons. (3/16)1931

Drone technology has shifted the war in Ukraine's favor while Putin seeks to exhaust Western resolve through protracted conflict. Ivana Stradner warns that the Kremlin uses psychological tactics to gain leverage during negotiations. (2/16)1930

Vladimir Putin's isolation and paranoia were evident during a significantly diminished Victory Day parade in Moscow. Ivana Stradner notes that North Korean troop presence reflects Russia's military degradation and growing domestic security concerns. (1/16)1922

PREVIEW for Later Today: The Mission to Rescue the Swift Space Telescope. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Astronomers are organizing a rescue for the Swift telescope, currently in a degrading orbit. Its unique ability to quickly capture multi-wavelength data on gamma-ray bursts remains essential for studying black hole formation.JANUARY 1956

PREVIEW for Later Today: China's Legacy of Nuclear Proliferation Since 1982. Guest: Peter Huessy. Since 1982, China has secretly spread nuclear technology to nations like Pakistan and North Korea. This legacy undermines the Non-Proliferation Treaty, yet international consequences remain minimal due to China's significant economic leverage.1951 LAS VEGAS

PREVIEW for Later Today: Turkey's Middle Corridor Faces Economic and Legal Hurdles. Guest: Sinan Ciddi. Turkeyoffers a strategic trade route bypassing the Red Sea, yet high inflation and concerns regarding the rule of law deter investors. The government struggles to compete with Indian and Middle Eastern corridors.1870 COMSTANTINOPLE

PREVIEW for Later Today: China's Brutal Campaign to Sinicize Christianity. Guest: Samuel Ben-Ur. China is forcibly replacing Christian symbols and the Ten Commandments with portraits of Xi Jinping and state ideology. Christians face persecution in underground churches or must submit to state-run organizations prioritizing political loyalty.1903

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-12-26.January 1931.Inflation reached 3.8% in April due to gas prices. Elizabeth Peek notes that real hourly wages fell while global eyes turn toward the Strait of Hormuz and Trump's consequential summit in China. (1/16)Elizabeth Peek critiques redistricting as an unattractive game that voters generally dislike. She emphasizes that population growth in Texas and Florida provides more long-term political power than manipulating district lines in blue states. (2/16)Iran is losing $400 million daily due to U.S. sanctions and blockades. Jonathan Schanzer discusses the leadership vacuum in Tehran, noting that decisions are currently made by a chaotic committee of revolutionary figures. (3/16)Israel engages in "constant gardening" to clear Hezbollah threats south of the Litani River. Jonathan Schanzer labels Hamas a spent force, having lost over half its territory and significant rocket-firing capabilities since the conflict began. (4/16)Indonesia is taking "baby steps" toward U.S. cooperation to counter China's unlawful maritime claims. James Holmeshighlights the importance of professional military education and potential overflight agreements to secure the Strait of Malacca. (5/16)Peter Huessy warns of China's lack of transparency regarding its massive nuclear expansion and dual-use systems. The CCP's push to dominate offensive artificial intelligence poses a significant threat to global security and stability. (6/16)Steve Yates reveals there is no such thing as a private meeting with the CCP, as every word is recorded and broadcast to thousands. Trump's top-down personal diplomacy lacks the usual preparatory paperwork. (7/16)The U.S. holds increased leverage over global choke points while China faces a demographic crisis. Steve Yatesdiscusses manufacturing shifts to India, suggesting that China's export-dependent model remains a "shaky house of cards." (8/16)Gregory Copley describes the Beijing summit as a theatrical performance while the Chinese economy and political structure collapse. China has lost global trust, particularly regarding the safety and quality of its electric vehicles. (9/16)The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is fluid as Iran attempts to wait out the U.S. Gregory Copley argues the U.S. requires regime change to stop trans-Eurasian monopolies and restore regional stability. (10/16)Turkey is now considered nuclear ready after displaying an ICBM with a 6,000 km range. Gregory Copley notes this shift toward a "gunpowder state" reflects neo-Ottoman ambitions to balance power against Israel, Russia, and China. (11/16)Gregory Copley discusses Prime Minister Starmer's struggle to maintain party trust following poor election results. He highlights King Charles's role in repairing the U.S.-UK special relationship despite Starmer's apparent indifference toward the monarchy. (12/16)Gordon Chang details China's historical failure to meet trade commitments and its ongoing support for the Iranian regime. He also notes reports of blatant Chinese bribery and intervention within the U.S. government. (13/16)Bob Zimmerman dismisses the government moon race as a political fraud, while noting China's rational, incremental progress. He identifies SpaceX as the true leader, likely reaching the moon with far superior, sustainable technology. (14/16)Syria neutralized a Hezbollah plot to assassinate senior officials to restore a logistical weapons corridor. AHmad Shariwah explains that both Hezbollah and Iran gain from inciting chaos and instability within the Syrian regime. (15/16)John Hardie analyzes the unusual appointment of an army general to lead Russia's Aerospace Forces. Despite high losses, Russia's battlefield gains remain slow, while Ukraine continues to have success with long-range strikes and drones. (16/16)

MAKING OF THE JBS, FEATURING GORDON CHANG, JIM HOLMES, PETER HUESSY, STEVE YATES, 5-12-26SEPTEMBER 1932.This collection of transcripts examines the shifting geopolitical landscape in Asia, specifically focusing on Indonesia's strategic pivot away from neutrality. Experts discuss how Jakarta is strengthening ties with the United States to counter China’s aggressive maritime claims near the Strait of Malacca. The dialogue transitions to the complexities of nuclear proliferation, highlighting concerns regarding China’s lack of transparency and its support for unstable regimes like Iran. Additional segments analyze the high-stakes diplomacy between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, noting the absence of traditional formal documentation in their communications. Contributors evaluate how economic dependenciesand competition for technological dominance in AI and space exploration define the current adversarial relationship. Ultimately, the sources portray a region increasingly defined by military exercises and the delicate balancing of global trade interests.

John Hardie analyzes the unusual appointment of an army general to lead Russia's Aerospace Forces. Despite high losses, Russia's battlefield gains remain slow, while Ukraine continues to have success with long-range strikes and drones. (16/16)November 1939

Syria neutralized a Hezbollah plot to assassinate senior officials to restore a logistical weapons corridor. Ahmad Shariwah explains that both Hezbollah and Iran gain from inciting chaos and instability within the Syrian regime. (15/16)may 1930

Bob Zimmerman dismisses the government moon race as a political fraud, while noting China's rational, incremental progress. He identifies SpaceX as the true leader, likely reaching the moon with far superior, sustainable technology. (14/16)DECEMBER 1951

Gordon Chang details China's historical failure to meet trade commitments and its ongoing support for the Iranian regime. He also notes reports of blatant Chinese bribery and intervention within the U.S. government. (13/16)FEBRUARY 1932

Gregory Copley discusses Prime Minister Starmer's struggle to maintain party trust following poor election results. He highlights King Charles's role in repairing the U.S.-UK special relationship despite Starmer's apparent indifference toward the monarchy. (12/16)DECEMBER 1951

Turkey is now considered nuclear ready after displaying an ICBM with a 6,000 km range. Gregory Copley notes this shift toward a "gunpowder state" reflects neo-Ottoman ambitions to balance power against Israel, Russia, and China. (11/16)JUNE 1962

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is fluid as Iran attempts to wait out the U.S. Gregory Copley argues the U.S. requires regime change to stop trans-Eurasian monopolies and restore regional stability. (10/16)JUNE 1964

Gregory Copley describes the Beijing summit as a theatrical performance while the Chinese economy and political structure collapse. China has lost global trust, particularly regarding the safety and quality of its electric vehicles. (9/16)AUGUST 1963

The U.S. holds increased leverage over global choke points while China faces a demographic crisis. Steve Yatesdiscusses manufacturing shifts to India, suggesting that China's export-dependent model remains a "shaky house of cards." (8/16)1952

Steve Yates reveals there is no such thing as a private meeting with the CCP, as every word is recorded and broadcast to thousands. Trump's top-down personal diplomacy lacks the usual preparatory paperwork. (7/16)OCTOBER 1930

Peter Huessy warns of China's lack of transparency regarding its massive nuclear expansion and dual-use systems. The CCP's push to dominate offensive artificial intelligence poses a significant threat to global security and stability. (6/16)NOVEMBER 1931

Indonesia is taking "baby steps" toward U.S. cooperation to counter China's unlawful maritime claims. James Holmeshighlights the importance of professional military education and potential overflight agreements to secure the Strait of Malacca. (5/16)

Israel engages in "constant gardening" to clear Hezbollah threats south of the Litani River. Jonathan Schanzer labels Hamas a spent force, having lost over half its territory and significant rocket-firing capabilities since the conflict began. (4/16)AUGUST 1930

Iran is losing $400 million daily due to U.S. sanctions and blockades. Jonathan Schanzer discusses the leadership vacuum in Tehran, noting that decisions are currently made by a chaotic committee of revolutionary figures. (3/16)1931

Elizabeth Peek critiques redistricting as an unattractive game that voters generally dislike. She emphasizes that population growth in Texas and Florida provides more long-term political power than manipulating district lines in blue states. (2/16)1930 THE BEETLE HORDE, ASTOUNDING

Inflation reached 3.8% in April due to gas prices. Elizabeth Peek notes that real hourly wages fell while global eyes turn toward the Strait of Hormuz and Trump's consequential summit in China. (1/16)1930 ASTOUNDING

PREVIEW for Later Today: Iran's Wartime Profiteering and Smuggling Networks. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Jonathan Schanzer discusses how Iran sustains itself through illicit smuggling of weapons and oil. He details the role of Iraq in regional wartime profiteering, facilitating the movement of cash, drugs, and military components.1705 PERSIAN EMPIRE

PREVIEW for Later Today: The Fragile Mandate of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Guest: Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley examines the political crisis facing Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Amidst falling support, Starmer faces potential internal Labour Party leadership disputes or a vote of no confidence as the King prepares his address.1942

PREVIEW for Later Today: Ukraine's Strategic Leverage and Middle-Strike Success. Guest: John Hardie. John Hardieanalyzes Ukraine's defensive progress, noting successful strikes on Russian infrastructure. Despite slow Russian advances, Ukraine's "middle strikes" against logistics provide optimism for future leverage in negotiations and pressure on Putin to settle.1941 ODESSA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Chinese Nuclear Threats and Lack of Transparency. Guest: Peter Huessy. Peter Huessyhighlights China's growing nuclear arsenal and its explicit threats to use weapons against non-nuclear Japan. He emphasizes the need for transparency regarding China's estimated 3,500 to 5,000 dual-use nuclear warheads.1956 B-36 COCKPIT

PREVIEW for Later Today: Trump's Global Leverage and European Misconceptions. Guest: Steve Yates. Steve Yatesrejects European claims that Donald Trump's bargaining power with China has diminished. He argues that the U.S. has actually increased strategic leverage over key global maritime choke points and energy markets.1945-48 INDONESIAN WAR

