The John Batchelor Show

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 3-17-2026.1707 PERSIAN GULFThis transcript from The John Batchelor Show features a detailed discussion between host John Batchelor and guests ThaddEus McCotter and David Shedd regarding escalating global instability. The participants analyze the military and economic ramifications of the conflict in Iran, specifically focusing on the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global oil prices and food supplies. A significant portion of the conversation examines the Trump administration's strategic response, noting the challenges of securing international cooperation and the political pressures of the upcoming midterm elections. Additionally, the dialogue transitions to China's systematic campaign of industrial espionage, as detailed in Shedd's book, The Great Heist. The experts warn that Chinese state-sponsored theftextends beyond military secrets to include commercial data in sectors like food delivery and robotics. Ultimately, the sources portray a world where unrestricted mercantilism and geopolitical warfare threaten the stability of the American economy and international trade.

SHOW SCHEDULE 3-17-26 ST PATRICK'S DAY1950 STORK CLUB, HITCHCOCK AND LAMOUR1. Guest Elizabeth Peak analyzes how $105 oil impacts global inflation and the resilient U.S. economy. Despite war, AI investment persists. John Bachelor concludes by describing a "creepy," personalized interaction with AI assistant Claude. (1)2. Guest Elizabeth Peak highlights strong public support for Trump's Iranian strikes despite Democratic opposition. She criticizes the DHS shutdown for causing travel chaos and notes that midterm elections will focus on affordability and conflict. (2)3. Guest David Shed details China's global campaign of economic espionage and secret-stealing. Using Brazilian food delivery as a case study, he explains how the PRC leverages data and predatory acquisitions to dominate international markets. (3)4. Guest David Shed recommends that President Trump confront Xi Jinping over economic espionage and cyberattacks during their summit. He emphasizes strengthening ties with India and the Quad to counter China's slowing global economic influence. (4)5. Guest Mary Kissel discusses potential government transitions in Cuba following severe U.S. economic pressure and power grid failures. She notes a broader rightward political shift in South America, including Argentina and ready Venezuelan opposition. (5)6. Guest Mary Kissel evaluates the ongoing conflicts in Tehran and Beirut, noting the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to weaken Iranian proxies. Priorities include destroying nuclear capacity, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and managing rising fuel costs. (6)7. Guest Jonathan Schanzer discusses the killing of Iranian leader Ali Larijani and the degradation of Iran's missile production. He analyzes the closed Strait of Hormuz and the potential for the Iranian people to revolt. (7)8. Guest Jonathan Schanzer details the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah following ceasefire violations. Israel aims to destroy Hezbollah's arsenal while navigating regional dynamics, including opposition from Turkey and quiet support from Gulf nations. (8)Here are the 35-word summaries for the guests featured in segments 9 through 16: (9)SEG 9: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg, a Wall Street Journal editorial board member, analyzes the stalling of European right-wing populism. He observes voters in the UK, Germany, and Hungary rejecting insurgent parties in favor of moderate, centrist leadership movements. (10)SEG 10: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg examines UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's record unpopularity. He attributes this to economic pessimism, perceived political haplessness, and the Labour Party's internal struggle to define its ideological direction between the center and left. (11)SEG 11: Conrad Black Biographer Conrad Black details Canada's immense chromium deposits in the "Ring of Fire." He highlights its strategic value for stainless steel production and US national security, potentially ending reliance on several unreliable foreign minerals sources. (12)SEG 12: Charles Burton Charles Burton, Sinopsis expert, discusses the complex US-China trade dynamic. He examines Xi Jinping's ritualistic goals, potential concessions regarding Taiwan, and Canada's efforts to balance its economic interests and natural resources amidst these ongoing tensions. (13)SEG 13: Grant Newsham evaluates Japan's new hawkish Prime Minister, Takaichi Sai. He argues Japan must accept military risks in the Strait of Hormuz to solidify future American support against the growing threats from mainland China now. (14)SEG 14: :Grant Newsham  discusses South Korea's reluctance to assist in the Strait of Hormuz. He characterizes the current administration as ideologically pro-China and skeptical of US alliances, potentially undermining regional security cooperation against common global threats. (15)SEG 15: Craig Unger Journalist Craig Unger reviews the House Oversight Committee's investigation into Donald Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. He examines subpoenas regarding missing documents and investigates long-standing allegations of sexual misconduct and many "catch and kill" patterns. (16)SEG 16: Craig Unger Craig Unger explores the legal and political consequences of the Epstein investigation. He notes growing Republican dissent and argues that while presidential immunity complicates immediate prosecution, these allegations could significantly impact the upcoming national elections. (17)

