Podcasts about democracies

Following the sudden, brazen attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians on October 7th, 2023, Israel has steadily been a rising lion taking on enemies along its immediate borders, those firing rockets from Yemen, and even the puppet masters in distant Iran. From deflecting constant missile attacks to taking out terrorist leaders through small explosive devices, the stunning achievements of the  IDF and Israel's intelligence personnel are having a tremendous impact on the Middle East. Former IDF spokesman Jonathan Conricus—now a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies—reveals how Israel's successes have reshaped the region, why the toppling of Iran's nuclear program was so significant, and what obstacles still need to be confronted. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WATCH Stakelbeck Tonight episodes for free on TBN+ here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stakscast with Erick Stakelbeck podcast features host Erick Stakelbeck and special guests having candid, thought-provoking conversations on the state of America, the world, and the Church, plus powerful personal testimonies and stories. Tune in for deep discussions on the big issues that matter to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 7 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: WMAL GUEST: JONATHAN SCHANZER (Executive Director, Foundation for Defense of Democracies) on the Anniversary of 10/7 VIDEO: Jane Fonda Is a 'Big Fan' of Bill Kristol WMAL GUEST: JASON MIYARES (Attorney General of Virginia) on the Controversies Engulfing Jay Jones BILLBOARD: Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ Sales Climb to 3 Million in U.S. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PREVIEW: Israeli Strikes Hit Houthi Targets but Fail to Achieve Deterrence Guest: Bridget Toumey John Batchelor speaks with Bridget Toumey of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies about the lack of success in deterring the Houthis following failed US and British campaigns. The discussion focuses on a recent Israeli strike in late September. Initial reports suggested the Israeli attack was a success in targeting Houthi infrastructure. However, Toumey states that while strikes hit their targets, they have not managed to deter the Houthis. Deterrence likely requires much more significant action than infrastructure strikes, such as killing the leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, or senior military command. Alternatively, incurring costs on Iran for arming the Houthis might be necessary. Israel is expected to continue air strikes, though deterrence remains unachieved.

Recent reports, primarily in Bloomberg, indicate that Turkey anticipates a settlement to the Halkbank issue that would allow the bank - indicted in 2019 for conspiracy to evade US sanctions on Iran to the tune of tens of billions of dollars - to avoid a protracted legal fight and pay what it called a “manageable” fine. Thanos Davelis digs into this story with Jonathan Schanzer, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, as we look at the message such a settlement would send to others around the world about the seriousness of US sanctions.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey Anticipates Manageable Fine to Settle Halkbank-US DisputePM: Greece ready to support diplomatic efforts for peace in GazaFormer PM Tsipras resigns as MP, pledges continued political activism

Since President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the groundbreaking Peace Proposal for the Israel-Hamas war and, more broadly, the Middle East, speculation as to what it all means is rampant.I caught up with State of Tel Aviv and Beyond regular guest, Lt. Col. (Res.) and Senior FDD Fellow, Jonathan Conricus, to take a hard look at what the 21 (now 20) point plan sets out. Bibi was beaming at the White House when it was announced but it's not all roses for Israel. Even before the announcement, Netanyahu was basically forced to swallow a clump of thorns. His phone call to the Emir of Qatar - during which he read from a prepared script and apologized for having approved an air attack on senior Hamas operatives meeting in Doha on September 9 to discuss a hostage deal - was just the first of many challenges to be faced. We wrote about that moment last week - which caused many politicians to rip into Bibi.But he did it. And Trump seems to have managed the inconceivable, getting Qatar and all significant middle eastern Arab nations to step up and publicly support the plan. It's an extraordinary accomplishment, made possible only because middle eastern nations respect Trump. And that is because they fear him. For more on that read this piece that we dropped last week.Conricus and I go straight to it, getting into what it means for the hostages, Hamas and Israel. Who will secure the Strip and who will govern? Is de-militarization of Gaza realistic? Will Hamas accept the terms of expulsion from the Gaza Strip? How will Israel handle the first big challenge, which is expected to arise when negotiations begin in earnest on Monday in Sharm el Sheikh? It will almost certainly be about the hostages and their immediate release, a condition precedent on which neither Trump nor Bibi are likely to budge.I wanted to get this out today so that you have the benefit of digesting this discussion before negotiations gather momentum tomorrow.Oh. And the other major challenge? Qatar. As a state sponsor of terror and Hamas' main benefactor, Qatar holds a lot of sway in these negotiations; and that may not bode well. We break it all down in under an hour.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:Map published on social media by President Trump and referred to in the podcast by Jonathan Conricus:Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington D.C.-based think tank. He served in the IDF for 24 years, four of them as spokesman during the intense 11 days of the Guardian of the Walls Operation between Israel and Hamas. Now a reserve officer with the rank of Lt. Col., he is a sought-after speaker internationally and is frequently seen on major television news shows. Jonathan was born in Jerusalem to a Swedish father and an Israeli mother and spent his formative years in Sweden.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: The Trump administration is weighing whether to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles capable of striking deep inside Russia. Alongside new U.S. intelligence support, this move could escalate the conflict. We'll hear from George Barros of the Institute for the Study of War for more. Later, Israel's military continues its push through Gaza City as Hamas deliberates on a ceasefire proposal backed by President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and much of the international community. Bill Roggio from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies joins us to break it down. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief CBDistillery: Visit https://CBDistillery.com and use promo code PDB for 25% off your entire order! American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB. Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HEADLINE: US Enforcement of New Rules Targeting Adversarial Supply Chains GUEST NAME: Jack BurnhamSUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Jack Burnham of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies about the Trump administration's new Commerce and Treasury rules targeting adversarial weapons supply chains. The rules place critical components on the entity list. Enforcement requires significant allied cooperation, with Burnham recommending parallel policies from the EU, UK, and Japan. 1950 PEKING