PREVIEW for Later Today: SpaceX vs. the State-Led Lunar Race. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmermandismisses the political framing of a U.S.-China moon race. He argues that private enterprise, specifically Elon Musk'sSpaceX, is the real space program and will likely beat both government programs to the moon.1968 APOLLO 8 AND BACK-UP

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 5-11-26.1943 ADMIRAL YAMAMOTO'S FUNERAL.Bill Roggio identifies Iran as the preeminent state sponsor of terror, surpassing Pakistan. He argues Iran's foreign policy is inherently revolutionary, using terrorist proxies like Hezbollah and the Taliban to further its agenda while utilizing diplomatic negotiations to buy time and ensure regime survival. (1/16)Bill Roggio examines the stark standoff between the U.S. and Iran, noting that while U.S. strikes damaged Iran'sconventional military, the regime persists through asymmetrical warfare. He expresses skepticism that the current blockade alone can achieve regime change, citing the historical resilience of terrorist states. (2/16)Samuel Bener reports that Hamas flatly rejected a structured disarmament plan, signaling its intent to resume conflict. Despite attempting to rearm through low-tech Egyptian smuggling, Hamas remains below pre-war strength. Meanwhile, the Board of Peace attempts to manage humanitarian aid amid ongoing violations. (3/16)Samuel Bener discusses Hamas's claim of reconstituting its 30,000 personnel, mostly through recruiting untrained youth. He notes that some released terrorists from the October 7th attacks have returned to combat. Bener argues that air strikes alone cannot collapse the regime without internal popular support for change. (4/16)Malcolm Hoenlein reports on the heavy infrastructure damage to U.S. interests in the Gulf and the persistent threat of Iranian missiles. He observes that public opinion in Gaza is shifting against Hamas as citizens desire reconstruction. Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities continue promoting "jihad and martyrdom" through school textbooks. (5/16)Malcolm Hoenlein reveals that Israel operated a secret logistical base in Iraq to support its air campaign against Iran. He notes that Iran evades blockades by exporting 80% of its oil to China via Iraq and overland routes. The Iranian economy remains vulnerable due to aging infrastructure. (6/16)Gordon Chang and Piero Tozzi analyze the upcoming U.S.-China summit in Beijing, noting Trump's "built-in disadvantages" and Chinese arrogance. They discuss internal Taiwanese political divisions regarding China policy and highlight recent multilateral military exercises as a significant "planting of the flag" before negotiations. (7/16)Alan Tonelson interprets the U.S. diplomatic focus on Japan as a reward for its commitment to containing Chinese expansionism and increasing defense spending. He expects the Trump-Xi summit to produce deals on aerospace and agricultural exports, though fundamental trade imbalances are unlikely to be resolved. (8/16)Alejandro Peña Esclusa highlights alleged voter fraud in Peru, warning that leftist "Marxist" forces utilize international support to manipulate elections. Ernesto Araújo discusses deep-seated corruption in Latin America, describing it as a geopolitical tool for "totalitarian powers" to undermine the free world and honest governance. (9/16)Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa report on the Venezuelan regime's efforts to delay elections, fearing a landslide victory for the opposition. Araújo discusses Lula da Silva's weakening support in Brazil and the rise of Flavio Bolsonaro. Human rights violations, including the torture of political prisoners, continue in Venezuela. (10/16)Edmund Fitton-Brown analyzes the "ragged" maritime blockade between the U.S. and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. He warns that allowing Iran to claim control over international waterways sets a dangerous global precedent and suggests Iran believes it can outlast American resolve. (11/16)Edmund Fitton-Brown differentiates between various regional "ceasefires," noting the Hamas-Israel ceasefire is particularly fragile. He argues that progress toward a meaningful peace process requires intense pressure on Hamas'ssponsors, specifically Qatar and Turkey, to force the group to fulfill its disarmament obligations. (12/16)David Daoud reports that the Lebanon ceasefire has forced the IDF into static positions, giving Hezbollah tactical advantages for hit-and-run attacks. He contends that the Lebanese government lacks the means to disarm Hezbollah, as the group views its military power as existential. (13/16)David Daoud criticizes the U.S. for accepting the linkage between Iranian and Lebanese negotiations, which provides Hezbollah "breathing room" to regenerate. He anticipates Hezbollah will avoid immediate conflict to focus on long-term rearmament and social rebuilding, eventually emerging as a much stronger threat. (14/16)Mary Anastasia O'Grady discusses the historic indictment of a sitting Mexican governor, Ruben Rocha Moya, for conspiracy to import narcotics and cartel activity. She highlights the potential political fallout for the Morena party and suggests criminal organizations may be influencing elections through violence and intimidation. (15/16)Conrad Black argues that Canada must lower corporate taxes to remain competitive with the U.S. and attract capital. He notes a growing separatist movement in Alberta, driven by economic frustrations and opposition to federal ecological policies, while criticizing Prime Minister Carney's lack of clear policy initiatives. (16/16)

STREAMING RHE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW. FEATURING BILL ROGGIO AND SAMUEL BEN-UR, 5-11-2016.1944 AGITPROP

Conrad Black argues that Canada must lower corporate taxes to remain competitive with the U.S. and attract capital. He notes a growing separatist movement in Alberta, driven by economic frustrations and opposition to federal ecological policies, while criticizing Prime Minister Carney's lack of clear policy initiatives. (16/16)1942-45 AGITPROP

Mary Anastasia O'Grady discusses the historic indictment of a sitting Mexican governor, Ruben Rocha Moya, for conspiracy to import narcotics and cartel activity. She highlights the potential political fallout for the Morena party and suggests criminal organizations may be influencing elections through violence and intimidation. (15/16)1946 TOJO ON TRIAL FOR HIS LIFE.

David Daoud criticizes the U.S. for accepting the linkage between Iranian and Lebanese negotiations, which provides Hezbollah "breathing room" to regenerate. He anticipates Hezbollah will avoid immediate conflict to focus on long-term rearmament and social rebuilding, eventually emerging as a much stronger threat. (14/16)1946-48 WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL IN TOKYO

David Daoud reports that the Lebanon ceasefire has forced the IDF into static positions, giving Hezbollah tactical advantages for hit-and-run attacks. He contends that the Lebanese government lacks the means to disarm Hezbollah, as the group views its military power as existential. (13/16)1945 RECOVERY

Edmund Fitton-Brown differentiates between various regional "ceasefires," noting the Hamas-Israel ceasefire is particularly fragile. He argues that progress toward a meaningful peace process requires intense pressure on Hamas'ssponsors, specifically Qatar and Turkey, to force the group to fulfill its disarmament obligations. (12/16)1945 FAILED SUICIDE

Edmund Fitton-Brown analyzes the "ragged" maritime blockade between the U.S. and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. He warns that allowing Iran to claim control over international waterways sets a dangerous global precedent and suggests Iran believes it can outlast American resolve. (11/16)1944 OGIKUBO TALK

Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa report on the Venezuelan regime's efforts to delay elections, fearing a landslide victory for the opposition. Araújo discusses Lula da Silva's weakening support in Brazil and the rise of Flavio Bolsonaro. Human rights violations, including the torture of political prisoners, continue in Venezuela. (10/16)1943-45 AGITPROP

Alejandro Peña Esclusa highlights alleged voter fraud in Peru, warning that leftist "Marxist" forces utilize international support to manipulate elections. Ernesto Araújo discusses deep-seated corruption in Latin America, describing it as a geopolitical tool for "totalitarian powers" to undermine the free world and honest governance. (9/16)1942 AGITPROP

Alan Tonelson interprets the U.S. diplomatic focus on Japan as a reward for its commitment to containing Chinese expansionism and increasing defense spending. He expects the Trump-Xi summit to produce deals on aerospace and agricultural exports, though fundamental trade imbalances are unlikely to be resolved. (8/16)1943 GREATER EAST ASIA CONFERENCE

Gordon Chang and Piero Tozzi analyze the upcoming U.S.-China summit in Beijing, noting Trump's "built-in disadvantages" and Chinese arrogance. They discuss internal Taiwanese political divisions regarding China policy and highlight recent multilateral military exercises as a significant "planting of the flag" before negotiations. (7/16)January 1942

Malcolm Hoenlein reveals that Israel operated a secret logistical base in Iraq to support its air campaign against Iran. He notes that Iran evades blockades by exporting 80% of its oil to China via Iraq and overland routes. The Iranian economy remains vulnerable due to aging infrastructure. (6/16)1941 Tojo and family

Malcolm Hoenlein reports on the heavy infrastructure damage to U.S. interests in the Gulf and the persistent threat of Iranian missiles. He observes that public opinion in Gaza is shifting against Hamas as citizens desire reconstruction. Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities continue promoting "jihad and martyrdom" through school textbooks. (5/16)1942

Samuel Ben-ur discusses Hamas's claim of reconstituting its 30,000 personnel, mostly through recruiting untrained youth. He notes that some released terrorists from the October 7th attacks have returned to combat. Bener argues that air strikes alone cannot collapse the regime without internal popular support for change. (4/16)1942 agitprop

Samuel Ben-ur reports that Hamas flatly rejected a structured disarmament plan, signaling its intent to resume conflict. Despite attempting to rearm through low-tech Egyptian smuggling, Hamas remains below pre-war strength. Meanwhile, the Board of Peace attempts to manage humanitarian aid amid ongoing violations. (3/16)1943 PM HIDEKI TOJO ARRIVES PHILIPPINES

Bill Roggio examines the stark standoff between the U.S. and Iran, noting that while U.S. strikes damaged Iran'sconventional military, the regime persists through asymmetrical warfare. He expresses skepticism that the current blockade alone can achieve regime change, citing the historical resilience of terrorist states. (2/16)1942 AGITPROP

Bill Roggio identifies Iran as the preeminent state sponsor of terror, surpassing Pakistan. He argues Iran's foreign policy is inherently revolutionary, using terrorist proxies like Hezbollah and the Taliban to further its agenda while utilizing diplomatic negotiations to buy time and ensure regime survival. (1/16)1944 PM HIDEKI TOJO AND CABINET

David Daoud explains how Hezbollah exploits Syrian instability to smuggle weapons and money from Iran. Despite the Syrian government’s desire to remove them, they lack the means to secure their vast territory.1879 0TT0AN EMPIRE

PREVIEW for Later Today: Piero Tozzi explains how Taiwan has successfully decoupled its economy from mainland China. He notes a dramatic shift where Taiwanese foreign direct investment in China plummeted from 83% to just 4% over fifteen years.1793 TRADESMAN

PREVIEW for Later Today: Samuel Ben-ur reports that Hamas continues to control humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza. He emphasizes their priority remains rebuilding military infrastructure while failing to comply with surrender demands or improving dire civilian conditions.1914 PALESTINE

PREVIEW for Later Today: Alejandro Peña Esclusa discusses the corruption of Venezuela's Maduro regime. He highlights how various government "mafias" and the Rodriguez siblings fear legitimate elections, as losing power would likely result in their imprisonment for crimes.1948 CARACAS

PREVIEW for Later Today: Edmund Fitton-Brown argues that Iran utilizes the Strait of Hormuz for international blackmail. He asserts that Iran does not truly control the waterway and advocates for resolute military force to counter their maritime terrorism.1904 PERSIA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Alan Tonelson observes that Japan's new leadership is prioritizing economic growth and productivity over inflation. Despite high resource costs driven by global conflict, the focus remains on running the Japanese economy "hot" through production.1920 NAGASAKI

Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. This segment critiques the "Redeemer Nation" myth, which portrays America as a divinely appointed "city on a hill" tasked with saving humanity. While this vision was cemented following World War II, the hosts argue it is now an "inappropriate myth" for a nation that has moved closer to the original Roman model of "might makes right." Over the last 25 years, the U.S. is seen as having abandoned its role as a "wellspring of good" in favor of "Roman imperial fiat," using a "gossamer curtain of altruism" to mask the forced bringing of nations to heel. The hosts list a series of failed interventions—including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya—that have resulted in millions of deaths and degraded America's remaining moral authority. They conclude that the idea of American redemption is now a "lie that is no longer sustainable," as the world recognizes the disconnect between the nation's rhetoric and its actions. The episode ends with a stark depiction of the "emperor" lecturing children on the "madness of Iran" while appearing physically diminished and disconnected from reality, suggesting that the U.S. has become the very tyrannical force it once sought to liberate the world from. (3/3)1793 VIRGIL READING THE AENEID TO AUGUSTUS

Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. Drawing a parallel to the Battle of Alesia in 52 BC, the hosts explore the ethics of modern siege warfare. In ancient Gaul, Julius Caesar and Vercingetorix allowed non-combatant townspeople to starve to death in the "in-between land" to maintain their strategic positions. Germanicus argues that the current U.S. blockade of Iran functions as a modern-day Alesia, where the "townspeople" are the populations of Europe and Asia now suffering from disrupted energy and fertilizer resources. While Caesar's war was an existential struggle to break Gallic culture, the modern conflict is characterized as a "performative war" driven by vanity rather than a clear strategic plan. The U.S. is accused of abdicating its sacred vows of altruism, delivering "body blows" to world populations to achieve base political goals. This strategy is seen as a terrible gambit that destroys America's global authority and reputation. Consequently, the hosts note that China is gaining credibility and confidence, positioning itself as an equal or even superior power while the American "emperor"—described as exhausted and lacking a plan—increasingly takes the role of a supplicant to Beijing. (2/3)1600 ANTONY SENDS FOR CICERO

Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. This discussion examines the metamorphosis of the American Republic into an Empire by analyzing the symbolic use of architecture and statuary. The hosts reflect on the "emperor's" recent unveiling of a golden statue of himself at a golf course, capturing his image following an assassination attempt. Germanicus identifies this as a "lineal connection to Rome," specifically the period when emperors began to ascend into godhood to legitimate their authority—a shift from the early republic's focus on celebrating civic heroes like George Washington. While Washington rejected kingship and was memorialized by a sacred obelisk, modern leaders are seen as adopting "Egyptian or Babylonian-like" temple tropes, such as presidential libraries. The conversation further critiques the "emperor's" plan to build an "arch of exaltation" and a massive ballroom in Washington D.C. Unlike classical Roman arches that celebrated state victories with balanced proportions, this proposed arch is described as a narcissistic extrapolation that lacks a compelling rationale and ignores traditional aesthetics. Finally, the hosts discuss the symbolism of gold, noting its association with the "Sun King" Louis XIV rather than traditional Greco-Roman statuary, suggesting a drift toward monarchical and discontinuous design. (1/3)1583 LIVY

Alcock and Brown's 1919 triumph predated Charles Lindbergh's famous crossing by eight years; Lindbergh himself credited them for showing the way. Following their landing, the pair was celebrated across London, eventually attending a luncheon where a young Winston Churchill, then Minister of War and Air, presented the £10,000 prize. Churchill was an early and industrious devotee of aviation. The saga concluded with a poignant banquet in Mayfair where twenty people, including former rivals and engineers, gathered around a single table. The atmosphere shifted from intense competition to a collective celebration of an achievement that changed the world. The Vickers Vimy remains a romantic symbol of this breakthrough in London's Science Museum. David Rooney reflects that this "big hop" into the unknown represents a human spirit of discovery that will likely be mirrored in a future trip to Mars. (4/4)1925

Newfoundland was a treacherous launch site, characterized by ice-packed coastlines, boggy ground, and constant rain. Teams had to ship their aircraft in pieces and assemble them in makeshift aerodromes while waiting for favorable winds. Many contemporaries viewed the mission as suicidal. Harry Hawker and Matt Grieve, flying a small Sopwith, grew impatient and launched into a cloud bank in May, disappearing from sight. When they failed to arrive in Ireland after 30 hours, the world presumed them dead, sparking global grief. Shortly after Hawker's departure, Fred Raynham's attempt ended in a "heart-rending" crash during takeoff. This left the field open for Alcock and Brown, who arrived late with their massive Vickers Vimy bomber. This fabric-and-wood machine successfully carried the duo through relentless North Atlantic clouds until they landed in Ireland, simply declaring they were from "America." (3/4)1923

The 1919 competition attracted diverse aviators, including the Australian Harry Hawker, a fearless and sometimes "spiky" test pilot. Inspired by watching Harry Houdini fly in 1910, Hawker became a natural pilot who understood risks instinctively, even while hiding a secret and painful spinal injury from past crashes. He was joined by rivals like Fred Raynham, a quiet pilot with steely resolve who had survived a mid-flight tail snap during the war. The end of the war had destroyed the market for military aircraft overnight, forcing companies like Sopwith to build motorcycles and kitchenware to survive. Consequently, Northcliffe's prize offered a vital way to promote civil aviation. In contrast to these striving young pilots, Admiral Mark Kerr led a team for Handley Page. Born in a palace to an illustrious naval family, Kerr maintained a sharp class distinction, refusing to collaborate with his younger rivals. (2/4)1968 APOLLO 8

Lord Northcliffe, born Alfred Harmsworth, was a self-made newspaper mogul who recognized aviation's strategic importance early on. In 1913, his newspaper, the Daily Mail, offered a £10,000 prize for the first non-stop transatlantic flight, realizing that aviation meant Britain was "no longer an island." Though the First World War suspended the challenge, it was reignited in 1919. The Vickers team was led by John "Jack" Alcock, a working-class mechanic from Manchester whose obsession with engines led him to become one of Britain's greatest pilots. He partnered with Arthur Whitten Brown, known as Ted, an American citizen and electrical engineer who had survived a harrowing war experience, including being shot down twice. Despite their different temperaments—Alcock was outgoing while Brownwas quiet and diffident—the two veterans shared a determination to achieve a great gesture for the future of aviation. (1/4)1907

Following Clinton's victory, Pamela was appointed Ambassador to France, a role she took with immense seriousness despite her lack of formal education. She became a highly respected diplomat, earning praise for her work on the 50th anniversary of D-Day and her "invisible but decisive" role in the Bosnia peace negotiations. She used her personal experience of the Blitz to provide a moral compass for ending the Balkan bloodshed, effectively bridging the gap between Washington and Paris. However, her final years were marred by stress from lawsuits filed by Averell Harriman'schildren over his fortune, which threatened her with bankruptcy. Under this pressure, she suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage while swimming at the Ritz in Paris. At her funeral, President Bill Clinton delivered a moving tribute, stating he would not have reached the presidency without her and praising her significant contributions to her adopted country. (8/8)1655

In the 1980s, Pamela identified the potential in a defeated Bill Clinton, mentoring him on public presentation and helping him believe in his political future. She used her Georgetown home to raise massive funds, becoming a kingmaker who helped shape the modern Democratic electoral machine. Beyond domestic politics, Pamela played an extraordinary role in Cold War diplomacy. In 1983, she and an ailing Averell traveled to Moscow to open back-channels with Soviet leader Yuri Andropov. Later, Raisa Gorbachev specifically requested to visit Pamela's home, bypassing Nancy Reagan to acknowledge Pamela's role in fostering nuclear arms treaties. During the 1992 election, Pamela drew on Winston Churchill's 1945 defeat to convince Clinton that a popular war-time president like George H.W. Bush could be beaten on economic issues. Clinton credits his reach to the White House to Pamela's strategic guidance and support. (7/8)1654

A meeting in 1971 reunited Pamela with her wartime lover, Averell Harriman, leading to their marriage and her access to a vast fortune. She transformed Harriman's Georgetown home into a "temple" to his career, making him feel like a king while she mastered the political game he often found difficult. Pamela became an American citizen to fully immerse herself in the Democratic Party, turning their home into a vital hub for fundraising and policy development. She pioneered a new role for women in Washington, moving beyond the traditional hostess to become a strategic political actor and mentor. Despite her political ascent, her relationship with her son remained fractured as he chose to emphasize his Churchill heritage over his connection to her. During the conservative Reagan era, she worked tirelessly to revitalize the Democratic Party, providing it with hope, funding, and a future through her sophisticated networking. (6/8)1650

In the late 1950s, Pamela strategically seduced producer Leland Hayward, eventually becoming his wife to secure a new life in America. She moved to the United States in 1959, where she was viewed by New York and Washington society as a dangerous "vixen" due to her reputation as a seductress. Despite the success of The Sound of Music, she discovered Leland was financially unstable, leading her to sell her European assets to sustain their lifestyle. Seeking intellectual fulfillment, she opened a Manhattan shop, though her celebrity clients often failed to pay their bills. During this time, she maintained a close friendship with President John F. Kennedy, and his 1963 assassination was a profound personal blow to her. As Leland's health deteriorated throughout the 1960s, Pamela faced hostility from his children, who resented her influence and feared for their inheritance. By Leland's death in 1971, she was left financially depleted. (5/8)1650

Following the war, Pamela entered a transactional yet passionate relationship with Gianni Agnelli, the heir to the Fiatempire. Since Fiat had supplied the Axis powers, Agnelli required significant reputation rehabilitation to prevent Allied confiscation of the company. Pamela utilized the political skills she learned from Churchill to introduce Agnelli to world leaders, including JFK, effectively washing away his wartime associations and establishing him as a global statesman. In exchange, Agnelli provided her with a lavish lifestyle, including massive jewels and a Paris apartment. However, her personal life remained complicated; her relationship with her son, Winston, was notoriously difficult and lacked maternal warmth. Young Winston often felt neglected and eventually sided with his father, Randolph, which deeply hurt Pamela. While she remained close to Winston Churchill, her presence often sparked jealousy among his biological children, who struggled with her unprecedented access to their father. (4/8)1650 HOLLAND

In 1941, Pamela met Averell Harriman, the American overseeing Lend-Lease, and immediately recognized his importance to British survival. Tasked with enlisting him to the British cause, she used her beauty and intelligence to "bewitch" him, turning the aloof statesman into a passionate advocate for UK aid. Pamela became Churchill's "secret weapon," gathering vital military intelligence and White House thinking from influential Americans like Harriman and CBS reporter Ed Murrow. She and Murrow shared a deep, passionate relationship, and she fed him information to shape American public opinion in favor of the European war effort. Simultaneously, she managed multiple high-profile liaisons with American generals and intelligence officers, maintaining these critical back-channels without causing scandal. Her work helped solidify the nascent Anglo-American alliance. She was so well-embedded in the military leadership that she knew the timing of the D-Day invasion before it was publicly announced. (3/8)1650 HOLLAND