SEG 16: Craig  Unger explores the legal and political consequences of the Epstein investigation. He notes growing Republican dissent and argues that while presidential immunity complicates immediate prosecution, these allegations could significantly impact the upcoming national elections. (17)1863 DRAFT RIOTS

SEG 15: Craig Unger Journalist Craig nUger reviews the House Oversight Committee's investigation into Donald Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. He examines subpoenas regarding missing documents and investigates long-standing allegations of sexual misconduct and many "catch and kill" patterns. (16)1963 DRAFT RIOTS

SEG 14: Grant Newsham discusses South Korea's reluctance to assist in the Strait of Hormuz. He characterizes the current administration as ideologically pro-China and skeptical of US alliances, potentially undermining regional security cooperation against common global threats. (15)1950 Korea

SEG 13: Grant Newsham evaluates Japan's new hawkish Prime Minister, Takaichi Sai. He argues Japanmust accept military risks in the Strait of Hormuz to solidify future Americansupport against the growing threats from mainland China now. (14)1937 Shanghai, Japanese fladship

SEG 12: Charles Burton Charles Burton, Sinopsis expert, discusses the complex US-China trade dynamic. He examines Xi Jinping's ritualistic goals, potential concessions regarding Taiwan, and Canada's efforts to balance its economic interests and natural resources amidst these ongoing tensions. (13)1910 ONTARIO

SEG 11: Conrad Black Biographer Conrad Black details Canada's immense chromium deposits in the "Ring of Fire." He highlights its strategic value for stainless steel production and US national security, potentially ending reliance on several unreliable foreign minerals sources. (12)1903 CANADA

SEG 10: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg examines UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's record unpopularity. He attributes this to economic pessimism, perceived political haplessness, and the Labour Party's internal struggle to define its ideological direction between the center and left. (11)1808 BANK OF ENGLAND

SEG 9: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg, a Wall Street Journal editorial board member, analyzes the stalling of European right-wing populism. He observes voters in the UK, Germany, and Hungary rejecting insurgent parties in favor of moderate, centrist leadership movements. (10)1772 LONDON

8. Guest Jonathan Schanzer details the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah following ceasefire violations. Israel aims to destroy Hezbollah's arsenal while navigating regional dynamics, including opposition from Turkey and quiet support from Gulf nations. (8)1688

7. Guest Jonathan Schanzer discusses the killing of Iranian leader Ali Larijani and the degradation of Iran's missile production. He analyzes the closed Strait of Hormuz and the potential for the Iranian people to revolt. (7)1680

6. Guest Mary Kissel evaluates the ongoing conflicts in Tehran and Beirut, noting the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to weaken Iranian proxies. Priorities include destroying nuclear capacity, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and managing rising fuel costs. (6)1648

5. Guest Mary Kissel discusses potential government transitions in Cuba following severe U.S. economic pressure and power grid failures. She notes a broader rightward political shift in South America, including Argentina and ready Venezuelan opposition. (5)

4. Guest David Shed recommends that President Trump confront Xi Jinpingover economic espionage and cyberattacks during their summit. He emphasizes strengthening ties with India and the Quad to counter China's slowing global economic influence. (4)C1793

3. Guest David Shed details China's global campaign of economic espionage and secret-stealing. Using Brazilian food delivery as a case study, he explains how the PRC leverages data and predatory acquisitions to dominate international markets. (3)1650

2. Guest Elizabeth Peak highlights strong public support for Trump's Iranian strikes despite Democratic opposition. She criticizes the DHS shutdown for causing travel chaos and notes that midterm elections will focus on affordability and conflict. (2)1572 HORMUZ

1. Guest Elizabeth Peak analyzes how $105 oil impacts global inflation and the resilient U.S. economy. Despite war, AIinvestment persists. John Bachelor concludes by describing a "creepy," personalized interaction with AI assistant Claude. (1)1519 PERSIAN GULF

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Joseph Sternberg. Joseph Sternberg outlines the growing sense of haplessness surrounding UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Faced with a stagnant economy, political scandals, and confused foreign policy, Starmer struggles to appear in charge of events. (6)1901 COMMMONS

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Liz Peek. Liz Peek analyzes the "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks and the impact of rising energy costs on the AI sector. Despite market corrections and global turmoil, she finds that AI demand remains a powerful trend. (5)MAY 1953

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Grant Newsham. Grant Newsham urges Japanto take a meaningful military risk by helping the U.S. secure the Strait of Hormuz. He argues that "sticking their necks out" is vital for the alliance's future success overall. (4)1781

