The John Batchelor Show

10. Stalin built power through patience and bureaucratic alliances, while the charismatic Trotsky viewed him as a "gray blur". Trotsky’s failure to grasp practical politics was exemplified by his decision to skip Lenin’s funeral, allowing Stalin to position himself as the revolution’s rightful heir. (10)1924

9. Josh Ireland examines the violent roots of the Russian Revolution, where founders were executed for "Trotskyism". He explores the personal rivalrybetween Trotsky and Stalin, two outsiders whose shared passion for Marxist theory transformed into a decades-long conflict that reshaped world history. (9)1920

8. The lunar race intensifies as Chinaplans multiple settlements to achieve solar system hegemony. NASA aims to leap ahead using nuclear electric propulsion and competitive private contracts, focusing on redundancy and safety to ensure a sustained Americanpresence on the lunar surface. (8)1917-18

7. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman outlines a mission to establish a permanent moon base by the early 2030s. The plan utilizes commercial providers like SpaceX and Blue Origin to secure the "high ground" and prepare for future Mars exploration before Chinacan dominate the region. (7)1923

6. Scientific testing reveals that AI agentscan go rogue, potentially compromising private information like bank statements. Despite these risks, participants believe humans maintain an advantage through innovation, as AImerely scrapes existing data rather than creating original, competitive thoughts. (6)1914

5. This discussion focuses on the unreliability of AI, noting its tendency to "hallucinate" and apologize for errors. Experts suggest the future belongs to those with imagination who can test AIrelentlessly, warning of a class dividebetween AI-savvy workers and those left behind. (5)1907 PETERSBURG SOVIET

4. Conrad Black notes that while Canadians support regime change in Iran, they view themselves as spectators regarding oil impacts. He emphasizes that closing the Strait of Hormuz constitutes a war on the world, though Canada lacks the naval resources to assist in reopening it. (4)1906

3. Economist John Cochrane warns that government subsidies for high gas prices compound oil shocks into inflation. Comparing current trends to 1979, he argues that price controls lead to shortages, while free-market incentives are necessary to encourage production and efficient consumption. (3)1906 TROTSKY ON TRIAL WITH CO-DEFENDANT REVOLUTIONARIES

2. Rising oil prices have significantly increased Russian confidence and revenue, providing an extra $150 million daily. However, a potential U.S. ground war in Iran could force a choice between defending Ukraine or the Gulf, potentially allowing China to decisively intervene in either theater. (2)1902 TROTSKY IN SIBERIA EXILE

1. John Batchelor and Anatol Lieven discuss how the Middle East conflictimpacts the global economy through energy and fertilizer shortages. They explore whether major powers like Moscow and Washington are losing focus on the war in Ukraine due to the escalating crisis in the Persian Gulf. (1)1902 LEV TROTSKY IN EXILE AND FIRST WIFE ALEXANDRA SOKOLOSKAYA

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Guest: Cliff May. May challenges the definition of "imminent threat" regarding Iran. He argues that waiting for a literal finger on the trigger before responding is a dangerous and unnecessary interpretation of international law. (1)1707

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Guest: John Cochrane. Cochrane discusses economic impacts of oil price shocks. He warns that political interference like price controls and taxes fails to increase supply, instead causing shortages, gas lines, and inefficient resource distribution. (1)XERXES THE FIRST OF PERSIA

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Guest: Anatol Lieven. Lieven analyzes how the war in Iran triggers energy shortages, fueling the rise of Germany’s AFD and France’s National Rally. These shifts threaten to create ungovernable coalitions and disrupt mainstream European stability. (4)1839 RHINELAND-PALATINATE

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Guest: Mary Anastasia O’Grady. O'Grady outlines requirements for a free Cuba, emphasizing that removing nominal leaders like Díaz-Canel is insufficient. True change requires dismantling the entire regime apparatus, including top generals and influential Castro family members. (5)1920 HAVANA

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Guest: Josh Ireland. Ireland explores the rivalry between Stalin and Trotsky. He details Stalin’s patient bureaucratic alliances, contrasting his calculated approach with Trotsky’s charismatic but ultimately less effective leadership style for listeners. (2)1881 EXECUTION OF THE PEOPLE'S WILL

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Guest: Rick Fisher. Fisher examines NASA’s ambitious moon colony plan. Isaacman aims to secure political support by distributing spending across congressional districts, ensuring the program's momentum remains unstoppable for future presidencies tonight. (1)OCTOBER 1957