Following a hasty wedding, Pamela quickly discovered Randolph's abusive nature, heavy drinking, and philandering. Despite the failing marriage, she became a favorite of Winston and Clementine Churchill, who brought her into their "Padlock" inner circle while pushing their untrustworthy son away. Pamela's intelligence and charm impressed Harry Hopkins, President Roosevelt's envoy, who viewed her as the most well-informed person in Britain after the Prime Minister himself. Hopkins' meeting with Pamela significantly influenced his recommendation to Roosevelt that the United States must intervene to save the British people. Living through the intense 1940 Blitz while heavily pregnant, Pamela recorded the drama of wartime life under constant bombardment. She eventually gave birth to her son, Winston, during a massive air raid, demonstrating her resilience. This period marked her transformation into a vital, secret figure at the heart of the British war effort. (2/8)1650

Sonia Purnell describes the 1939 marriage proposal between Randolph Churchill and Pamela Digby, who met for the first time at a London dinner. Pamela, a 19-year-old aristocrat from an isolated, cash-strapped Dorset estate, accepted the unromantic proposal as a strategic means of escaping her stifling rural life for the city's intellectual and political circles. Raised in a household that favored male heirs and discouraged formal female education, Pamela possessed a keen mind and an early awareness of her power over older, influential men. Her time in Munich in 1937 exposed her to Hitler and the terrifying rise of the Nazi party. Despite a failed debutante season in 1938 where she was dismissed as a "plump" oddball, Pamela's marriage provided the entree into high society she desperately craved. The union was a calculated gamble to move from the periphery to the center of global events as war loomed. (1/8)1642 COMMONS

The continued failure to detect WIMPs has led to a "Dark Crisis" and more speculative theories. Some scientists suggest dark matter could be primordial black holes formed during the Big Bang, or "fuzzy" dark matter made of extremely light particles. Challenges also arise from "dragonfly galaxies" like Dragonfly 44, which appear to lack dark matter entirely, a problem for both CDM and MOND theories. Physicist Erik Verlinde proposes emergent gravity, where gravity is not a fundamental force but emerges from a deeper level of reality, potentially removing the need for dark matter. Some fresh thinking suggests that MOND and CDM might even work in concert. As the search continues through deep-mine experiments, the ISS, and massive telescopes in Chile, theorists remain at a frontier of trying to explain why 95% of the universe remains invisible. (8/8)1995 PERSEIDS

The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), the oldest light in the universe, provides a blueprint that confirms the necessity of dark matter and dark energy. To find the physical particle, researchers have engaged in the "Xenon Wars," utilizing massive underground detectors like those at Gran Sasso in Italy. These detectors wait for a dark matter particle to collide with a xenon nucleus, but they have so far produced only null results. One exception is the DAMA experiment, which claims to see a seasonal variation in detections as Earth moves through the galactic dark matter halo, though other teams have been unable to replicate this. Additionally, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) on the International Space Station searches for antimatter that might be created by dark matter collisions in space. The lack of definitive detection in these high-tech experiments is increasingly puzzling for the scientific community. (7/8)1957

In the 1990s, scientists investigated MACHOs (Massive Compact Halo Objects), like dim stars or black holes, as dark matter candidates. However, extensive searches failed to find enough of them, reinforcing the particle-based WIMP theory. A major shift occurred in 1998 with the discovery that the universe's expansion is accelerating, a phenomenon attributed to Dark Energy. Current models suggest the universe is 68.5% Dark Energy, 26.6% Dark Matter, and only 4.9% baryonic matter. Dark energy behaves like Einstein's cosmological constant (lambda), an idea he once considered his "worst mistake" but which now seems necessary. Schilling uses an empty water bottle analogy to illustrate that the vast majority of the universe's composition—both dark matter and dark energy—remains a complete mystery despite our ability to measure its effects. (6/8)1879 COMET

A "heretical" alternative to dark matter is MOND (Modified Newtonian Dynamics), proposed by Mordehai Milgrom. Milgrom suggests that dark matter may not exist; instead, our current laws of gravity might be incorrect at galactic scales. MOND successfully explains galaxy rotation curves without requiring unseen matter, which remains a "worry" for traditional physicists. However, most cosmologists rely on gravitational lensing to map dark matter distribution. A key test is the Bullet Cluster, where two galaxy clusters are merging. Observations suggest mass is separated from visible gas, which initially seemed to refute MOND, though proponents still refine their theories. Future instruments, such as the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile, aim to provide the sensitivity needed to finally confirm the properties of dark matter or prove if modified gravity is the true answer. (5/8)1783 COMET

Following Jim Peebles' work on Cold Dark Matter, scientists began searching for the WIMP (Weakly Interacting Massive Particle). These particles are thought to interact through gravity but lack electrical charges or nuclear force interactions, making them invisible. The search has moved from telescopes to particle physics, with researchers at CERN's Large Hadron Collider attempting to create WIMPs through high-energy collisions. Simultaneously, underground laboratories globally search for rare instances where a WIMP might "bump" into an atomic nucleus. Computer simulations like IllustrisTNG are used to model the universe's evolution from the Big Bang. These simulations are highly successful at recreating the current universe only when CDM is included. Despite this success in theory and simulation, the physical particle has yet to be detected in any laboratory, leaving the nature of dark matter an open question. (4/8)1903 LANGELY AERODROME

The Big Bang theory is essential for understanding dark matter because the early universe was incredibly smooth, yet it evolved into the "clumpy" universe of galaxies we see today. Only additional gravity from dark matter can explain this rapid formation. Matter is categorized as baryonic (normal atoms) or non-baryonic. Based on Big Bang nucleosynthesis, there is not enough baryonic matter to account for the universe's gravity, requiring a new kind of particle. Albert Bosmaused radio astronomy to confirm that galaxy rotation curves remain flat even further out in hydrogen gas clouds. Early candidates like neutrinos were ruled out because they are "hot" (fast-moving) and would prevent small-scale clumping. Consequently, scientists shifted focus toward Cold Dark Matter (CDM), which consists of slower, more massive particles that fit the observed evolution of the universe. (3/8)

During the 1960s, theorists like Jeremiah Ostriker used early computers to determine that spiral galaxies would be unstable and "fly apart" without a massive spherical halo of unseen matter. This theoretical need found concrete evidence through the pioneering work of Vera Rubin and Kent Ford. By observing the Andromeda galaxy, they discovered that rotational velocities did not diminish at the outer edges, a phenomenon called "flattening the curve." This proved that a significant amount of invisible mass must exist to provide the necessary gravity. To map this mass, modern astronomers use gravitational lensing, an effect predicted by Einstein where gravity bends light from distant objects. This work continues in Chile at the Vera Rubin Observatory, which is designed to map the distribution of dark matter across space and time. (2/8)2020 ESA EUCLID

The 100-year search for dark matter began in 1922 with Dutch astronomer Jacobus Kapteyn, who was the first to use the term "dark matter" in a scientific paper. Kapteyn realized that the gravity of unseen matter must govern the motions of stars. His student, Jan Oort, later expanded on this by studying the vertical "up and down" motions of stars in the Milky Way to estimate the mass in the galactic plane. Fritz Zwicky provided a major breakthrough by observing the redshift of galaxies in the Coma cluster, concluding they moved too fast for visible mass to hold them together. Zwicky termed this missing mass "Dunkle Materie." These early pioneers identified a gravitational discrepancy—the "elephant in the universe"—that would define modern cosmology as scientists began hunting for what they could not see. (1/8)LAUNCHING 2026 RST

The success of WWII production highlights a fundamental tension between centralized government command and private sector innovation. During World War I, Woodrow Wilson's attempt to nationalize the economy resulted in a disaster where vast sums were spent without producing a single airplane or ship. Learning from this, FDR and Knudsen chose to let private industry determine how to execute the goals set by Washington. This partnership allowed businesses to unleash their expertise and innovation to solve public sector problems. Today, the American defense industrial base has shrunk significantly, lagging behind in critical areas like AI, semiconductors, and quantum technology. The sources argue that we have given too much control to bureaucrats rather than turning the private sector loose. The contrast is exemplified by the success of SpaceX versus NASA, suggesting that the secret to restoring national security lies in recreating the flexible, incentive-based industrial environment that won the Second World War. (4/4)1936

The development of the B-29 Superfortress began in 1939 following a clandestine meeting between General Hap Arnold and Charles Lindbergh, who warned of Germany's growing bomber fleets. The project aimed for air supremacy through a four-engine, high-altitude strategic bomber that far surpassed the capabilities of the B-17 or B-24. However, the B-29 was incredibly complex and "buggy," featuring new technologies like pressurized cabins and digitally controlled gun turrets. Production was plagued by technical failures, including engine fires and stall-outs that claimed the life of a leading test pilot. Bill Knudsen played a critical role in the "Battle of Omaha," driving the assembly lines forward and insisting on modifications as the planes were finished. By 1943, nearly 40% of the workforce at these plants consisted of women. Ultimately, the B-29 became the most expensive project of the war, carrying the atomic bomb to Hiroshima and ending the conflict in the Pacific. (3/4)

In May 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt faced the daunting challenge of preparing a technologically lagging America for modern mechanized warfare following Hitler's invasion of France. FDR turned to Bill Knudsen, the Danish-born CEO of General Motors, who had a background as a heavyweight boxer and a veteran of the Fordassembly lines. Knudsen was a master of flexible mass production, a technique he perfected at Chevrolet that allowed for model changes without halting the entire assembly line. Unlike 19th-century methods, Knudsen's approach focused on a continuous flow of production and integrating new technologies into existing workflows. He was tasked with transforming the civilian economy—then focused on cars and refrigerators—into an "Arsenal of Democracy" capable of producing tanks, planes, and artillery at an unprecedented scale. This mobilization was not just about technology, but about Knudsen's belief that American industry could achieve the impossible when directed toward a single, patriotic goal. (1/4)1935

Jeremy Zakis describes a sinister "battalion" of over one hundred cockatoos that have occupied the pine trees around his home in a formation reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. These large, white-crested birds are portrayed as destructive villains that show dominance by stripping tree branches and staring down residents. Jeremy recounts how they used their powerful beaks to snap brass cables on his bird feeder and expresses concern they may begin pulling nails out of his roof. Unlike other birds, these cockatoos appear to be calling for reinforcements to conduct a "full frontal assault" on the yard. (4/4)

An investigation into a T20 match between Canada and New Zealand has uncovered potential match-fixing tied to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. This "mafia-style" group is suspected of coercing selection boards to install specific players, like captain Dilpreet Bajwa, for financial gain. Jeremy Zakis explains that T20 games are easier to fix than five-day matches because results happen in a single day and poor performance is easier to disguise as a "bad day." Meanwhile, the English Cricket Board has made a strategic shift by hiring Australian Marcus North as a senior selector, signaling a potential end to the aggressive "Bazball" strategy. (3/4)1927