HEADLINE: US Enforcement of New Rules Targeting Adversarial Supply Chains GUEST NAME: Jack BurnhamSUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Jack Burnham of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies about the Trump administration's new Commerce and Treasury rules targeting adversarial weapons supply chains. The rules place critical components on the entity list. Enforcement requires significant allied cooperation, with Burnham recommending parallel policies from the EU, UK, and Japan. 1920 SHANGHAI

A historian's alarm: when these twelve familiar steps appear in a nation, the result is often irreversible—unless citizens rise up and demand otherwise…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the course of the last century, there has been an outsized incidence of conflict between democracies and personalist regimes—political systems where a single individual has undisputed executive power and prominence. In most cases, it has been the democratic side that has chosen to employ military force.  Why Democracies Fight Dictators (Oxford UP, 2025) takes up the question of why liberal democracies are so inclined to engage in conflict with personalist dictators. Building on research in political science, history, sociology, and psychology and marshalling evidence from statistical analysis of conflict, multi-archival research of American and British perceptions during the Suez Crisis and Gulf War, and non-democracies' understanding of the threat from Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait, Madison V. Schramm offers a novel and nuanced explanation for patterns in escalation and hostility between liberal democracies and personalist regimes. When conflicts of interest arise between the two types of states, Schramm argues, cognitive biases and social narratives predispose leaders in liberal democracies to perceive personalist dictators as particularly threatening and to respond with anger—an emotional response that elicits more risk acceptance and aggressive behavior. She also locates this tendency in the escalatory dynamics that precede open military conflict: coercion, covert action, and crisis bargaining. At all of these stages, the tendency toward anger and risk acceptance contributes to explosive outcomes between democratic and personalist regimes. Madison Schramm, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Toronto Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Over the course of the last century, there has been an outsized incidence of conflict between democracies and personalist regimes—political systems where a single individual has undisputed executive power and prominence. In most cases, it has been the democratic side that has chosen to employ military force.  Why Democracies Fight Dictators (Oxford UP, 2025) takes up the question of why liberal democracies are so inclined to engage in conflict with personalist dictators. Building on research in political science, history, sociology, and psychology and marshalling evidence from statistical analysis of conflict, multi-archival research of American and British perceptions during the Suez Crisis and Gulf War, and non-democracies' understanding of the threat from Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait, Madison V. Schramm offers a novel and nuanced explanation for patterns in escalation and hostility between liberal democracies and personalist regimes. When conflicts of interest arise between the two types of states, Schramm argues, cognitive biases and social narratives predispose leaders in liberal democracies to perceive personalist dictators as particularly threatening and to respond with anger—an emotional response that elicits more risk acceptance and aggressive behavior. She also locates this tendency in the escalatory dynamics that precede open military conflict: coercion, covert action, and crisis bargaining. At all of these stages, the tendency toward anger and risk acceptance contributes to explosive outcomes between democratic and personalist regimes. Madison Schramm, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Toronto Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

