The John Batchelor Show

5. Professor Evan Ellis details the inauguration of Chile’s conservative President Jose Antonio Kast. He examines Kast’s challenges with organized crime, immigration, and maintaining US relations while managing deep economic dependence on China. (5)1905 CHILE CAVALRY

4. Josh Rogin analyzes Europe’s lagging defense spending and Ukraine’s burgeoning drone industry. He discusses American drone development challenges, restrictive ITAR regulations, and the competitive race with China over manufacturing-focused AI technologies. (4)April 1931

3. Josh Rogin reports on the Hill and Valley Forum, where Silicon Valley tech leaders and Washington officials discuss defense modernization. They address bureaucratic hurdles and China’s manufacturing lead in critical technologies. (3)1957

2. Anatol Lieven explores Ukraine’s new business model selling drone expertise to the Gulf. He notes the merging of global conflicts, Russia’s intelligence support for Iran, and China’s cautious but influential economic role. (2)1574

1. Anatol Lieven discusses President Trump’s response to the Iran conflict and rising energy prices. He analyzes NATO's fragmenting unity as Europeanallies refuse military participation and prioritize economic interests over American strategy. (1)1574

Fitzhugh Brundage explores the brutal evolution of Civil War prisons, detailing how Richmond's tobacco warehouses like Libby Prison became infamous sites of suffering that eventually informed the standards of the Geneva Convention. (1)1865 Sheridan's Cavalry

Kevin Frazier addresses the disruptive potential of AI in childhood development, warning that early digital relationships can replace human mentors. He advocates for empowering parentsto manage these new family dynamics through education. (3)august 1954

Josh Rogin cautions against a technocracy, arguing that Silicon Valley leaders cannot replace national security professionals. He emphasizes that the government must set policy, ensuring that technology serves democratic roles rather than dictating them. (6)JANUARY 1931

Josh Rogin describes a high-stakes AI competitionwhere the U.S. leads in innovation and Large Language Models, while Chinadominates in robotic factory automation and manufacturing scale. The U.S. faces hurdles such as ITAR regulations, which can restrict technology sharing with allies, and is currently attempting to use AI to "leapfrog" China’s manufacturing advantages to stay competitive. (4)

Evan Ellis explores Chile’s shifting political landscape, noting a pendulum swing from the center-left to the far-left, and now back toward the right due to frustrations with economic stagnationand organized crime. Despite these political frustrations, the country remains a vital player in the 21st-century economy due to its vast copper and lithium resources. (2)

Anatol Lieven discusses the implications of the U.S. potentially leaving NATO. He notes that while a full withdrawal would require Senate approval, a hostile administration could still undermine the alliance by cutting intelligence sharing or halting the sale of critical weapons and air defense systems to European partners. (3)

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SGOW, FEATURING GORDON CHANG, VICTORIS COATES, JIM HOLMES, CHARLES BURTON, 4-1-2016.1920In this transcript from The John Batchelor Show, host John Batchelor and analysts Gordon Chang, Victoria Coates, and Charles Burton evaluate China’s pervasive influence across global flashpoints, specifically the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Americas. The discussion highlights the "not so invisible hand" of Beijing as it seeks to undermine United States authority while simultaneously grappling with its own vulnerabilities, such as energy security risks in the Strait of Hormuz. Coates argues that while China attempts to exert control from Caracas to Tehran, its actual effectiveness is waning as it struggles to protect its partners and secure stable oil supplies. The participants also examine the domestic threat of Chinese subversion within North America, citing the funding of radical activist groups by figures like Neville Roy Singum to destabilize democratic discourse. Finally, the dialogue addresses the geopolitical implications of a potential meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, questioning whether trade concessions can coexist with the reality of an ongoing New Cold War.