STREAMING THEMAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, INCLUDING REBECCA GRANT, RICK FISHER, STEVE YATS AND GORDON CHANG, 3-25-2026.1903Rick Fisher and Gordon Chang. China’s Strategic Undersea Mapping and Submarine Expansion. Rick Fisher discusses China’s long-term effort to map the ocean floor as part of a drive for global maritime hegemony. This mapping is essential for preparing for submarine warfare, with China projected to match or exceed US submarine numbers within a decade. Fisher highlights the development of advanced undersea sensor networks and the stealthy Type 095 nuclear submarine, which utilizes sophisticated noise-reduction technology. He also notes China’s strategy of weaponizing its commercial fishing and cargo fleets for espionage. By the late 2030s, China could achieve unacceptable naval parity. (1)Rebecca Grant and Gordon Chang. The USS Gerald R. Ford’s Combat Success and Technical Innovations. Rebecca Grant evaluates the USS Gerald R. Ford’s recent combat operations in the Middle East, noting its ability to sustain power despite a minor laundry fire. She emphasizes technical upgrades, specifically the electromagnetic launch system, which allows for more sensitive launches of both heavy aircraft and light drones. The Ford features a redesigned deck and high-capacity weapons elevators that can lift 24,000 pounds, more than double the capacity of previous carriers. Grant asserts that the US maintains a significant advantage due to superior operational experience and advanced weaponry. (2)Steve Yates and Gordon Chang. China’s Strategic Energy Concerns and the Post-Conflict Iran Landscape. Steve Yates examines the impact of the Iran conflict on US-China relations, noting the postponement of the Trump-Xi summit. China is assisting Iran with drone components and missiles while remaining heavily dependent on Iranian energy imports. Yates explains that Beijing’s post-conflict priority is maintaining privileged, discounted access to energy resources without US-imposed sanctions. He also discusses China’s increasing pressure on the Philippines regarding South China Sea energy development. Ultimately, China’s export-driven economy remains vulnerable to US leverage and energy supply disruptions. (3)

SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 3-25-2026.1905 CAIRO.1. USS Gerald R. Ford’s Successes and Innovations. Guest: Rebecca Grant. Rebecca Grant highlights the carrier’s successful combat mission and technical advances like the electromagnetic launch system and high-capacity elevators. She notes these innovations significantly increase strike power compared to older Nimitz-class aircraft carrier ships.,, (1)2. China’s Drive for Undersea Maritime Hegemony. Guest: Rick Fisher. Rick Fisher discusses China’s long-term project to map the ocean floor for submarine warfare. He warns that China’s expanding fleet and undersea sensor networks aim to achieve naval parity with the United States.,, (2)3. The Return of Conventional Amphibious Warfare. Guest: Grant Newsham. Grant Newsham explains the deployment of Marine Expeditionary Units to the Persian Gulf. He argues this move validates traditional amphibious capabilities over recent "force design" strategies that focused solely on small, island-based missile teams.,, (3)4. Taiwan’s Strategic Pivot to Nuclear Energy. Guest: Jack Burnham. Jack Burnham analyzes Taiwan’s decision to restart its nuclear power plants to ensure energy security. Facing vulnerabilities in LNG supplies from the Middle East, Taiwan seeks a stable, domestic baseload power for critical manufacturing.,, (4)5. Russia’s Economic Bonus from Iran Conflict. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Michael Bernstam explains how skyrocketing oil prices have rescued Russia’s economy, doubling weekly revenues. While Europe faces severe diesel shortages and high costs, Moscow benefits from increased prices and reduced discounts to Asian buyers.,, (5)6. Global Fertilizer Crisis and Food Security. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Michael Bernstam warns of a massive shortage in nitrogen fertilizers due to the conflict in the Middle East. This crisis threatens global food security and will likely cause significant price increases for agricultural commodities.,, (6)7. Postponed Diplomacy and China’s Strategic Dependency. Guest: Steve Yates. Steve Yates discusses the delay of the Trump-Xi summit due to China’s support for Iran. He highlights China’s critical dependency on energy imports and export markets, which remain major points of US leverage.,, (7)8. China’s Strategic Post-Conflict Energy Strategy. Guest: Steve Yates. Steve Yates examines Beijing’s efforts to maintain privileged energy access in a post-conflict Iran. China is pursuing nuclear and solar alternatives while using stockpiles to mitigate its vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.,, (8)9. The Deep Iran-North Korea Missile Threat. Guest: Bruce Bechtol. Bruce Bechtol details the firing of North Korean-designed Musudan missiles at Diego Garcia. He highlights the deep technological partnership between the two regimes, which includes the construction of underground facilities and nuclear infrastructure.,, (9)10. Nuclear Proliferation and Shifting Supply Chains. Guest: Bruce Bechtol. Bruce Bechtol explores North Korea’s role in developing Iranian nuclear capabilities and drones. He explains how Pyongyang uses maritime and rail routes through Russia to supply Tehran, bypassing international sanctions and interdiction efforts.,,, (10)11. Elon Musk’s Vertical Integration in Space. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman discusses Musk’s "Terra-fab" chip factory and plans for space-based data centers. He also notes technical failures in ULA’s Vulcan rocket, which have forced the Space Force to shift launches to SpaceX.,, (11)12. Planetary Exploration and Significant Astronomical Changes. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman details the deteriorating condition of the Curiosity rover’s wheels on Mars. He also examines new Juno data on Jupiter’s lightning and Hubble images showing the physical expansion of the Crab Nebula supernova.,, (12)13. Commodity Markets and European Economic Hardship. Guest: Simon Constable. Simon Constable reports on high energy prices and diesel shortages in France. He analyzes how the Iran war affects global commodities like copper and gold, while also discussing controversial new EU-aligned domestic legislation.,,, (13)14. China’s Strategic Monopoly on Rare Earths. Guest: Simon Constable. Simon Constable breaks down the reality of rare earth elements, noting they are not rare but difficult to refine. He emphasizes China’s dominant control, refining approximately ninety percent of the world’s global supply.,, (14)15. The Complicated Legacy of Robert Mueller. Guest: Craig Unger. Craig Unger reflects on the passing of Robert Mueller, discussing the unfinished questions regarding the 2016 Trump-Russia investigation. He highlights the distinction between criminal and counterintelligence probes regarding money laundering and influence operations.,, (15)16. Trump’s Ties to Russia and Epstein. Guest: Craig Unger. Craig Unger explores Donald Trump’s continued favorable rhetoric toward Vladimir Putin. He discusses how the Iran war benefits Russia economically

16. Trump’s Ties to Russia and Epstein. Guest: Craig Unger. Craig Unger explores Donald Trump’s continued favorable rhetoric toward Vladimir Putin. He discusses how the Iran war benefits Russia economically and mentions potential vulnerabilities related to the Jeffrey Epstein files and Russian intelligence.,, (16)1945 DOJ

15. The Complicated Legacy of Robert Mueller. Guest: Craig Unger. Craig Unger reflects on the passing of Robert Mueller, discussing the unfinished questions regarding the 2017-20 Trump-Russia investigation. He highlights the distinction between criminal and counterintelligence probes regarding money laundering and influence operations.,, (15)19222 DC

14. China’s Strategic Monopoly on Rare Earths. Guest: Simon Constable. Simon Constable breaks down the reality of rare earth elements, noting they are not rare but difficult to refine. He emphasizes China’s dominant control, refining approximately ninety percent of the world’s global supply.,, (14)1906 ROAD TO INDIA

13. Commodity Markets and European Economic Hardship. Guest: Simon Constable. Simon Constable reports on high energy prices and diesel shortages in France. He analyzes how the Iran war affects global commodities like copper and gold, while also discussing controversial new EU-aligned domestic legislation.,,, (13)1871 PARIS DEFENSE

12. Planetary Exploration and Significant Astronomical Changes. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman details the deteriorating condition of the Curiosity rover’s wheels on Mars. He also examines new Juno data on Jupiter’s lightning and Hubble images showing the physical expansion of the Crab Nebula supernova.,, (12)1919 WARLORD OF MARS

11. Elon Musk’s Vertical Integration in Space. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman discusses Musk’s "Terra-fab" chip factory and plans for space-based data centers. He also notes technical failures in ULA’s Vulcan rocket, which have forced the Space Force to shift launches to SpaceX.,, (11)1917 PRINCESS OF MARS