Over the course of the last century, there has been an outsized incidence of conflict between democracies and personalist regimes—political systems where a single individual has undisputed executive power and prominence. In most cases, it has been the democratic side that has chosen to employ military force.  Why Democracies Fight Dictators (Oxford UP, 2025) takes up the question of why liberal democracies are so inclined to engage in conflict with personalist dictators. Building on research in political science, history, sociology, and psychology and marshalling evidence from statistical analysis of conflict, multi-archival research of American and British perceptions during the Suez Crisis and Gulf War, and non-democracies' understanding of the threat from Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait, Madison V. Schramm offers a novel and nuanced explanation for patterns in escalation and hostility between liberal democracies and personalist regimes. When conflicts of interest arise between the two types of states, Schramm argues, cognitive biases and social narratives predispose leaders in liberal democracies to perceive personalist dictators as particularly threatening and to respond with anger—an emotional response that elicits more risk acceptance and aggressive behavior. She also locates this tendency in the escalatory dynamics that precede open military conflict: coercion, covert action, and crisis bargaining. At all of these stages, the tendency toward anger and risk acceptance contributes to explosive outcomes between democratic and personalist regimes. Madison Schramm, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Toronto Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Over the course of the last century, there has been an outsized incidence of conflict between democracies and personalist regimes—political systems where a single individual has undisputed executive power and prominence. In most cases, it has been the democratic side that has chosen to employ military force.  Why Democracies Fight Dictators (Oxford UP, 2025) takes up the question of why liberal democracies are so inclined to engage in conflict with personalist dictators. Building on research in political science, history, sociology, and psychology and marshalling evidence from statistical analysis of conflict, multi-archival research of American and British perceptions during the Suez Crisis and Gulf War, and non-democracies' understanding of the threat from Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait, Madison V. Schramm offers a novel and nuanced explanation for patterns in escalation and hostility between liberal democracies and personalist regimes. When conflicts of interest arise between the two types of states, Schramm argues, cognitive biases and social narratives predispose leaders in liberal democracies to perceive personalist dictators as particularly threatening and to respond with anger—an emotional response that elicits more risk acceptance and aggressive behavior. She also locates this tendency in the escalatory dynamics that precede open military conflict: coercion, covert action, and crisis bargaining. At all of these stages, the tendency toward anger and risk acceptance contributes to explosive outcomes between democratic and personalist regimes. Madison Schramm, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Toronto Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

PREVIEW HEADLINE: US Enforcement of New Rules Targeting Adversarial Supply Chains GUEST NAME: Jack Burnham 50 WORD SUMMARY: John Bachelor speaks with Jack Burnham of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies about the Trump administration's new Commerce and Treasury rules targeting adversarial weapons supply chains. The rules place critical components on the entity list. Enforcement requires significant allied cooperation, with Burnham recommending parallel policies from the EU, UK, and Japan. V

President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a 20-point ceasefire plan offered to the terror group Hamas. Hamas must lay their weapons down, return all hostages and following the war, Gaza will be under control of a coalition of countries aimed to rebuild. President Trump gave Hamas just days to decide on the deal, that time frame is ending shortly, and said the he will let Israel do what they need to do if it is rejected. FOX's John Saucier speaks with Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and host of 'The Iran Breakdown' podcast, who says Hamas should accept the deal but history has shown they most likely will not, and that will bring heavy consequences on them. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a 20-point ceasefire plan offered to the terror group Hamas. Hamas must lay their weapons down, return all hostages and following the war, Gaza will be under control of a coalition of countries aimed to rebuild. President Trump gave Hamas just days to decide on the deal, that time frame is ending shortly, and said the he will let Israel do what they need to do if it is rejected. FOX's John Saucier speaks with Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and host of 'The Iran Breakdown' podcast, who says Hamas should accept the deal but history has shown they most likely will not, and that will bring heavy consequences on them. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 8 AM hour, Larry O'Connor & Julie Gunlock discussed: WMAL GUEST: JONATHAN SCHANZER (Executive Director, Foundation for Defense of Democracies) on Trump's Meeting with Netanyahu RUMOR: LCPS Prepping Woke LGBTQIA+ Messaging WMAL GUEST: REP. ANDY HARRIS (R-MD & House Freedom Caucus Chairman) on the Likely Government Shutdown IS THE END NEAR? ‘Massive’ Comet Hurtling Toward Us Is Larger Than Previously Thought, Could Be Alien Tech, Scientist Says: ‘It Could Change Everything for Us’ Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex is joined by guest Bill Rogio from Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ROGGIO Bill Roggio, associated with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, discussed the recent news regarding a hostage situation involving the Taliban. Key details from Roggio's segment: Hostage Release: Secretary of State Rubio reportedly won the release of an American citizen who had been held hostage by the Taliban in Kabul for nine months. The citizen was being held "illicitly and outrageously." The Cost (The "Twist"): Roggio noted that the crucial detail—the "twist"—is what the US may have given up in order to secure the return of its own citizen. The Likely Swap Target: It is very likely that the exchange involves an individual held at Guantanamo named Muhammad Rahim, an al-Qaeda operative. Significance of Muhammad Rahim: According to US intelligence: Rahim was close to Osama bin Laden. He helped bin Laden escape from Tora Bora. He served as Mullah Omar's driver. Mullah Omar was identified as the founder and former head of the Taliban. US Military Stance and Prediction: Muhammad Rahim is an individual whom the US military does not want to release. Despite this, Roggio predicted it is very likely that Rahim will be "walking free sometime soon." Negotiation Dynamics: Roggio concluded that in these types of negotiations, there is "always a cost," and the Taliban usually wins.