SHOW SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-1-2026.1602 DUTCH REPUBLIC1. HEADLINE: China's Strategic Role in Global and Middle Eastern Conflicts GUEST: Victoria Coates, Gordon Chang SUMMARY: Experts discuss China’s strategic presence in global conflicts, including its reliance on Gulf oil and support for Russia. They analyze China’s limited effectiveness as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran. (1)2. HEADLINE: Naval Lessons from the Strait of Hormuz for Taiwan’s Defense GUEST: Jim Holmes, Gordon Chang SUMMARY: Professor Jim Holmes applies naval lessons from the Iran war to a potential Taiwan conflict. He emphasizes using geography for defense, prolonging wars to assemble forces, and utilizing low-cost drone technology. (2)3. HEADLINE: Investigating Subversive Chinese Influence and Funding in America GUEST: Charles Burton, Gordon Chang SUMMARY: Charles Burton discusses billionaire Neville Roy Singum’s alleged role in funding radical organizations to subvert Western democracy. The discussion highlights China's use of social media algorithms and direct donations to influence youth. (3)4. HEADLINE: Concerns Over U.S.-China Trade Talks and Forced Labor Enforcement GUEST: Charles Burton, Gordon Chang SUMMARY: Analysts express skepticism regarding upcoming trade negotiations between President Trump and Xi Jinping. They also criticize Canada’s failure to effectively block Chinese products manufactured using forced labor in Xinjiang. (4)5. HEADLINE: National Security Implications of the Chinese Humanoid Robotics Industry GUEST: Jack Bernham SUMMARY: Jack Bernham explores China’s burgeoning humanoid robotics industry and its potential military applications. U.S. senators are moving to block Chinese robots from federal supply chains to prevent security vulnerabilities. (5)6. HEADLINE: Smuggling Operations Evading U.S. AI Chip Export Controls GUEST: Jack Bernham SUMMARY: An indictment reveals a massive operation smuggling $2.5 billion in Nvidia chips to China via Southeast Asia. Experts suggest closing loopholes that allow Chinese firms to purchase chips domestically. (6)7. HEADLINE: Turkey’s Diplomatic Strategy as a Mediator in the Iran War GUEST: Sinan Ciddi SUMMARY: President Erdogan seeks to mediate a ceasefire in the Gulf to protect Turkey's weak economy from rising oil prices. However, he also benefits from a weakened Iranian regime countering Israel. (7)8. HEADLINE: Turkey’s Patronage of Hamas and Regional Security Concerns GUEST: Sinan Ciddi SUMMARY: Turkey maintains close ties with Hamas leadership, viewing them as a legitimate political movement rather than terrorists. Rumors also suggest Turkey may be aiding the flow of supplies to Hezbollah. (8)9. HEADLINE: European Energy Dependency and the Shift Toward Russia GUEST: Michael Bernstam SUMMARY: Rising energy costs are driving political shifts in Germany and other EU nations toward re-engaging with Russian energy. Despite EU sanctions, Russia is profiting from increased oil prices during the Iran war. (9)10. HEADLINE: Russia's Struggling Economy Amid Prolonged War and Sanctions GUEST: Michael Bernstam SUMMARY: Russia faces a looming recession, high inflation, and a structural contraction due to reduced investment. The government has nationalized private pension funds to finance the war effort and infrastructure projects. (10)11. HEADLINE: The Impact of War and Oil Shocks on Global Interest Rates GUEST: John Cochrane SUMMARY: Professor John Cochrane explains how oil shocks and inflation fears drive up long-term bond rates. He warns that bad policy responses, like price caps, can turn price shocks into sustained inflation. (11)12. HEADLINE: Federal Reserve Policy and the Risks of Stagflation GUEST: John Cochrane SUMMARY: The Federal Reserve is adopting a "wait and see" approach to the current oil shock. Cochrane warns against repeating 1970s mistakes, such as credit controls or failing to act decisively against inflation. (12)13. HEADLINE: NASA’s Artemis 2 Mission and the New Lunar Frontier GUEST: Douglas Messier, David Livingston SUMMARY: Douglas Messier details the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, the first crewed flight to the moon since 1972. The 10-day mission will test the Orion spacecraft’s life support and technical systems. (13)14. HEADLINE: International Competition for a Permanent Base on the Moon GUEST: Douglas Messier, David Livingston SUMMARY: NASA plans to establish a permanent lunar base by 2036, facing competition from a joint Chinese-Russian program. Success relies on commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin to reach the South Pole. (14)15. HEADLINE: Re-examining Russian Interference in the 2016 U.S. Election GUEST: Craig Unger SUMMARY: Journalist Craig Unger reviews the events of October 7, 2016, involving DHS warnings of Russian hacking and the release of the Access Hollywood tape. He argues the timing benefited the Trump campaign. (15)16. HEADLINE: Alleged Long-Term Financial Ties Between Trump and Russian Intelligence GUEST: Craig Unger SUMMARY:

16. HEADLINE: Alleged Long-Term Financial Ties Between Trump and RussianIntelligence GUEST: Craig Unger SUMMARY: Craig Unger discusses alleged ties between Donald Trump and Russianintelligence dating back to the 1980s. He claims the Russian mafia used Trump real estate for money laundering to bail out his businesses. (16)1960S ARABIA