10. Nuclear Proliferation and Shifting Supply Chains. Guest: Bruce BechtOl. Bruce BechtOl explores North Korea’s role in developing Iranian nuclear capabilities and drones. He explains how Pyongyang uses maritime and rail routes through Russia to supply Tehran, bypassing international sanctions and interdiction efforts.,,, (10)1906 PEKING

9. The Deep Iran-North Korea Missile Threat. Guest: Bruce Bechtol. Bruce Bechtol details the firing of North Korean-designed Musudan missiles at Diego Garcia. He highlights the deep technological partnership between the two regimes, which includes the construction of underground facilities and nuclear infrastructure.,, (9)1519 Indian Ocean

8. China’s Strategic Post-Conflict Energy Strategy. Guest: Steve Yates. Steve Yates examines Beijing’s efforts to maintain privileged energy access in a post-conflict Iran. China is pursuing nuclear and solar alternatives while using stockpiles to mitigate its vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.,, (8)1793

7. Postponed Diplomacy and China’s Strategic Dependency. Guest: Steve Yates. Steve Yates discusses the delay of the Trump-Xisummit due to China’s support for Iran. He highlights China’s critical dependency on energy imports and export markets, which remain major points of US leverage.,, (7)1903

6. Global Fertilizer Crisis and Food Security. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Michael Bernstam warns of a massive shortage in nitrogen fertilizers due to the conflict in the Middle East. This crisis threatens global food security and will likely cause significant price increases for agricultural commodities.,, (6)1914

5. Russia’s Economic Bonus from Iran Conflict. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Michael Bernstam explains how skyrocketing oil prices have rescued Russia’s economy, doubling weekly revenues. While Europefaces severe diesel shortages and high costs, Moscow benefits from increased prices and reduced discounts to Asian buyers.,, (5)1880 SERFDOM

4. Taiwan’s Strategic Pivot to Nuclear Energy. Guest: Jack Burnham. Jack Burnham analyzes Taiwan’s decision to restart its nuclear power plants to ensure energy security. Facing vulnerabilities in LNG supplies from the Middle East, Taiwan seeks a stable, domestic baseload power for critical manufacturing.,, (4)1925 TAIPEI

3. The Return of Conventional Amphibious Warfare. Guest: Grant Newsham. Grant Newsham explains the deployment of Marine Expeditionary Units to the Persian Gulf. He argues this move validates traditional amphibious capabilities over recent "force design" strategies that focused solely on small, island-based missile teams.,, (3)1944 SWORD BEACH?

2. China’s Drive for Undersea Maritime Hegemony. Guest: Rick Fisher. Rick Fisher discusses China’s long-term project to map the ocean floor for submarine warfare. He warns that China’s expanding fleet and undersea sensor networks aim to achieve naval parity with the United States.,, (2)1907 RUSSIAN EMPIRE

1. USS Gerald R. Ford’s Successes and Innovations. Guest: Rebecca Grant. Rebecca Grant highlights the carrier’s successful combat mission and technical advances like the electromagnetic launch system and high-capacity elevators. She notes these innovations significantly increase strike power compared to older Nimitz-class aircraft carrier ships.,, (1)1945 PACIFIC

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Guest Rebecca Grant discusses the USS Gerald R. Ford’s combat success, highlighting its advanced electromagnetic launch system, increased weapon elevator capacity, and strategic deck configuration which significantly enhances the carrier’s strike power. (1)APRIL 1936 OFF HONOLULU: RANGER, LEXINGTON, SARATOGA.

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Guest Steve Yates explores China’s strategic planning for post-conflict Iran. Beijing prioritizes maintaining privileged, discounted access to energy resources while working to minimize United States influence and potential sanctions in the region. (2)1903

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Guest Bob Zimmerman details the 2029 flyby of asteroid Apophis. He examines international and private missions, including student-led landers and orbital tugs, designed to study the massive object during its close approach. (3)1953

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: Bruce Bechtol explains how North Korean engineers, led by Mong Lo, built underground tunnels at Natanz and Isfahan to help Iran conceal its growing nuclear program and its strategic missile arsenal. (1)1688 PERSIAN GULF

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: Rick Fisher details China’s mapping of the South China Sea floor to deploy undersea sensors and sonar networks designed to track and target American submarines with land-based supercomputers and anti-submarine aircraft. (2)1904 IMPERIAL JAPANESE FLEET