Can the United States learn from the conviction and impending imprisonment of France's Nicolas Sarkozy? Plus- Thom dives deep on the real nature of Autism with his insightful callers, as well as reading from his books on the subject.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Turkey has hailed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's first White House visit in six years as a diplomatic win, though tensions over Donald Trump's support for Israel's war in Gaza still cast a shadow. Ankara is celebrating a diplomatic win after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was hosted by US President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday. In the Oval Office, Trump praised his guest in front of the world's media. “He's a highly respected man,” Trump said. “He's respected very much in his country and throughout Europe and throughout the world, where they know him.” Erdogan smiled as he listened. The Turkish leader had been frozen out by President Joe Biden, who made clear his dislike for the Turkish leader. Trump, by contrast, has long cultivated a friendship with him. But even that relationship has limits, with Israel's war on Gaza still a source of strain. Turkey walks a tightrope as Trump threatens sanctions over Russian trade Restraint over Gaza Erdogan is a strong supporter of Hamas, which he refuses to label a terrorist group, calling it instead a resistance movement. Yet he chose not to let the issue overshadow his visit. Analysts say this restraint was deliberate. “There's been a concerted effort not to get into a spat about Gaza,” Asli Aydintasbas, of the Washington-based Brookings Institution, told RFI. “Uncharacteristically, he remains silent on the Gaza issue and that is by design.” During his trip, Erdogan kept his criticism of Israel's offensive in Gaza to remarks at the UN General Assembly, echoing broader international condemnation. He also met French President Emmanuel Macron in New York and welcomed France's recognition of a Palestinian state. Erdogan is also seeking wider backing as concerns over Israel's actions grow, an issue that also came up in his talks with Trump. “Turkey's concerns with Israel are not actually limited to Gaza,” said Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, of the German Marshall Fund in Ankara. He said Ankara is also uneasy about Israel's actions in neighbouring states, adding that the two countries' policies towards Syria clash sharply. “Turkey wants a stable Syria and one that's centralised,” he said. “Whereas Israel wants a decentralised and less stable Syria.” Turkey warns Kurdish-led fighters in Syria to join new regime or face attack Energy and Russia Turkey's close ties with Russia risk becoming another flashpoint. Sitting beside Erdogan at the Oval Office, Trump called for an end to Turkish purchases of Russian energy. He also criticised Erdogan's long-standing policy of balancing relations between Washington and Moscow. “Trump does not want a balancing Turkey, at least today,” said Aydintasbas. “That was more obvious than ever in his rhetoric and his dealings with Erdogan.” She said Erdogan had assumed for the past decade that his balancing act between the West and Russia was acceptable. “It must come as a surprise,” she added. Turkey is the third-largest importer of Russian oil and gas. But in a move seen as an attempt to placate Trump, Ankara this week signed a multibillion-dollar deal to buy US liquefied natural gas over 20 years. The two leaders also signed a strategic agreement on civil nuclear cooperation, which could pave the way for Turkey to buy US-made nuclear reactors. As Trump rails at UN and shifts Ukraine stance, Macron urges US to end Gaza war Limited gains Despite these gestures, analysts said Erdogan achieved little in return. He had hoped Trump would lift a US embargo on the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets. Instead, Trump only gave a vague promise to address the issue. For Erdogan, however, the White House meeting itself may have been the main prize. US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said before the meeting that Trump wanted to give Erdogan “legitimacy”. “For Erdogan, this is a big win,” said Sinan Ciddi, of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies. The Turkish leader, he said, has long sought a White House photo-op to showcase at home. “He gets to show that he has met the US president, has gravitas on the world stage and is signing deals with Washington,” Ciddi added. “At a time when he is jailing leaders and dismantling democratic governance inside Turkey, he is being legitimised by the leader of the so-called free world.”