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Mary Kissel. Mary Kissel comments on the agonizingly slow transformation of Venezuela from a narco-terrorist dictatorship into a democracy. She explores potential reasons behind the stagnant pace of political change within this South American nation currently. (3)1952 CARACAS

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Charles Burton. Charles Burton explores Canada's vast rare earth resources and the extraction challenges. He examines whether Canada will allow U.S. investment to end the dangerous practice of sending these minerals to China for processing. (2)1910 ORDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE EMPIRE

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Conrad Black. Conrad Black discusses Ontario's massive chromium deposits, which could supply the world for a century. Developing these reserves with the U.S. would secure stainless steel production and reduce reliance on Chinaand rivals. (1)1900 ST LAWRENCE AND ITS BASIN

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 33-16-20261945 SHAH PAHLEVI AND ELEANOR ROOSEVELTIn this transcript from The John Bachelor Show, host John Bachelor and analysts Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani discuss a widening conflict with Iran that has severely disrupted global commerce and the Strait of Hormuz. The experts critique the Trump administration's strategy, noting that the lack of international coalition-building has left the United States isolated as traditional allies like Britain and various European powers resist joining the military effort. Iran's retaliatory strikes on shipping and regional infrastructure have caused oil prices to surge, creating an economic crisis that disproportionately threatens energy-dependent nations in Asia and Europe. The participants observe that the initial American expectations for a short war and rapid regime change appear to have been a significant miscalculation. Ultimately, the discussion suggests that without a clear exit strategy or a viable internal resistance, the U.S. remains locked in a costly war of attrition with global economic consequences.

SHOW SCHEDULE 3-16-261902 ROME1. Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani (SEG 1): Haqqani discusses global resistance to President Trump's Strait of Hormuz mission and the economic impact of Iran's strategy. Roggio analyzes the administration's goal of regime change and notes they underestimated Iranian resilience. (2)2. Hussein Haqqani and Bill Roggio (SEG 2): Haqqani notes European and Arab reluctance to join the U.S. coalition due to past diplomatic friction. Roggio discusses the lack of a viable Iranian resistance and the failure of air-only military strategies. (3)3. David Daoud (SEG 3): Daoud analyzes the IDF's difficulty in permanently eliminating Hezbollah and its shift toward creating a security buffer zone. He argues that regime change in Iran would weaken but not destroy the group. (4)4. David Daoud (SEG 4): Daoud reports on Hezbollah's continued use of drone swarms and short-range rockets to harass Israel. He notes that while their command structure is degraded, IRGC officers are filling leadership gaps in Beirut. (5)5. Malcolm Hoenlein (SEG 5): Hoenlein details the chaos surrounding Iranian succession, including reports that Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded. He describes regional economic devastation from the Strait of Hormuz closure and the use of destructive cluster munitions. (6)6. Malcolm Hoenlein (SEG 6): Hoenlein reports on IDF operations in Lebanon, noting Hezbollah defections and command-and-control breakdowns. He critiques European nations for "waffling" and refusing to provide escort vessels for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. (7)7. Edmund Fitton-Brown (SEG 7): Fitton-Brown explains the international "digging in of heels" against Trump's Hormuz mission, with allies fearing Iranian retaliation. He notes that the U.S. failed to foresee Iran's predictable move to shut the waterway. (8)8. Edmund Fitton-Brown (SEG 8): Fitton-Brown discusses the global economy being held hostage by Iran and potential strategies like seizing Kharg Island. He analyzes Houthi restraint and the potential for a dangerous "fourth front" in Yemen. (9)9. John Hardy (SEG 9): Hardie details how the Iran war benefits Russia through increased oil revenue and the depletion of Western munitions needed by Kyiv. He reports that the U.S.-led peace process in Ukraine is fizzling. (10)10. Joe Truzman (SEG 10): Truzman describes the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" as a front for Iran-backed militias launching information warfare. He discusses Houthi readiness to join the conflict and Iranian proxies attacking Jewish institutions across Europe. (11)11. Ernesto Araújo (SEG 11): Araújo discusses the Iran war's economic ripple effects in Latin America, including rising gas prices. He reports on potential democratic transitions in Cuba and Venezuela as Russian and Chinese regional influence diminishes. (12)12. Ernesto Araújo (SEG 12): Araújo reports on the deteriorating health of imprisoned former President Jair Bolsonaro and political suppression in Brazil. He highlights a diplomatic rift caused by visa denials for a U.S. special envoy. (13)13. Ahmed Sharawi (SEG 13): Sharawi tracks Iranian drone and missile strikes against the UAE and Saudi Arabia intended to pressure Washington. He notes Iran's strategy of attacking NATO sites in Turkey to create regional chaos. (14)14. Greg Scarlatoiu (SEG 14): Scarlatoiu explains Romania's decision to host U.S. military equipment despite threats from Tehran. He emphasizes that Romania views the Iran and Ukraine conflicts as existential threats to its own national security. (15)15. Rick Fischer (SEG 15): Fischer provides evidence of direct Chinese assistance to Iran's drone and missile programs, including guidance systems and satellite surveillance. He notes that these attacks would be impossible without Beijing's support. (16)16. Greg Scarlatoiu (SEG 16): Scarlatoiu analyzes the public appearance of Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, and speculation regarding her being groomed for succession. He discusses the ruthless political environment within the Kim family dynasty. (17)