Two koalas were recently rescued from a 1.5-meter deep construction hole in Brisbane, where they had likely crawled to seek warmth from the recent cold. Wildlife Rescue Queensland and local police winched the mud-covered, dehydrated animals to safety for a full recovery. Additionally, Jeremy Zakis discusses the discovery of a new species: the dimpled koala, which lived in Western Australia 28,000 years ago. This prehistoric relative featured distinct dimples in its cheeks and thick fur. Researchers are now studying skeletal remains to better understand the ancestry and development of the modern koala. (2/4)   1938

Jeremy Zakis reports on an unusually early and severe cold snap hitting the eastern seaboard of Australia, which he identifies as the arrival of El Niño. The "arctic blast" arrived over a month earlier than expected, bringing frost even to sea-level areas like Sydney and temperatures near zero degrees Celsius in elevated regions like Canberra. Jeremy notes that while the cold makes roads slippery, local birds are adapting rather than migrating; they "puff up" their feathers to conserve heat and stay still in the trees to avoid the freezing air. Unlike extreme heat, this cold has not yet caused bird fatalities. (1/4)1900 QUEENSLAND

In the aftermath, Octavian artfully transformed the Republic into an Empire, taking the title "Augustus" in 27 BC. He learned from Julius Caesar's mistakes, choosing to rule through authority (auctoritas) rather than raw power, and adopting the humble title of "Princeps" or "first man." Strauss emphasizes the central role of Octavia, who remained a powerful matriarch in Rome, raising the children of both Antony and Cleopatra to secure a stable future dynasty. Augustus succeeded in his goal of transforming Rome from a city of wood into a "marbled wonder." He ruled for decades, dying in 14 AD during the month that still bears his name. Though Antony's memory was officially suppressed, Octavia's descendants—including future emperors Caligula, Claudius, and Nero—ensured that the bloodlines of both families remained at the heart of Roman power. Ultimately, the war at Actium defined the course of Western history for centuries to come. (8/8)CLEOPATRA AND THE ASP

Following the defeat, the narrative takes on a "film noir" quality as the lovers return to Alexandria. Antony fell into deep melancholy, while Cleopatra focused on the survival of her dynasty, even contemplating exile in India. Octavian used the interim to consolidate power and negotiate with Antony's former allies. A treacherous three-way negotiation began, with both Antony and Cleopatra secretly dealing with Octavian while lying to each other. When Octavian finally invaded Egypt in 30 BC, Antony's remaining forces deserted him. Driven by a false report of Cleopatra's suicide, Antony attempted to kill himself and died in her arms on August 1. Cleopatra eventually committed suicide—likely via a cobra bite—to avoid being paraded in a Roman triumph. Octavian immediately secured the Egyptian treasury and ordered the execution of Caesarion, the 16-year-old heir, to eliminate any rival claims to Caesar's legacy. (7/8)CICERO AND FULVIA

On September 2, 31 BC, the Battle of Actium unfolded as a desperate breakout attempt by Antony and Cleopatra to save their treasury. They waited for the afternoon winds to turn so they could unfurl their sails—an unusual tactic for warships in battle. During the engagement, Cleopatra's squadron, distinguished by purple sails, broke through a gap in the Roman line. In a move that devastated his military honor, Antony abandoned his fleet and army to follow her. Straussnotes that while Antony's sailors continued to fight bravely, Octavian's forces eventually used fire arrows to destroy the remaining galleys. This abandonment of his men was a "major no-no" that permanently scarred Antony's reputation as a Roman leader. Despite the betrayal, the lovers successfully escaped with the Egyptian gold, though Octavian remained the undisputed victor on the sea, effectively ending the military resistance of the Second Triumvirate. (6/8)DIDO AND AENEAS

Strauss highlights that while tactics are for amateurs, logistics are for professionals, citing Marcus Agrippa as the mastermind behind Octavian's strategy. Instead of invading Italy, Antony and Cleopatra waited in western Greece, allowing Agrippa to strike first in early 31 BC. Agrippa launched a daring, pre-dawn amphibious assault on Methone, a vital supply base guarded by the deposed King Bogud. This surprise victory effectively severed Antony's supply lines from Egypt, trapping his fleet at Actium. Antony's forces were soon plagued by hunger and disease in the malarial swamps of the Greek coast. Strauss explains that Agrippa utilized local guides and superior naval training to achieve this logistical "one-two punch." By the time the main battle arrived, Antony was already strategically defeated, his options limited to a desperate breakout attempt rather than a coordinated offensive. Agrippa's foresight turned the naval engagement into a foregone conclusion. (5/8)457 AMBROSIAN ILLIAD

The conflict reached a turning point in 33 BC when Antony committed what Strauss calls an "unforced error" by divorcing Octavia. This provided Octavian with a "propaganda bonanza," allowing him to frame the coming war not as a civil struggle, but as a crusade to save Rome from an Egyptian queen. Antony viewed the divorce as a "credible commitment" to his Eastern supporters, showing he would never compromise with Octavian. Despite warnings from generals like Ahenobarbus to leave Cleopatra behind, Antony kept her and her treasury close, further fueling Octavian's narrative that Antony had been "unmanned." Octavian strategically declared war on Cleopatra rather than Antony to maintain the moral high ground. Strauss notes that Octavian even mocked Antony's identification with Dionysus, portraying him as a simple drunk rather than a new Alexander. This battle of optics and ideology paved the road to the decisive confrontation at Actium. (4/8)80 BCE SULLA

Strauss examines the role of Octavia, Octavian's sister, who married Antony in 40 BC to seal a peace treaty. While she is often portrayed as a devoted housewife, Strauss suggests she may have been a "fatal connection" providing intelligence to her brother. During this period, Octavian struggled in Italy against Sextus Pompey, a naval strategist who blockaded Rome's grain supply. Octavian's success was largely due to his friend Marcus Agrippa, a logistical genius who built a new navy and developed harpoons to immobilize enemy ships. Meanwhile, Antony's reputation suffered a major blow during his disastrous campaign against Parthia, where he lost approximately 25% of his army. In contrast, Octaviangained military "marks of honor" by being wounded during the Illyrian war. This shift in prestige allowed Octavian'sstar to rise as he used information warfare to frame Antony as a traitor unmanned by Eastern luxury. (3/8)1599

Barry Strauss introduces Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt and member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which turned Egyptinto a Mediterranean "gold mine." She was a "tough player" who survived deadly dynastic intrigues to secure her throne. Her spectacular entry at Tarsus on a perfumed barge wowed Antony, establishing a partnership built on both romance and finance. Egypt served as a vital treasury for Antony's ambitions, as the Romans had long viewed the country as a bank. A key political asset was her son, Caesarion, whom she claimed was the son of Julius Caesar—a direct threat to Octavian's legitimacy. Strauss highlights Cleopatra's intelligence through the story of her dissolving a pearl in vinegar to host the world's most expensive dinner. While Roman propaganda painted Alexandria as "effeminate" and "comic," it was actually the scientific and cultural capital of the ancient world. (2/8)1572 CONSTANTINOPLE

Guest Author Barry Strauss discusses the power struggle between Mark Antony and the young Octavian following Julius Caesar's assassination. Strauss relies on the Greek historians Plutarch and Cassius Dio to reconstruct this era, noting that Plutarch is the best single source for Antony's life. While Antony was a noble consul and Caesar's seasoned lieutenant, Octavian was a slight, 19-year-old great-nephew who lacked military experience but possessed "Machiavellian" cunning. The two joined Lepidus in the Second Triumvirate to avenge Caesar, leading to the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. Although Antony emerged as the hero of that victory, Octavian allegedly fled the battlefield due to illness. This victory eliminated assassins like Cassius and Brutus, yet it set the stage for a civil war where Octavian'spolitical ambition would eventually overwhelm Antony's social pedigree. Strauss emphasizes that Caesar likely educated Octavian in the "dark arts of power." (1/8)1680 CONSTANTINOPLE

Craig Unger highlCraig Unger highlights the "suspiciously perfect" timing of the hostage release, which occurred exactly three minutes after Ronald Reagan completed his inaugural address on January 20, 1981. Unger argues it was physically impossible for Reagan to have negotiated this release in the minutes he was in office, suggesting a deal had been finalized long before. Even modern biographers like Max Boot now acknowledge that the evidence for the October Surprise is sufficient to conclude it happened. Unger places this event within a broader historical pattern of Republican election interference, citing Richard Nixon's 1968 use of Anna Chennault to sabotage Vietnam peace talks and Donald Trump's 2016 ties to Russia. By examining Bob Parry's 23-gigabyte archive, Unger believes much more information is still waiting to be discovered in various presidential libraries. He concludes that understanding this history is vital for recognizing the ongoing assault on American democracy through clandestine foreign partnerships. (8/8)

Craig Unger recounts his 2014 trip to Iran, where he visited the former American embassy, now a museum called the "Den of Spies," showcasing shredded documents laboriously pasted back together by militants. During his visit, Ungersecured a rare interview with Mohsen Rafiqdoost, the former head of Iranian arms procurement, who briefly slipped up by mentioning a meeting with "the Republicans" before quickly correcting himself. Unger also interviewed former Iranian President Abulhassan Bani-Sadr in France, who provided documents describing the October Surprise as a "double coup" that empowered radicals in both the U.S. and Iran while ousting moderates. The sources confirm that the 1953 coup against Mohammad Mossadegh remains a deep-seated grievance in Iran, fueling their desire to undermine American influence. Unger emphasizes that these secret relationships between the Republicans, Iran, and Israel were considered "taboo" because they proved that the 1980 election was subverted through international collusion. (7/8)1904

Craig Unger analyzes the specific allegations regarding meetings in Madrid and Paris that formed the core of the October Surprise deal. While alibis were created for both Bill Casey and George H.W. Bush, Unger and reporter Bob Parry found evidence to puncture these claims, such as Casey's supposed presence at an OSS reunion in London that he actually slipped away from. The Madrid meeting with Iranian cleric Mehdi Karrubi in July 1980 is where the parameters for delaying the hostage release were first sketched out. Regarding the Paris meeting, Unger believes the preponderance of evidence suggests Bush was there to provide a high-level "imprimatur" for the deal. The Iranians were desperate for American aircraft parts due to the sudden invasion by Iraq in September 1980, providing the Republicans with significant leverage. Unger contends that delivering arms to a hostile power holding Americans was politically unthinkable, making these secret negotiations a form of treason. (6/8)1903

Craig Unger explains the infrastructure of the alleged treason, focusing on the Safari Club, a group of high-level intelligence officials who conducted "off-the-books" operations after the CIA faced congressional crackdowns in the 1970s. Bill Casey utilized this shadow network, employing his close friend John Shaheen as a "cutout" to facilitate meetings with Iranian arms dealers without attracting media attention. Unger reveals that the Hashemi brothers, who were ostensibly helping the Carter administration negotiate for the hostages, were actually double agents working for Casey. This covert channel was further supported by Israeli military intelligence (Aman), which confirmed that source Ari Ben-Menashe was indeed an operative and that a secret arms channel existed between Israel and Iran. Unger argues that Israel's participation in sabotaging the American election was a significant secret they went to great lengths to hide. The operation reportedly involved money laundering through front businesses to finance the illegal arms deals. (5/8)1920 BUSHEHR