15. HEADLINE: Re-examining RussianInterference in the 2016 U.S. ElectionGUEST: Craig Unger SUMMARY: Journalist Craig Unger reviews the events of October 7, 2016, involving DHS warnings of Russian hacking and the release of the Access Hollywood tape. He argues the timing benefited the Trump campaign. (15)1960 ARABIA

14. HEADLINE: International Competition for a Permanent Base on the Moon GUEST:Douglas Messier, David Livingston SUMMARY:NASA plans to establish a permanent lunar base by 2036, facing competition from a joint Chinese-Russian program. Success relies on commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin to reach the South Pole. (14)1947 ARABIAN WORKER (NOT NAMED)

13. HEADLINE: NASA’s Artemis 2 Mission and the New Lunar Frontier GUEST:Douglas Messier, David Livingston SUMMARY:Douglas Messier details the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, the first crewed flight to the moon since 1972. The 10-day mission will test the Orion spacecraft’s life support and technical systems. (13)1947 QATIF

12. HEADLINE: Federal Reserve Policy and the Risks of Stagflation GUEST: John Cochrane SUMMARY: The Federal Reserve is adopting a "wait and see" approach to the current oil shock. Cochrane warns against repeating 1970s mistakes, such as credit controls or failing to act decisively against inflation. (12)1935 KHURMA KARIN

11. HEADLINE: The Impact of War and Oil Shocks on Global Interest Rates GUEST:John Cochrane SUMMARY: Professor John Cochrane explains how oil shocks and inflation fears drive up long-term bond rates. He warns that bad policy responses, like price caps, can turn price shocks into sustained inflation. (11)1935 AL LISAFAH

10. HEADLINE: Russia's Struggling Economy Amid Prolonged War and Sanctions GUEST: Michael Bernstam SUMMARY: Russia faces a looming recession, high inflation, and a structural contraction due to reduced investment. The government has nationalized private pension funds to finance the war effort and infrastructure projects. (10)1935 AL LISAFAH

9. HEADLINE: European Energy Dependency and the Shift Toward RussiaGUEST: Michael Bernstam SUMMARY: Rising energy costs are driving political shifts in Germany and other EU nations toward re-engaging with Russian energy. Despite EU sanctions, Russia is profiting from increased oil prices during the Iran war. (9)1935 JUBAIL ARABIA

8. HEADLINE: Turkey’s Patronage of Hamasand Regional Security Concerns GUEST:Sinan Ciddi SUMMARY: Turkey maintains close ties with Hamas leadership, viewing them as a legitimate political movement rather than terrorists. Rumors also suggest Turkey may be aiding the flow of supplies to Hezbollah. (8)1935 HOFUF ARABIA

7. HEADLINE: Turkey’s Diplomatic Strategy as a Mediator in the Iran War GUEST: Sinan Ciddi SUMMARY: President Erdogan seeks to mediate a ceasefire in the Gulf to protect Turkey's weak economy from rising oil prices. However, he also benefits from a weakened Iranian regime countering Israel. (7)1935 RUINS OF AZ ZOBALA, MAKING COFFEE

6. HEADLINE: Smuggling Operations Evading U.S. AI Chip Export ControlsGUEST: Jack Bernham SUMMARY: An indictment reveals a massive operation smuggling $2.5 billion in Nvidia chips to China via Southeast Asia. Experts suggest closing loopholes that allow Chinese firms to purchase chips domestically. (6)1934-35 AL HOFUF ARABIA

5. HEADLINE: National Security Implications of the Chinese Humanoid Robotics Industry GUEST: Jack Bernham SUMMARY: Jack Bernham explores China’s burgeoning humanoid robotics industry and its potential military applications. U.S. senators are moving to block Chinese robots from federal supply chains to prevent security vulnerabilities. (5)1935 JUBAIL

4. HEADLINE: Concerns Over U.S.-ChinaTrade Talks and Forced Labor Enforcement GUEST: Charles Burton, Gordon Chang SUMMARY: Analysts express skepticism regarding upcoming trade negotiations between President Trump and Xi Jinping. They also criticize Canada’s failure to effectively block Chinese products manufactured using forced labor in Xinjiang. (4)1935 JUBAIL, ARABIA. CALIFORNIA-ARABIA STANDARD OIL EXPEDITION