16. Greg Scarlatoiu (SEG 16):Scarlatoiu analyzes the public appearance of Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, and speculation regarding her being groomed for succession. He discusses the ruthless political environment within the Kim family dynasty. (17)JANUARY 1964

15. Rick Fischer (SEG 15): Fischer provides evidence of direct Chineseassistance to Iran's drone and missile programs, including guidance systems and satellite surveillance. He notes that these attacks would be impossible without Beijing's support. (16)SEPTEMBER 1955

14. Greg Scarlatoiu (SEG 14):Scarlatoiu explains Romania's decision to host U.S. military equipment despite threats from Tehran. He emphasizes that Romania views the Iran and Ukraineconflicts as existential threats to its own national security. (15)1900 BUCHAREST

13. Ahmed Sharawi (SEG 13): Sharawi tracks Iranian drone and missile strikes against the UAE and Saudi Arabiaintended to pressure Washington. He notes Iran's strategy of attacking NATOsites in Turkey to create regional chaos. (14)1924 SAUDI ARABIA

12. Ernesto Araújo (SEG 12): Araújo reports on the deteriorating health of imprisoned former President Jair Bolsonaro and political suppression in Brazil. He highlights a diplomatic rift caused by visa denials for a U.S. special envoy. (13)1939 BRAZIL

11. Ernesto Araújo (SEG 11): Araújo discusses the Iran war's economic ripple effects in Latin America, including rising gas prices. He reports on potential democratic transitions in Cuba and Venezuela as Russian and Chineseregional influence diminishes. (12)1899 CUBA

10. Joe Truzman (SEG 10): Truzman describes the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" as a front for Iran-backed militias launching information warfare. He discusses Houthi readiness to join the conflict and Iranian proxies attacking Jewish institutions across Europe. (11)1746

9. John Hardie (SEG 9): Hardy details how the Iran war benefits Russiathrough increased oil revenue and the depletion of Western munitions needed by Kyiv. He reports that the U.S.-led peace process in Ukraine is fizzling. (10)1864 Odessa

8. Edmund Fitton-Brown (SEG 8):Fitton-Brown discusses the global economy being held hostage by Iran and potential strategies like seizing Kharg Island. He analyzes Houthi restraint and the potential for a dangerous "fourth front" in Yemen. (9)1907 PERSIA

7. Edmund Fitton-Brown (SEG 7):Fitton-Brown explains the international "digging in of heels" against Trump's Hormuz mission, with allies fearing Iranian retaliation. He notes that the U.S. failed to foresee Iran's predictable move to shut the waterway. (8)1905 ALICE PIKE IN PERSIA

6. Malcolm Hoenlein (SEG 6):Hoenlein reports on IDF operations in Lebanon, noting Hezbollah defections and command-and-control breakdowns. He critiques European nations for "waffling" and refusing to provide escort vessels for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. (7)1887 P

5. Malcolm Hoenlein (SEG 5):Hoenlein details the chaos surrounding Iranian succession, including reports that Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded. He describes regional economic devastation from the Strait of Hormuz closure and the use of destructive cluster munitions. (6)1876 PERSIA

4. David Daoud (SEG 4): Daoud reports on Hezbollah's continued use of drone swarms and short-range rockets to harass Israel. He notes that while their command structure is degraded, IRGCofficers are filling leadership gaps in Beirut. (5)1900 GEORGIA

3. David Daoud (SEG 3): Daoud analyzes the IDF's difficulty in permanently eliminating Hezbollah and its shift toward creating a security buffer zone. He argues that regime change in Iran would weaken but not destroy the group. (4)1866 PERSIA