Craig Unger details his time at Newsweek, where he was hired to lead an investigation into the October Surprise, only to see the magazine eventually publish multiple stories discrediting the entire narrative. Unger describes this shift as a "disgrace" to American journalism, noting that both the media and the House investigation led by Lee Hamiltonparticipated in a "whitewash" of the allegations. Despite congressional findings that the events did not happen, investigative reporter Bob Parry continued the search, eventually discovering a "treasure trove" of documents hidden in an abandoned women's restroom in a House office building. These papers, found under a tampon dispenser, contained 23 gigabytes of evidence that the congressional task force had overlooked. During this period, legendary reporter Seymour Hersh warned Unger that he would be "crushed" if he continued to challenge the powerful national security establishment, a prediction that nearly came true as Unger faced professional ostracization. (4/8)1905

Craig Unger recounts the investigative origins of the October Surprise story, which gained mainstream credibility after a 1991 New York Times op-ed by former National Security Council member Gary Sick. Working for Esquire, Ungercollaborated with fellow journalists like Bob Parry to uncover rumors of Republican interference in the hostage crisis. A central figure in their investigation was Ari Ben-Menashe, a rogue Israeli intelligence operative who claimed that Bill Casey met with Iranians in Madrid in July 1980. Ben-Menashe alleged that Casey negotiated a deal to provide Iranwith weapons in exchange for delaying the release of the American hostages until after the election, a clear violation of the Logan Act. Furthermore, Ben-Menashe claimed a follow-up meeting occurred in Paris in October 1980 involving George H.W. Bush to "seal the deal." Unger emphasizes that investigating this world of illegal arms dealers was professionally risky, often leading to accusations of being a "conspiracy nut." (3/8)1904

Craig Unger explores the transformation of the 1980 Reagan campaign following the hiring of Bill Casey as campaign manager. Casey, a legendary WWII spy from the OSS, is described as a brilliant but eccentric figure who utilized his extensive international contacts to build a secret intelligence network while the campaign was still underway. This network involved meetings with Israeli agents and South African arms dealers to discuss the ongoing Iranian revolution. Unger details how the Reagan camp feared an "October Surprise"—a pre-election hostage release that would secure Carter's victory—leading Casey to take covert preventative measures. Interestingly, Ronald Reagan himself seemed disconnected from the details of Casey's operations, often merely nodding and smiling because he could not understand Casey's muddled speech. This dynamic allowed Casey to operate with significant autonomy, setting the stage for clandestine maneuvers that Unger argues ultimately subverted the American democratic process. (2/8)1903

Craig Unger discusses the failure of Operation Desert One on April 24, 1980, a mission authorized by President Jimmy Carter to rescue 52 American hostages in Iran. The operation ended in disaster when a helicopter collided with a C-130 transport plane in the Iranian desert, resulting in eight American deaths and the immediate cancellation of the mission. This failure was a pivotal moment in the 1980 campaign, as National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski noted Carter looked as though he had been "stabbed in the face," making a political recovery virtually impossible. Ungerexplains that the crisis was rooted in the 1979 revolution that overthrew the Shah of Iran, a longtime U.S. ally installed by a 1953 American coup. Carter inherited a geostrategic nightmare, further complicated by a hostile relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, who deeply resented Carter for the Camp David Accords. (1/8)1904

SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-8-2026.1900 VERA CRUZ.1/16: Jeff Bliss discusses the Los Angeles mayor's race, highlighting actor Spencer Pratt's surprising success in a recent debate. Pratt earned 83% viewer support by using AI-generated campaign videos to critique incumbents Karen Bass and Nithia Ramen. Critics question if an actor can successfully navigate the city council.2/16: Jeff Bliss analyzes the California governor's race, focusing on Republican outsider Steve Hilton. Hilton positions himself as a reformer against Democrats like Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer. The segment also touches on the construction of a new Las Vegas baseball stadium for the A's.3/16: Richard Epstein explores legal challenges regarding redistricting following Louisiana v. Kales. He details the evolution of the Voting Rights Act from addressing racial exclusion to modern debates over partisan gerrymandering. Epstein argues that while technology aids gerrymandering, it increases electoral risks in "wave" elections.4/16: Richard Epstein evaluates the Middle East crisis, advocating for unconditional surrender against bad actors like Iran. He criticizes current US foreign policy for ambiguity. Epstein emphasizes that long-term stability requires regime change and overwhelming force to break the influence of hostile regional powers.5/16: Jim McTague reports on Lancaster County's economy, noting a significant drop in restaurant foot traffic due to rising gasoline prices. While younger crowds have slowed spending, senior citizens remain active. The segment also covers the local job fair, where highly skilled technical positions remain in high demand.6/16: Lorenzo Fiori discusses Secretary of State Marco Rubio's meeting with the Pope to mend relations. He also addresses controversy at the Venice Biennale, arguing art should serve as a bridge between nations during conflict. The segment concludes with celebrations for the 800th anniversary of St. Francis.7/16: Bob Zimmerman examines the burgeoning private space industry in India and the US. He discusses the shortage of solid rocket boosters and competition between Lockheed Martin and Northrup Grumman. Additionally, Zimmerman describes a complex "dance" in orbit involving American, Russian, and Chinese inspector satellites.8/16: Bob Zimmerman critiques the failure of UK spaceports due to excessive bureaucracy. He provides updates on NASA's Curiosity rover, which recently freed a stuck rock from its drill on Mars. Furthermore, the Juno mission continues its observations of Jupiter's moons despite running low on fuel.9/16: Evan Ellis discusses the unprecedented US indictment of sitting Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya for ties to the Sinaloa cartel. The indictment reveals deep corruption within the Mexican political system. Ellis explains how cartels utilize global networks and legitimate legal firms to launder billions.10/16: Evan Ellis analyzes Argentina's recovery, highlighting a 5% increase in industrial output. President Javier Milei's fiscal policies have stabilized the currency, though global factors keep inflation high. Despite economic progress, Milei's inner circle faces ongoing corruption investigations that could impact his political momentum.11/16: Evan Ellis reports on Venezuela's repressive regime, which continues to hold political prisoners despite an economic reopening. He discusses the US fuel blockade on Cuba and its humanitarian impact. Potential resolutions include naming a date for Venezuelan elections and ratcheting diplomatic pressure on the Cuban leadership.12/16: Evan Ellis examines neck-and-neck presidential races in Peru and Colombia. In Peru, the contest between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez carries implications for relations with China. Colombia faces a similar choice between right-wing candidates and the leftist Ivan Cepeda, affecting future security cooperation.13/16: Tal Fortgang discusses St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, a case involving state subsidies for religious schools. Colorado is accused of using secular conditions to exclude religious institutions from preschool programs. The case questions whether states can constitutionally bar religious parents from generally available public benefits.14/16: Tal Fortgang highlights an ecumenical coalition opposing discrimination against religious groups. He cites the Notre Dame Education Law Project as a leader in identifying and rooting out residual legal biases. The segment details specific hostilities in Colorado, where social progressivism often clashes with traditional religious institutions.15/16: Gene Marks observes steady business for construction and safety industries across the US. He notes that raw material costs have surged significantly. Despite inflation, consumer spending remains vigorous, with major retailers like Amazon reporting their strongest retail growth since the pandemic.16/16: Gene Marks explains how small businesses are developing custom AI applications to improve productivity. He highlights tools like Claude for automating sales quotes and executive summaries. However, researchers warn that AI's tendency toward sycophancy and charm can sometimes mislead users in professional settings.

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FESTURING JEFF BLISS AND MICHAEL VLAHOS, 5-8-36.1900 MEXICO.This broadcast segment from Pacific Watch features host John Batchelor and correspondent Jeff Bliss discussing the political and social landscape of California, specifically focusing on the Los Angeles mayoral race. The dialogue highlights the emergence of outsider candidate Spencer Pratt, a former reality star challenging incumbent Karen Bass by focusing on the city's homelessness crisis and public safety. The discussion extends to the California gubernatorial race, noting the rise of Republican Steve Hilton and his potential struggle against a Democrat-dominated legislature. Shifting from politics to regional development, the speakers praise the construction of a new baseball stadium in Las Vegas while reflecting on the nostalgic history of Disneyland and its 1955 opening. The program concludes with a metaphorical historical analysis, comparing modern political imagery and monumental architecture to the traditions and societal shifts of the Roman Empire.

16/16: Gene Marks explains how small businesses are developing custom AI applications to improve productivity. He highlights tools like Claude for automating sales quotes and executive summaries. However, researchers warn that AI's tendency toward sycophancy and charm can sometimes mislead users in professional settings.1900 PUEBLO SNAKE DANCE

15/16: Gene Marks observes steady business for construction and safety industries across the US. He notes that raw material costs have surged significantly. Despite inflation, consumer spending remains vigorous, with major retailers like Amazon reporting their strongest retail growth since the pandemic.1900

14/16: Tal Fortgang highlights an ecumenical coalition opposing discrimination against religious groups. He cites the Notre Dame Education Law Project as a leader in identifying and rooting out residual legal biases. The segment details specific hostilities in Colorado, where social progressivism often clashes with traditional religious institutions.1900

13/16: Tal Fortgang discusses St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, a case involving state subsidies for religious schools. Colorado is accused of using secular conditions to exclude religious institutions from preschool programs. The case questions whether states can constitutionally bar religious parents from generally available public benefits.1900 MEXICO

12/16: Evan Ellis examines neck-and-neck presidential races in Peru and Colombia. In Peru, the contest between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez carries implications for relations with China. Colombia faces a similar choice between right-wing candidates and the leftist Ivan Cepeda, affecting future security cooperation.11900

11/16: Evan Ellis reports on Venezuela's repressive regime, which continues to hold political prisoners despite an economic reopening. He discusses the US fuel blockade on Cuba and its humanitarian impact. Potential resolutions include naming a date for Venezuelan elections and ratcheting diplomatic pressure on the Cuban leadership.1900

10/16: Evan Ellis analyzes Argentina's recovery, highlighting a 5% increase in industrial output. President Javier Milei's fiscal policies have stabilized the currency, though global factors keep inflation high. Despite economic progress, Milei's inner circle faces ongoing corruption investigations that could impact his political momentum.1900 VERA CRUZ

9/16: Evan Ellis discusses the unprecedented US indictment of sitting Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya for ties to the Sinaloa cartel. The indictment reveals deep corruption within the Mexican political system. Ellis explains how cartels utilize global networks and legitimate legal firms to launder billions.1900

8/16: Bob Zimmerman critiques the failure of UK spaceports due to excessive bureaucracy. He provides updates on NASA's Curiosity rover, which recently freed a stuck rock from its drill on Mars. Furthermore, the Juno mission continues its observations of Jupiter's moons despite running low on fuel.1900 VERA CRUZ

7/16: Bob Zimmerman examines the burgeoning private space industry in India and the US. He discusses the shortage of solid rocket boosters and competition between Lockheed Martin and Northrup Grumman. Additionally, Zimmerman describes a complex "dance" in orbit involving American, Russian, and Chinese inspector satellites.1900