3. HEADLINE: Investigating Subversive Chinese Influence and Funding in AmericaGUEST: Charles Burton, Gordon ChangSUMMARY: Charles Burton discusses billionaire Neville Roy Singum’s alleged role in funding radical organizations to subvert Westerndemocracy. The discussion highlights China's use of social media algorithms and direct donations to influence youth. (3)1934 WOOD SELLERS

2. HEADLINE: Naval Lessons from the Strait of Hormuz for Taiwan’s DefenseGUEST: Jim Holmes, Gordon ChangSUMMARY: Professor Jim Holmes applies naval lessons from the Iran war to a potential Taiwanconflict. He emphasizes using geography for defense, prolonging wars to assemble forces, and utilizing low-cost drone technology. (2)1934 FIELD PARTY ARABIA

1. HEADLINE: China's Strategic Role in Global and Middle Eastern ConflictsGUEST: Victoria Coates, Gordon ChangSUMMARY: Experts discuss China’s strategic presence in global conflicts, including its reliance on Gulf oil and support for Russia. They analyze China’s limited effectiveness as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran. (1)1852 ARABIA

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Charles Burton discusses how individuals like Mr. Singum fund radical American protests to undermine government confidence. He explores the connections between these activist groups and Chinese state security apparatus seeking corrosive influence. (1)1950 PEKING STUDENTS WELCOMING PLA

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Victoria Coatesanalyzes China's potential role in global conflicts. While possibly pressuring Russia over Ukraine, she argues Chinais an ineffective broker in the Gulf due to its bias toward Iranian interests. (3)1903 QING DYNASTY

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Professor James Holmes applies lessons from the Gulf to a potential Taiwan conflict. He emphasizes that the U.S. needs to prolong any war to successfully assemble forces against China’s regional military advantages. (4)1939 SHANGHAI

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Douglas Messier explains Elon Musk’s strategic shift from Mars exploration toward NASA’s lunar missions. Driven by funding and contracts, SpaceX focuses on developing the reusable Super Heavy and Starship for moon landings. (5)1941

PREVIEW FOR TONIGHT. Craig Ungerdetails how Donald Trump first connected with KGB fronts in the 1980s. This relationship evolved into the Russian mafia laundering over a billion dollars in total through Trump real estate. (2)1925 STALIN AND TROTSKY

PREVIEW FOR TONIGHT. Sinan Ciddidiscusses Turkey's intensive shuttle diplomacy and direct communication with Iran. Alongside Pakistan, Turkeyis pressuring the incoming Trump administration to end regional warfare quickly while balancing influence across Gulf states. (1)1654

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FRSTURING THSDDEUS MCCOTTER AND KEVIN FRAZIER, 3-31-20261838 MT. SINAI

c1. Judy Dempsey discusses the rising popularity of Germany’s AfD party, its anti-American stance, and growing pro-Russian sentiment driven by energy concerns, alongside public distrust regarding the conduct of the war in Ukraine. With Thaddeus McCotter.(1)2. Judy Dempsey analyzes strained transatlantic relations following President Trump’s remarks on energy independence. She also highlights the significance of Hungary's upcoming election for regional populist movements and the European Union’s future. cc(2)3. Jonathan Schanzer explains Israel’s military objectives against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. He details the threat of Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on maritime trade and Egypt's potential forced entry into the conflict. (3)4. Jonathan Schanzer details Iran’s strategy of survival amidst U.S. and Israeli decapitation strikes. He discusses the global economic impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure and diplomatic friction caused by European allies' reluctance. (4)5. Mary Kissel discusses shifting global alliances, noting stronger ties with Gulf partners while European relations fray. She highlights Ukraine’s savvy outreach for energy and defense support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. (5)6. Mary Kissel examines a possible leadership transition in Cuba involving Marco Rubio and Raul Castro’s grandson. She discusses the regime’s fear following U.S. actions in Venezuela and the complexities of negotiating transitions. (6)7. Joseph Sternberg critiques the Federal Reserve’s tendency to "overtalk." He argues that excessive public forecasting and the confusing "dot plot" mislead markets and obscure the economic reality of ongoing global conflicts. (7)8. Joseph Sternberg discusses Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s indecisive response to President Trump’s "get your own oil" remark, highlighting Britain’s military limitations and the public’s deep anxiety over rising energy prices and deficits. (8)9. Gregory Copley argues that NATO is entering a new era of disorder, suggesting European states should pursue independent security interests and potentially restore energy trade with Russia as U.S. leadership becomes increasingly abrasive. (9)10. Gregory Copley reports the U.S. has virtually eliminated the Iranian Navy. He assesses global energy markets, noting stable oil prices despite insurance companies' risk-aversion nearly bankrupting regional states like Egypt. (10)11. Gregory Copley critiques the removal of hereditary peers from the House of Lords, arguing the chamber has become a politicized "rubber stamp" for the Prime Minister rather than an independent house of review. (11)12. Gregory Copley previews King Charles III’s state visit to Washington, emphasizing its role in preserving the strategic alliance and common purpose between English-speaking nations despite political tensions between the Trump administration and London. (12)13. Cleo Paskal highlights China’s efforts to undermine U.S. relationships in the Central Pacific through corruption. She details new U.S. strategies to support local governments in Palau and the Marianas against illegal CCP activities. (13)14. Cleo Paskal discusses the critical role of the Diego Garcia military base and the legal risks involved in transferring the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, which could complicate U.S. nuclear policy and regional security. (14)15. Bob Zimmerman contrasts NASA’s risky Artemis 2 mission with SpaceX’s successful reusable rocket program. He also reports on a secretive medical emergency on the ISS and China’s deep commitment to its space program. (15)16. Bob Zimmerman warns that political pressure is compromising safety for the Artemis 2 moon mission. He also reflects on Voyager 2’s historic images of Neptune and Hubble's observations of active black hole galaxies. (16)