PREVIEW FOR LATER: This audio transcript details a growing energy crisis impacting rural Franceand urban Germany, characterized by rapidly rising costs and dwindling supplies. Reports from the Frenchcountryside highlight that diesel fuel, which is essential for agricultural machinery and local transport, has reached an staggering eight dollars per gallon. These financial burdens are compounded by physical shortages, with local filling stations increasingly unable to provide diesel or premium gasoline to consumers. The situation is described as an energy war, reflecting the severity of the price spikes compared to lower rates typically seen in the United States. Ultimately, the source illustrates a precarious economic environment where essential fuel types are becoming both unaffordable and physically unavailable. (1)1916 TEXAS

LIVE STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 3-24-2026.1839 RHINELAND-PALATINATEThe provided transcript captures a conversation between John Batchelor and Thaddius McCotter regarding the geopolitical crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and potential conflict with Iran. The participants analyze the economic impact of the strait's closure, noting its ripple effects on global oil prices, fertilizer supplies, and overall food security. They evaluate the strategy of the Trump administration, debating whether the President’s inconsistent rhetoric points to a lack of clear contingency planning. The discussion explores four primary options for the U.S. involvement: diplomatic talk, military escalation, maintaining the status quo, or a total withdrawal. McCotter expresses skepticism toward a transactional approach, arguing that the Iranian regime's core ideology makes a lasting settlement difficult. Ultimately, the dialogue reflects on historical parallels like Vietnam and Afghanistan, questioning if the current path will lead to a strategic victory or another protracted international failure. (1)

SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 3-24-2026.1890 TEHRAN1. The Economic Impact of the Strait of Hormuz Closure Guest: Elizabeth Peak Elizabeth Peak discusses the Strait of Hormuz closure, which has trapped 3,400 ships and disrupted global energy and food supplies. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell remains skeptical of 1970s-style stagflation despite rising oil prices. Peak argues that international naval action or a total blockade could resolve the Iranian-led maritime crisis. (1)2. Airport Chaos and the DHS Funding Crisis Guest: Elizabeth Peak Elizabeth Peak addresses the DHS funding dispute causing massive airport security delays. Democrats are reportedly withholding funding for TSA and FEMA to resist the Trump administration’s ICE agenda. This political "show" has led to four-hour wait times at JFK, frustrating travelers and harming government employees. (2)3. Trump’s "Armageddon Taco Shuffle" and European Energy Guest: Judy Dempsey Judy Dempsey analyzes President Trump’s "Armageddon taco shuffle" regarding Iranian negotiations. Berlin and Brussels face soaring energy bills and diesel prices as Middle Eastern tensions threaten LNG and fertilizer supplies. Concerns also mount over Iran's long-range missile capabilities, which now potentially range as far as major European capitals. (3)4. German Populism and the Hungarian Election Guest: Judy Dempsey Judy Dempsey examines the AfD’s success in Germany's Palatinate election, signaling a shift away from the ruling SPD. Populist gains are driven by migration concerns and economic frustrations. Additionally, Hungary’s upcoming election pits Viktor Orbán against Peter Magyar, with Russia reportedly attempting to intervene to protect its regional interests. (4)5. China’s Slowing GDP and Economic Transformation Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg discusses China’s record-low GDP growth target of 4.5 to 5%. The CCP struggles to transition from a real estate-dependent model toward domestic consumption. Slowing credit growth and an oversaturated EV market further complicate Beijing’s efforts to maintain economic stability without relinquishing political control. (5)6. Keir Starmer’s Leadership During Global Tension Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg critiques Keir Starmer’s "reactive" leadership during global tensions. Iranian missiles now threaten British bases in Cyprus and potentially range to London. Starmer’s perceived indecisiveness and focus on internal Labour Party politics leave Britain poorly prepared for the economic shocks of rising petrol and energy costs. (6)7. The U.S. Strategy for the Strait of Hormuz Guest: Jonathan Schanzer Jonathan Schanzer evaluates Trump’s strategy of "maximum flexibility" toward Iran. While 3,400 ships remain trapped in the Gulf, the U.S. prepares Marines for deployment to liberate the Strait. Schanzer notes that while Iran uses cheap drone swarms, Ukrainian experts are advising regional allies on how to counter them. (7)8. Israel’s Security Zone in Southern Lebanon Guest: Jonathan Schanzer Jonathan Schanzer details Israel’s creation of a security zone in southern Lebanon to remove Hezbollah threats. The IDF is striking bridges over the Litani River to cut off supply lines. Schanzer notes that the IRGC remains entrenched in Lebanon, prompting debates about a generational opportunity for normalization. (8)9. Asymmetric Warfare and the Midterm Election Dilemma Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses Iran’s asymmetric warfare and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He suggests President Trump faces a choice between strategic victory in Iran and domestic political stability ahead of midterms. Copley notes Iran's missile reserves are declining but they continue receiving resupplies from China via overland routes. (9)10. Planning for Regime Change in Tehran Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley criticizes Washington’s lack of a long-term strategic plan for Iran. The Trump administration now weighs regime change versus tactical military operations like seizing Kharg Island. Copley suggests a provisional government under Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi could be established in occupied litorals to encourage Iranian military defections. (10)11. European Energy Realism and the Ukraine Conflict Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley analyzes the shift in European politics toward pragmatism regarding Russian energy. High energy costs are forcing a rejection of "farcical" climate change ideologies in favor of nuclear and fossil fuels. Additionally, support for Ukraine is waning as nations prioritize economic survival and access to Central Asian markets. (11)12. King Charles III’s Diplomatic Mission to Washington Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses King Charles III’s upcoming April visit to the U.S. to address a joint session of Congress. The visit aims to harmonize U.S.-UK relations amid tensions between Trump and the Starmer government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Starmer faces internal leadership challenges within