Cliff May, founder and president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, details how Qatar's Al Thani family, who sheltered Hamas masterminds, uses Doha-based Al Jazeera as a sophisticated propaganda platform, sometimes pro-Muslim Brotherhood, to exert influence abroad. 1942

President Trump is about to roll out the red carpet for Turkey's President Erdogan this week in the White House, with issues like a “large-scale” purchase of Boeing aircraft, a “big deal” for F-16s, and Turkey's desire to acquire F-35s set to dominate the agenda. Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Turkish politics, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down what's at stake and why the US is facing a moment of truth when it comes to Turkey.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:An autocratic Turkey does not deserve US military aidTurkey's Erdogan gets Trump's red carpet — but don't reward his treachery with US fighter jetsTurkey plans to buy hundreds of Boeing airliners and Lockheed Martin fighters, Bloomberg News reportsHigh-tech tax authority helps Greece return to Europe's financial mainstreamHow Greece's neglected power grid fuels wildfire destruction

Dr. Jim Lewis, a distinguished fellow with the Tech Policy Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis, and Mark Montgomery, a retired US Navy rear admiral who is now the senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies as well as a Cyberspace Solarium Commission senior adviser, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss Russia's recent cyber attacks on European airports as well as drone attacks and fighter incursions on NATO members; how allies must respond; outlook for TikTok in the United States; and reauthorization of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

PREVIEW: GUEST: Bridget Toomey SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Bridget Toomey of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies about the Houthis, who continue daily attacks against Israel. The UK and Saudi Arabia launched an initiative to support Yemen's Coast Guard to slow Houthi resupply from Iran. Ending the Houthi threat would likely require ground action by Yemeni and Gulf forces, although Israel is attempting air strikes to limit capabilities and target Houthi leadership. The US appears "out of the fight" for the time being. 1926 YEMEN