16. Bob Zimmerman warns that political pressure is compromising safety for the Artemis 2 moon mission. He also reflects on Voyager 2’s historic images of Neptune and Hubble's observations of active black hole galaxies. (16)1680

15. Bob Zimmerman contrasts NASA’s risky Artemis 2 mission with SpaceX’s successful reusable rocket program. He also reports on a secretive medical emergency on the ISS and China’s deep commitment to its space program. (15)1664

14. Cleo Paskal discusses the critical role of the Diego Garcia military base and the legal risks involved in transferring the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, which could complicate U.S. nuclear policy and regional security. (14)1967 KINF FAISAL II OF ARABIA

13. Cleo Paskal highlights China’s efforts to undermine U.S. relationships in the Central Pacific through corruption. She details new U.S. strategies to support local governments in Palau and the Marianas against illegal CCP activities. (13)1960 ARABIA

12. Gregory Copley previews King Charles III’s state visit to Washington, emphasizing its role in preserving the strategic alliance and common purpose between English-speaking nations despite political tensions between the Trumpadministration and London. (12)1947 SAUDI ARABIA

11. Gregory Copley critiques the removal of hereditary peers from the House of Lords, arguing the chamber has become a politicized "rubber stamp" for the Prime Minister rather than an independent house of review. (11)1946 KING SAUD OF SAUDI ARABIA

10. Gregory Copley reports the U.S. has virtually eliminated the Iranian Navy. He assesses global energy markets, noting stable oil prices despite insurance companies' risk-aversion nearly bankrupting regional states like Egypt. (10)1941 SAUDI ARABIA

9. Gregory Copley argues that NATO is entering a new era of disorder, suggesting European states should pursue independent security interests and potentially restore energy trade with Russia as U.S. leadership becomes increasingly abrasive. (9)1935 CALIFORNIA ARABIA STANDARD OIL EXPEDITION

8. Joseph Sternberg discusses Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s indecisive response to President Trump’s "get your own oil" remark, highlighting Britain’s military limitations and the public’s deep anxiety over rising energy prices and deficits. (8)1935 CALIFORNIA-ARABIAN STANDARD OIL COMPANY EXPEDITION

7. Joseph Sternberg critiques the Federal Reserve’s tendency to "overtalk." He argues that excessive public forecasting and the confusing "dot plot" mislead markets and obscure the economic reality of ongoing global conflicts. (7)1935 ARABIA

6. Mary Kissel examines a possible leadership transition in Cuba involving Marco Rubio and Raul Castro’s grandson. She discusses the regime’s fear following U.S. actions in Venezuela and the complexities of negotiating transitions. (6)1934

5. Mary Kissel discusses shifting global alliances, noting stronger ties with Gulf partners while European relations fray. She highlights Ukraine’s savvy outreach for energy and defense support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. (5)1920.

4. Jonathan Schanzer details Iran’s strategy of survival amidst U.S. and Israeli decapitation strikes. He discusses the global economic impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure and diplomatic friction caused by European allies' reluctance. (4)1924 LAWRENCE OF ARABIA