6/16: Lorenzo Fiori discusses Secretary of State Marco Rubio's meeting with the Pope to mend relations. He also addresses controversy at the Venice Biennale, arguing art should serve as a bridge between nations during conflict. The segment concludes with celebrations for the 800th anniversary of St. Francis.1881

5/16: Jim McTague reports on Lancaster County's economy, noting a significant drop in restaurant foot traffic due to rising gasoline prices. While younger crowds have slowed spending, senior citizens remain active. The segment also covers the local job fair, where highly skilled technical positions remain in high demand.1900

4/16: Richard Epstein evaluates the Middle East crisis, advocating for unconditional surrender against bad actors like Iran. He criticizes current US foreign policy for ambiguity. Epstein emphasizes that long-term stability requires regime change and overwhelming force to break the influence of hostile regional powers.1900 MEXICO CITY

3/16: Richard Epstein explores legal challenges regarding redistricting following Louisiana v. Kales. He details the evolution of the Voting Rights Act from addressing racial exclusion to modern debates over partisan gerrymandering. Epstein argues that while technology aids gerrymandering, it increases electoral risks in "wave" elections.1900 MEXICO CITY

2/16: Jeff Bliss analyzes the California governor's race, focusing on Republican outsider Steve Hilton. Hilton positions himself as a reformer against Democrats like Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer. The segment also touches on the construction of a new Las Vegas baseball stadium for the A's.1900 MEXICO

1/16: Jeff Bliss discusses the Los Angeles mayor's race, highlighting actor Spencer Pratt's surprising success in a recent debate. Pratt earned 83% viewer support by using AI-generated campaign videos to critique incumbents Karen Bass and Nithia Ramen. Critics question if an actor can successfully navigate the city council.1900 MEXICO

PREVIEW for Later Today: High Gas Prices Slow Pennsylvania's Local Economy. Guest: Jim McTague. In Lancaster County, soaring gasoline prices near $5.00 have caused a dramatic drop in foot traffic. McTague observes that this economic slowdown is currently impacting a wide variety of local industries.1912 ALLENTOWN PA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Red Tape Grounds United Kingdom's Space Ambitions. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. The UK has failed to launch from its spaceports for a decade due to excessive bureaucracy. Zimmerman explains how regulatory delays effectively killed the Sutherland spaceport and bankrupted a promising rocket startup.OCTOBER 1957

PREVIEW for Later Today: Religious Schools and State Identity Conflicts. Guest: Tal Fortgang. Despite Supreme Court rulings, states like Colorado resist funding religious education. Fortgang argues that a progressive political class views religious institutions as inimical to state identity, leading to repeated legal disputes.1911

PREVIEW for Later Today: Corporate Leaders Report Robust Consumer Spending. Guest: Gene Marks. CEOs from major companies like Amazon report a 15% retail increase, signaling strong consumer confidence. Marks notes that while surveys vary, actual spending data from big-box retailers remains the primary economic indicator.1910 FIFTH AVENUE

PREVIEW for Later Today: The Strategy of Electoral Delays. Guest: Evan Ellis. Negotiations regarding election dates involve complex demands for voter role purges and machine replacements. Ellis examines how slow-walking these reforms serves specific political interests while complicating international policy goals.1940 VENEZUELA

PREVIEW for Later Today: Spencer Pratt Shocks in Los Angeles Mayoral Debate. Guest: Jeff Bliss. Actor Spencer Pratt achieved a surprise 83% win in a post-debate poll against established politicians like Karen Bass. Bliss highlights Pratt's authentic performance compared to his opponents' perceived lack of transparency.1900 LA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-7-2026.1945 BERLIN.Ian Buruma discusses his book Stay Alive, focusing on his father Leo's 1943 decision to enter mandatory labor in a Berlin factory to protect his parents from Nazi retaliation. The narrative explores Berlin's transition from a striving capital into a city facing bombings, malnutrition, and lice. (1/16)Ian Buruma describes Joseph Goebbels as a master propagandist who used entertainment to distract Berliners from wartime horrors. He explains "unpolitical" as a psychological justification for ignoring Nazi atrocities. The segment also details the complex Nuremberg racial laws used to systematically categorize and persecute Jewish populations. (2/16)Ian Buruma defines the wartime greeting "Stay Alive" and profiles resistors like von Moltke. He discusses jazz guitarist Coco Schumann, who survived Auschwitz by playing in a band while others were executed. The segment also covers the Wannsee Conference, where the "final solution" was organized. (3/16)Ian Buruma details the "U-boats," young Jews living clandestine lives in Berlin without legal papers. He describes the city's descent into lawlessness following the defeat at Stalingrad. Survival became transactional, relying on the goodwill or opportunism of strangers in a society where Hitler was the law. (4/16)Ian Buruma examines the failure of strategic bombing to break civilian morale, which instead fostered solidarity. He recounts his father's letters from a Berlin labor barracks, describing the harsh conditions of malnutrition and vermin. He also highlights diaries showing how individuals navigated the criminal regime. (5/16)Ian Buruma discusses the moral dilemmas of survival, focusing on Stella Kübler, who betrayed other Jews to save her parents from Auschwitz. He asserts that information about the Holocaust was widely available via the BBC and soldiers' letters, meaning that for many Berliners, ignorance was a choice. (6/16)Ian Buruma recounts the final months of the war, dominated by Goebbels' "death cult" propaganda and the film Colberg. He describes the trial of resistor von Moltke, who stood up to the sadistic judge Roland Freisler, and the eventual bombing of the court that killed the judge. (7/16)Ian Buruma details the Soviet occupation of Berlin, characterized by mass looting and rape. He tracks the fates of his book's protagonists: his father Leo narrowly escaped execution by a Russian soldier, while resistance leader Borchardtwas tragically killed by a stray shot after liberation. (8/16)Anatol Lieven analyzes China's diplomatic strategy, noting Beijing's desire for a Trump-Xi summit despite Middle Eastern conflicts. China aims to manage trade tariffs and stabilize Taiwan relations, believing that U.S. involvement in external wars may ultimately weaken American alliances in Asia and strengthen China's regional standing. (9/16)Anatol Lieven analyzes reports of Vladimir Putin operating from bunkers to avoid precision strikes. He discusses Ukraine's emergence as a "drone war startup" and the resulting economic strain. Lieven notes that while the frontline remains frozen, Russian public support for the conflict is beginning to crumble. (10/16)Rick Fisher reveals China's plans to double the size of the Tiangong space station by 2030. He warns of its military dual-use potential, suggesting the station and Shuntan telescope could serve as orbital "battle stations" for surveillance or strikes, providing China with a significant new strategic deterrent. (11/16)Rick Fisher explores the militarization of the Moon, citing Chinese interest in lunar radar and "moon hoppers" for resource discovery. He describes a technological competition with the U.S. involving nuclear power plants, lasers, and satellite constellations intended for both peaceful research and potential offensive or defensive combat. (12/16)Veronique de Rugy critiques government-matched savings plans like the "Trump IRA." She argues these technocratic fixes add to the national debt without addressing core tax code flaws. She highlights how high penalties for early withdrawals and payroll taxes effectively discourage lower-income workers from saving for the future. (13/16)Jim McTague examines the AI boom, noting the high valuation of DeepSeek and its use of black-market chips. He discusses a lawsuit against Character AI for unlicensed medical advice and the economic impact of data centers, which provide local tax revenue but consume significant real estate. (14/16)Ken Croswell describes the Milky Way's structure as a barred spiral galaxy. He explains that the central bar exerts massive gravitational force. This gravity has trapped billions of "Trojan stars" into two vast whirlpools, similar to how Jupiter's gravity captures Trojan asteroids in its orbit. (15/16)Ken Croswell details the discovery of the "Hercules stream," stars resonating with the galaxy's central bar. He notes that as the bar's rotation slows, there is a 20% chance Earth's solar system will join this "exclusive club" of Trojan stars in two billion years, changing our galactic position. (16/16)

STREAMING MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING JIM MCTAGUE AND ANATOL LIEVEN, 5-7-2026.1948? BERLINThis transcript features a wide-ranging conversation between host John Bachelor and journalist Jim McTag regarding the evolution of storytelling and technology. The dialogue begins with a critique of metafiction and the shift in the publishing industry toward digital distribution and family sagas. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the practical applications of AI, with the speakers comparing different platforms like Gemini and Grok for creative work such as cartooning. The participants also analyze current global economic pressures, specifically rising oil prices, the "fog of war" in the Middle East, and the rapid expansion of AI data centers impacting real estate in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The segment concludes with brief, interrupted attempts to interview Anatol Lieven about the geopolitical tensions surrounding China, Taiwan, and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Ken Croswell details the discovery of the "Hercules stream," stars resonating with the galaxy's central bar. He notes that as the bar's rotation slows, there is a 20% chance Earth's solar system will join this "exclusive club" of Trojan stars in two billion years, changing our galactic position. (16/16)1940S BERLIN

Ken Croswell describes the Milky Way's structure as a barred spiral galaxy. He explains that the central bar exerts massive gravitational force. This gravity has trapped billions of "Trojan stars" into two vast whirlpools, similar to how Jupiter's gravity captures Trojan asteroids in its orbit. (15/16)1943 RIBBENTROP  AND HIMMLER IN BERLIN

Jim McTague examines the AI boom, noting the high valuation of DeepSeek and its use of black-market chips. He discusses a lawsuit against Character AI for unlicensed medical advice and the economic impact of data centers, which provide local tax revenue but consume significant real estate. (14/16)1940 RIBBENTROP

Veronique de Rugy critiques government-matched savings plans like the "Trump IRA." She argues these technocratic fixes add to the national debt without addressing core tax code flaws. She highlights how high penalties for early withdrawals and payroll taxes effectively discourage lower-income workers from saving for the future. (13/16)1935 NUREMBERG

Rick Fisher explores the militarization of the Moon, citing Chinese interest in lunar radar and "moon hoppers" for resource discovery. He describes a technological competition with the U.S. involving nuclear power plants, lasers, and satellite constellations intended for both peaceful research and potential offensive or defensive combat. (12/16)1945 TRUMAN ON WILHELMSTRASSE TOUR BERLIN

Rick Fisher reveals China's plans to double the size of the Tiangong space station by 2030. He warns of its military dual-use potential, suggesting the station and Shuntan telescope could serve as orbital "battle stations" for surveillance or strikes, providing China with a significant new strategic deterrent. (11/16)1938 HITLERJUGEND

Anatol Lieven analyzes reports of Vladimir Putin operating from bunkers to avoid precision strikes. He discusses Ukraine's emergence as a "drone war startup" and the resulting economic strain. Lieven notes that while the frontline remains frozen, Russian public support for the conflict is beginning to crumble. (10/16)1938 HITLERJUGEND

Anatol Lieven analyzes China's diplomatic strategy, noting Beijing's desire for a Trump-Xi summit despite Middle Eastern conflicts. China aims to manage trade tariffs and stabilize Taiwan relations, believing that U.S. involvement in external wars may ultimately weaken American alliances in Asia and strengthen China's regional standing. (9/16)1942

Ian Buruma details the Soviet occupation of Berlin, characterized by mass looting and rape. He tracks the fates of his book's protagonists: his father Leo narrowly escaped execution by a Russian soldier, while resistance leader Borchardtwas tragically killed by a stray shot after liberation. (8/16)1939

Ian Buruma recounts the final months of the war, dominated by Goebbels' "death cult" propaganda and the film Colberg. He describes the trial of resistor von Moltke, who stood up to the sadistic judge Roland Freisler, and the eventual bombing of the court that killed the judge. (7/16)1940 BERLIN

Ian Buruma discusses the moral dilemmas of survival, focusing on Stella Kübler, who betrayed other Jews to save her parents from Auschwitz. He asserts that information about the Holocaust was widely available via the BBC and soldiers' letters, meaning that for many Berliners, ignorance was a choice. (6/16)1945

Ian Buruma examines the failure of strategic bombing to break civilian morale, which instead fostered solidarity. He recounts his father's letters from a Berlin labor barracks, describing the harsh conditions of malnutrition and vermin. He also highlights diaries showing how individuals navigated the criminal regime. (5/16)1940 MOLOTOV AND HITLER BERLIN.