Glenn goes through who will attend the memorial service for civil rights leader Charlie Kirk, to be held this weekend at State Farm Stadium. Every faction of the Republican movement and even some of the Democrat side is expected to make an appearance to honor Charlie Kirk's legacy. The guys react to actors Rainn Wilson and Mark Ruffalo denouncing any leftist celebrating Charlie Kirk's assassination. Was ABC looking for a reason to oust Jimmy Kimmel due to his abysmal ratings? Glenn reacts to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr's breakdown of Jimmy Kimmel's show being suspended. Washington Examiner national political reporter Salena Zito joins to share how Charlie Kirk's assassination is having a bigger impact on everyday Americans than people realize. Foundation for Defense of Democracies senior adjunct fellow Peter Doran joins to expose the global threat that looms over America as foreign enemies want Americans divided over Charlie Kirk's assassination. Grace City Church lead pastor Josh McPherson joins to discuss the revival that is forming to honor Charlie Kirk. Host of "Your Welcome" Michael Malice joins to discuss the Left being more outraged over Jimmy Kimmel's show being terminated than the political assassination of Charlie Kirk.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE 1957 9-15-25 GOOD EVENING.  THE SHOW BEGINS IN TROUBLED AMERICA... FIRST HOUR 9-915 HEADLINE: Global Allies Worry About US Division, Adversaries Exploit Weakness GUEST AND TITLE: Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute Director of Eurasia Project; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Ambassador Husain Haqqani states US allies are "very worried" by American internal division and extreme rhetoric, unlike past unity. Bill Roggio notes similar European issues, but the US now seems to lead in domestic disorder. Adversaries like China, Russia, and Islamist extremists exploit this polarization, using social media manipulation and citing Western decline. Both emphasize leaders must reduce aggressive rhetoric, promote bipartisan cooperation, and control social media to heal divisions, advocating for unity to counter external exploitation and domestic radicalization. 915-930 HEADLINE: Global Allies Worry About US Division, Adversaries Exploit Weakness GUEST AND TITLE: Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute Director of Eurasia Project; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies 930-945 HEADLINE: Political Crises Deepen in Brazil and Venezuela Amidst US Pressure GUEST AND TITLE: Alejandro Peña Esclusa, Venezuelan writer and thinker; Ernesto Araújo, former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Brazil SUMMARY: Ernesto Araújo discusses former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's conviction for an alleged assassination plot, calling it a "show trial" despite a dissenting judge's opinion. He notes Bolsonaro's failed anti-system movement. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports a US military buildup near Venezuela, fostering internal military discussions about turning in Maduro. Both believe their countries' fates are linked; Venezuela's liberation could expose a crime network, potentially delegitimizing Lula's regime and fostering broader Latin American freedom 945-1000 HEADLINE: Political Crises Deepen in Brazil and Venezuela Amidst US Pressure GUEST AND TITLE: Alejandro Peña Esclusa, Venezuelan writer and thinker; Ernesto Araújo, former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Brazil SUMMARY: Ernesto Araújo discusses former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's conviction for an alleged assassination plot, calling it a "show trial" despite a dissenting judge's opinion. He notes Bolsonaro's failed anti-system movement. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports a US military buildup near Venezuela, fostering internal military discussions about turning in Maduro. Both believe their countries' fates are linked; Venezuela's liberation could expose a crime network, potentially delegitimizing Lula's regime and fostering broader Latin American freedom SECOND HOUR 10-1015 HEADLINE: Houthis Remain Undeterred Despite Israeli Strikes and US Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: Bridget Toomey, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Houthi Watcher; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Bridget Toomey reports Houthis continue daily drone and missile launches towards Israel, with Israeli Iron Dome defenses proving effective. Israel responded with strikes on Houthi military and media infrastructure in Sana'a, causing civilian casualties. US Treasury sanctioned 32 Houthi-affiliated individuals/entities for supporting Iranian-backed smuggling networks. Toomey confirms Iran absolutely provides weapons, mostly via ship routes, despite interdiction efforts. She notes Houthis are undeterred, fueled by past attacks, and will likely continue unless Iran is held accountable. Bill Roggio critiques a recent, unsuccessful Israeli strike in Doha. 1015-1030 HEADLINE: Houthis Remain Undeterred Despite Israeli Strikes and US Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: Bridget Toomey, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Houthi Watcher; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Bridget Toomey reports Houthis continue daily drone and missile launches towards Israel, with Israeli Iron Dome defenses proving effective. Israel responded with strikes on Houthi military and media infrastructure in Sana'a, causing civilian casualties. US Treasury sanctioned 32 Houthi-affiliated individuals/entities for supporting Iranian-backed smuggling networks. Toomey confirms Iran absolutely provides weapons, mostly via ship routes, despite interdiction efforts. She notes Houthis are undeterred, fueled by past attacks, and will likely continue unless Iran is held accountable. Bill Roggio critiques a recent, unsuccessful Israeli strike in Doha. 1030-1045 HEADLINE: South Korea's President Accused of Aligning with CCP and North Korea GUEST AND TITLE: Morse Tan, former US Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice; Gordon Chang, author and geopolitical analyst SUMMARY: Morse Tan and Gordon Chang discuss South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's policies, including a visa waiver for Chinese tourists, which Tan likens to CCP tactics. Tan claims Yoon aligns with the Chinese Communist Party and North Korea, dismantling counterintelligence and attending parades with Putin and Kim Jong-un. He reports Chinese nationals, pro-Yoon, illegally voted, and a third of South Korean police are reportedly CCP operatives. Yoon'sapproval is low, with most Koreans distrusting the CCP and prioritizing the US alliance. 