2. Hussein Haqqani and Bill Roggio(SEG 2): Haqqani notes European and Arab reluctance to join the U.S. coalition due to past diplomatic friction. Roggio discusses the lack of a viable Iranianresistance and the failure of air-only military strategies. (3)1750 PERSIA

1. Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani (SEG 1): Haqqani discusses global resistance to President Trump's Strait of Hormuz mission and the economic impact of Iran's strategy. Roggio analyzes the administration's goal of regime change and notes they underestimated Iranianresilience. (2)1978 IRAN

File: P-FISHER-3-16-WEAPONS-3-16.mp3 Guest: Rick Fisher PREVIEW FOR LATER: Guest Rick Fisher explains that a prolonged conflict increases the risk of China transferring advanced weaponry, such as hypersonic missiles and J10C fighters, to Iran, significantly threatening U.S. and allied regional security. (1)FEBRUARY 1955

File: P-ROGGIO-REGIME--3-16.mp3Guest: Bill Roggio PREVIEW FOR LATER: Guest Bill Roggio analyzes why the expected quick victory over Iranfailed. He argues that the administration underestimated Iranian resolve and that, despite air power, achieving stability now requires full regime change., (2)1963

PREVIEW FOR LATER: Greg Scarlatoiu discusses Romanian President Nicușor Dan's decision to host NATO forces amidst threats from Iran. As a strategic ally bordering Ukraine, Romania relies on NATO protection while supporting U.S. efforts to reopen the Strait. (4)1789 BUCHAREST

PREVIEW FOR LATER: Husain Haqqani explores why European and Arab allies hesitate to support U.S. efforts against Iran. Tensions rise as President Trump's rhetoric alienates partners, leaving them skeptical of joining military coalitions without clear, prior coordination. (2)1879

PREVIEW FOR LATER: John Hardieexamines how the Iran war affects Ukraine's defense and global oil markets. He details U.S. Treasury waivers on Russian oil sanctions intended to mitigate supply disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. (3)UKRAINE

PREVIEW FOR LATER: Former UKAmbassador Edmond Fitton-Brownlabels Iran's interference in the Strait of Hormuz as piracy. He discusses the global economic threat and the challenges of involving allies like Korea and Japan in maritime security,. (1)1907 PERSIA

3. The final segment shifts to the history of political assassination, specifically the rivalry between Stalin and Trotsky. Stalin utilized state power and paranoia to exile and eventually murder Trotsky in Mexico with an ice pick, yet Trotsky remained a romantic icon for the Western left. Gaius and Germanicus apply this lesson to the 21st century, arguing that the attempted "decapitation" of Iranian leadershiphas backfired. Instead of ending the regime, the strike has renewed the Islamic Republic's "lease on life,"much like the Nazi invasion inadvertently strengthened the Soviet Union. The debate concludes as the hosts prepare to watch Aeschylus's play, *The Persians*, which depicts the defeat of Xerxes. They reflect on the "tragic irony" of the current war: the US sought to eliminate a threat but instead unified its enemies and wrecked the global economy through $120 oil. (3)1945 YALTA

2. The debate continues with a comparison of Emperor Trump to Nero and Claudius, questioning if his current crisis is a result of bad luck or hubris. While Claudius favored low-risk, calculated campaigns, Trump's offensive is characterized as a "rash and incalculably risky gambit" that mirrors strategic failures in Ukraine. This conflict has solidified the Russia-Chinabond and left Israel "naked and exposed" due to US failures. Germanicus argues that the US ignored the "weak points" of its own coalition, turning Gulf State bases into liabilities rather than security assets. Likening Trump's overconfidence to Hitler's before the invasion of Russia, the speakers suggest that the US has "got suckered" into a war it cannot win through air power alone. They conclude that the only rational path is to accept defeat and reorganize, as the Romans did when facing superior Persian cavalry. (2)1680 CONSTANTINOPLE

1. In Londinium, 92 AD, Gaius and Germanicus analyze the 21st-century conflict between a US-Israeli coalition and Iran, comparing its focus on supply chains to the 1941 oil sanctions against Japan. While the Americans expected a swift "four-day shock and awe"campaign and a leadership "decap strike" to force negotiations, Iran responded with asymmetrical warfare. By targeting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has driven oil prices toward $120-$150 per barrel, threatening a global economic collapse. Germanicus critiques the American"siren song" of strategic bombing, noting it historically fails to win wars without ground occupation. Unlike the adaptive Romans who rose from defeat during the Punic Wars, modern US leaders—including Rubio, Vance, and Hegseth—are criticized for lacking dissenting voices and the historical perspective needed to reorganize after strategic failures. (1)1899 CARTHAGE