16. Colombia’s Presidential Election and Security Crisis Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady Mary Anastasia O'Grady reports on Colombia’s upcoming election to replace the hard-left Gustavo Petro. Candidate Paloma Valencia, backed by Alvaro Uribe, faces a divided right-wing vote against Abelardo de la Espriella. The campaign centers on law and order as illegal armed groups threaten 70% of the country's municipalities. (16)1911 BOGOTA

15. The Billionaire Wealth Tax and Medi-Cal Expansion Guest: Veronique de Rugy Veronique de Rugy critiques a proposed billionaire wealth tax in California designed to fund Medi-Cal. She argues the tax is based on flawed inequality metrics and will likely fail to raise projected revenues as billionaires flee the state. Medi-Cal expansion to undocumented residents has already doubled expected costs. (15)1936

14. Future Technologies in Planetary Defense Guest: Rahil Makadia Rahil Makadia discusses future planetary defense, including ESA’s Hera missionand NASA’s NEO Surveyor. While kinetic impactors are proven, other methods like "gravity tractors" require decades of lead time. Makadia emphasizes the need for continuous tracking of near-Earth objects to prevent surprise impacts over the next century. (14)MAY 1952

13. The Success of NASA’s DART Mission Guest: Rahil Makadia Rahil Makadia explains the success of NASA’s DART mission, which impacted the asteroid Dimorphos to test planetary defense. This kinetic impact altered the asteroid's orbit by 30 minutes. Makadia notes that most asteroids are "rubble piles," and the impact's effectiveness is boosted by material kicked off the surface. (13)MAY 1953

12. King Charles III’s Diplomatic Mission to Washington Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses King Charles III’s upcoming April visit to the U.S. to address a joint session of Congress. The visit aims to harmonize U.S.-UK relations amid tensions between Trump and the Starmer government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Starmer faces internal leadership challenges within a troubled and incoherent Labour Party. (12)1892

11. European Energy Realism and the Ukraine Conflict Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley analyzes the shift in European politics toward pragmatism regarding Russianenergy. High energy costs are forcing a rejection of "farcical" climate change ideologies in favor of nuclear and fossil fuels. Additionally, support for Ukraine is waning as nations prioritize economic survival and access to Central Asian markets. (11)1870

10. Planning for Regime Change in Tehran Guest: Gregory CopleyGregory Copley criticizes Washington’s lack of a long-term strategic plan for Iran. The Trump administration now weighs regime change versus tactical military operations like seizing Kharg Island. Copley suggests a provisional government under Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi could be established in occupied litorals to encourage Iranian military defections. (10)1855

9. Asymmetric Warfare and the Midterm Election Dilemma Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses Iran’s asymmetric warfareand the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He suggests President Trump faces a choice between strategic victory in Iran and domestic political stability ahead of midterms. Copley notes Iran's missile reserves are declining but they continue receiving resupplies from China via overland routes. (9)1787