Ian Buruma details the "U-boats," young Jews living clandestine lives in Berlin without legal papers. He describes the city's descent into lawlessness following the defeat at Stalingrad. Survival became transactional, relying on the goodwill or opportunism of strangers in a society where Hitler was the law. (4/16)1945 BERLIN

Ian Buruma defines the wartime greeting "Stay Alive" and profiles resistors like von Moltke. He discusses jazz guitarist Coco Schumann, who survived Auschwitz by playing in a band while others were executed. The segment also covers the Wannsee Conference, where the "final solution" was organized. (3/16)1940 BERLIN

Ian Buruma describes Joseph Goebbels as a master propagandist who used entertainment to distract Berliners from wartime horrors. He explains "unpolitical" as a psychological justification for ignoring Nazi atrocities. The segment also details the complex Nuremberg racial laws used to systematically categorize and persecute Jewish populations. (2/16)1910 BERLIN

Ian Buruma discusses his book Stay Alive, focusing on his father Leo's 1943 decision to enter mandatory labor in a Berlin factory to protect his parents from Nazi retaliation. The narrative explores Berlin's transition from a striving capital into a city facing bombings, malnutrition, and lice. (1/16)1944 BERLIN

PREVIEW for Later Today: Ian Buruma explores the rare acts of resistance in Nazi Berlin. He details how Allied bombings and the Stalingrad defeat shifted propaganda from triumphalism to a grim rhetoric of national sacrifice and necessary perseverance.1913 REICHSTAG

PREVIEW for Later Today: Ian Buruma details the harrowing survival of Jews in wartime Berlin. He recounts a tragic moral dilemma involving a Jewish woman who became a Gestapo informer to save her parents from almost certain death.1938 BERLIN

PREVIEW for Later Today: Dr. Ken Croswell discusses the discovery of Trojan stars within the Milky Way. These stars parallel Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, maintained in equilibrium by gravity and centrifugal forces over immense distances across the barred galaxy.

PREVIEW for Later Today: Rick Fisher examines China's moon hopper project, a dual-use device for the Chang'e-7mission. While ostensibly searching for water ice, the unmanned vehicle represents a potential shift toward surveillance and artillery capabilities in space.

PREVIEW for Later Today: Anatol Lieven explores Chinese perspectives on a potential Trump visit and regional conflicts. China anticipates that economic strain from the Iran war may ultimately weaken American alliances in Asia, facilitating future Chinese regional leadership.

PREVIEW for Later Today: Jim McTague discusses the trend of converting golf courses into AI data centers. Because these sites often provide necessary water and electricity, they have become highly valuable targets in a competitive nationwide land rush.

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-6-2026.1903 PERSIAN EMPIRE1/16: Mary Kissel discusses Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a tactic to divert negotiations from its nuclear program. She also addresses Vladimir Putin's paranoia and Ukraine's drone technology.2/16: Mary Kissel examines the Maduro regime's refusal to step down in Venezuela. She highlights Cuba's role in propping up regional autocrats while hosting Chinese intelligence facilities and maintaining ties with Russia.3/16: Professor John Yoo argues California's high energy prices result from sacrificing affordability for climate ideology. This approach ignores natural resources like the shale deposits in the middle of the state.4/16: John Yoo details organized attempts to intimidate the Supreme Court through leaks and threats. He also explains the President's constitutional authority to unilaterally terminate international treaties like the NATO alliance.5/16: Rebecca Grant highlights the US Navy's dominance in clearing the Strait of Hormuz and sinking Iranian fast boats. These operations signal to China that the US controls vital sea lanes.6/16: Charles Burton criticizes proposals for AI cooperation with China, calling it a one-way technology transfer. He warns of espionage, citing the demise of Nortel as a warning against sharing high-end technology.7/16: Scott Harold analyzes Prime Minister Takaichi's "proactive pacifism" and assertive regional security efforts. She must manage domestic concerns over a weakening yen and a declining population while shifting resources to defense.8/16: Scott Harold discusses Japan's $10 billion lending initiative to counter Chinese influence in Asia. He also explores Japan's efforts to diversify energy sources, including nuclear power and importing American LNG.9/16: Henry Sokolski critiques potential US concessions allowing Iran to enrich uranium, warning of rapid breakout capabilities. He also flags Turkey's ICBM development as a signal it is pursuing nuclear weapons.10/16: Henry Sokolski warns that Sentinel program delays could lead to a four-fold expansion of the US nuclear arsenal. He also urges honesty regarding Israel's nuclear weapons to allow for public discussion.11/16: Michael Bernstam predicts a global oil "tipping point" by late May due to the Strait of Hormuz closure. Shortages in refined products like jet fuel and diesel are particularly critical.12/16: Michael Toth attributes California's high energy costs to political ideology rather than global events. These "self-inflicted wounds" have caused a middle-class exodus and potential shortages of materials like asphalt.13/16: Simon Constable reviews surging commodity prices and the threat of famine in North Africa. He also discusses UK local elections, framing them as a protest vote against Keir Starmer's leadership.14/16: Simon Constable analyzes potential Labour Party leaders Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner. He notes that voters still find the Conservative Party untrustworthy despite Labour's internal turmoil and perceived failures.15/16: Bob Zimmerman explores rumors of SpaceX acquiring land in Louisiana to exit California. He also details technical delays for NASA's Artemis program and ongoing "technical issues" with Boeing's Starliner capsule.16/16: Bob Zimmerman reports on an unexpectedly weak solar cycle and its link to climate. He also covers China's new space regulations and Russia's recent test flight of a suborbital rocket.

STREAMING MAKING JBS, FEATURING REBECCA GRANT, CHARLES BURTON, SCOTT HAROLD, GORDON CHANG, 5-6-26. 1720 MAPThis transcript captures a discussion from The John Bachelor Show featuring experts Gordon Chang, Rebecca Grant, and Charles Burton regarding global security and geopolitical rivalries. The initial segment highlights the US Navy'scritical role in maintaining stability within the Persian Gulf and the South China Sea, emphasizing its capability to counter Iranian aggression and signal strength to China. Shifting focus to technological competition, the panel critiques Bernie Sanders' proposal for AI collaboration with Beijing, arguing that such cooperation often leads to predatory technology transfers rather than mutual benefit. The participants cite historical examples of industrial espionage in Canada and the collapse of Nortel as warnings against trusting Chinese strategic intentions. Finally, the dialogue touches upon Japan’s evolving diplomatic and security presence in Southeast Asia and Australia, positioning it as a vital democratic partner in regional defense.

16/16: Bob Zimmerman reports on an unexpectedly weak solar cycle and its link to climate. He also covers China's new space regulations and Russia's recent test flight of a suborbital rocket.1721

15/16: Bob Zimmerman explores rumors of SpaceX acquiring land in Louisiana to exit California. He also details technical delays for NASA's Artemis program and ongoing "technical issues" with Boeing's Starliner capsule.1705

14/16: Simon Constable analyzes potential Labour Party leaders Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner. He notes that voters still find the Conservative Party untrustworthy despite Labour's internal turmoil and perceived failures.1705

13/16: Simon Constable reviews surging commodity prices and the threat of famine in North Africa. He also discusses UK local elections, framing them as a protest vote against Keir Starmer's leadership.1701

12/16: Michael Toth attributes California's high energy costs to political ideology rather than global events. These "self-inflicted wounds" have caused a middle-class exodus and potential shortages of materials like asphalt.1690

11/16: Michael Bernstam predicts a global oil "tipping point" by late May due to the Strait of Hormuz closure. Shortages in refined products like jet fuel and diesel are particularly critical.1690

10/16: Henry Sokolski warns that Sentinel program delays could lead to a four-fold expansion of the US nuclear arsenal. He also urges honesty regarding Israel's nuclear weapons to allow for public discussion.1680

9/16: Henry Sokolski critiques potential US concessions allowing Iran to enrich uranium, warning of rapid breakout capabilities. He also flags Turkey's ICBM development as a signal it is pursuing nuclear weapons.1662

8/16: Scott Harold discusses Japan's $10 billion lending initiative to counter Chinese influence in Asia. He also explores Japan's efforts to diversify energy sources, including nuclear power and importing American LNG.1654

7/16: Scott Harold analyzes Prime Minister Takaichi's "proactive pacifism" and assertive regional security efforts. She must manage domestic concerns over a weakening yen and a declining population while shifting resources to defense.1643

6/16: Charles Burton criticizes proposals for AI cooperation with China, calling it a one-way technology transfer. He warns of espionage, citing the demise of Nortel as a warning against sharing high-end technology.1623

5/16: Rebecca Grant highlights the US Navy's dominance in clearing the Strait of Hormuz and sinking Iranian fast boats. These operations signal to China that the US controls vital sea lanes.1606

4/16: John Yoo details organized attempts to intimidate the Supreme Court through leaks and threats. He also explains the President's constitutional authority to unilaterally terminate international treaties like the NATO alliance.15851

3/16: Professor John Yoo argues California's high energy prices result from sacrificing affordability for climate ideology. This approach ignores natural resources like the shale deposits in the middle of the state.1574

2/16: Mary Kissel examines the Maduro regime's refusal to step down in Venezuela. She highlights Cuba's role in propping up regional autocrats while hosting Chinese intelligence facilities and maintaining ties with Russia.1521

1/16: Mary Kissel discusses Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a tactic to divert negotiations from its nuclear program. She also addresses Vladimir Putin's paranoia and Ukraine's drone technology.1850

John Batchelor introduces economist Michael Bernstam to discuss the impact of shifting energy markets on the American economy. While the United States possesses sufficient petroleum reserves, the experts clarify that because oil is traded as a global commodity, domestic consumers cannot escape international price hikes. These rising costs at the pump are expected to act as a catalyst for broader inflationary pressures across the country. Specifically, the Federal Reserve anticipates a measurable uptick in inflation rates due to these fluctuating energy expenses. Ultimately, the source highlights that even energy-independent nations remain vulnerable to the economic volatility of the worldwide oil market. 1/11953 LAS VEGAS ATOMIC CANNON