1045-1100 HEADLINE: China's Advanced Weapon Systems and Global Asteroid Defense Ambitions GUEST AND TITLE: Rick Fisher, Senior Fellow, International Assessment and Strategy Center; Gordon Chang, author and geopolitical analyst SUMMARY: Rick Fisher discusses China's new DF-26D ballistic missile, capable of intercepting aircraft carriers up to 4,000 km, and other advanced unmanned weapon systems surpassing US capabilities. Gordon Chang questions US defense against these hypersonic threats. Fisher notes Russia's Energia space program faces financial distress due to the Ukraine war. China proposes an international asteroid defense, inviting global participation. Fisher warns this PLA-controlled initiative could be a front to develop anti-satellite capabilities and challenge the US in future conflicts. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 HEADLINE: Ukraine Advances in Sumy, NATO Urged to Boost Russia Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: John Hardie, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of DemocraciesSUMMARY: John Hardie discusses Ukrainian advances in the Sumy border area, noting Russia has redeployed better units to other regions like Donetsk, focusing on areas near Pokrovsk. He suggests Ukraine's counterattacks are part of an active defense, and their focus on Pokrovsk is strategically sound despite manpower shortages. Hardie highlights recent massive Russian drone barrages, including one into Poland, as a "wake-up call" for NATO to improve cost-effective air defenses. He advocates for stronger US secondary sanctions on Russian oil revenue and untying Ukraine's hands for long-range strikes. 1115-1130 HEADLINE: Ukraine Advances in Sumy, NATO Urged to Boost Russia Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: John Hardie, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies130-1145 HEADLINE: MIT Professor Explains the Discovery of Ionic Liquid, Expanding Search for Extraterrestrial Life GUEST AND TITLE: Professor Sara Seager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; David Livingston, Dr. Space of the Space Show SUMMARY: Professor Sara Seager discusses the accidental lab discovery of ionic liquids, a non-evaporating liquid salt potentially sustaining life on planets without water, expanding the traditional "habitable zone" concept. She envisions future missions like a Solar Gravitational Lens Telescope. For her lifetime, Professor Seager prioritizes privately funded "Morning Star missions" to Venus, beginning with Rocket Lab in 2026, to directly study its cloud particles for signs of life in this overlooked sister planet.1145-1200 HEADLINE: MIT Professor Explains the Discovery of Ionic Liquid, Expanding Search for Extraterrestrial Life GUEST AND TITLE: Professor Sara Seager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; David Livingston, Dr. Space of the Space Show SUMMARY: Professor Sara Seager discusses the accidental lab discovery of ionic liquids, a non-evaporating liquid salt potentially sustaining life on planets without water, expanding the traditional "habitable zone" concept. She envisions future missions like a Solar Gravitational Lens Telescope. For her lifetime, Professor Seager prioritizes privately funded "Morning Star missions" to Venus, beginning with Rocket Lab in 2026, to directly study its cloud particles for signs of life in this overlooked sister planet FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 HEADLINE: US Diplomat Addresses Failed Doha Strike Amidst Iranian Defiance GUEST AND TITLE: Mary Kissel, Executive Vice President, Stephens Incorporated, former Senior Advisor for the Secretary of State SUMMARY: Mary Kissel discusses Secretary of State Marco Rubio's diplomatic shuttle after an unsuccessful Israeli airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leadership. Despite the failure, she believes Israel's defense capabilities and past decapitation efforts were incredible, fostering public resolve against terrorism. Kissel notes Qatar's role as a money-laundering center and host of terror groups, despite its strategic importance to the US. She emphasizes that Iran, the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism, remains defiant regarding its nuclear and missile programs, posing an ongoing challenge for Israel and the US.1215-1230 Guest Names: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio Summary: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio discuss Al-Sharaa, the self-named president of Syria, who was appointed by militia leaders. His loyalist-drafted constitution grants him extensive powers, with key ministries held by former HTScommanders, and minority representatives serving as mere tokens. Formal Name: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio, Foundation for the Defense of Democracies 1230-1245 HEADLINE: Genocide Allegations Against Israel Debunked by Expert Analysis GUEST AND TITLE: Peter Berkowitz, Tad and Diane Taube Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University SUMMARY: Peter Berkowitz debunks genocide allegations against Israel, emphasizing the UN definition requires intent to destroy a group. He questions the credibility of the International Association of Genocide Scholars. Berkowitz highlights the absurdity, noting the Palestinian population tripled since the 1980s despite such claims. He attributes propaganda success to Hamas's use of human shields, shifting responsibility for civilian casualties. A comprehensive report systematically refutes claims of deliberate starvation, civilian targeting, and infrastructure bombing, demonstrating Israel's precautions.1245-100 AM HEADLINE: Genocide Allegations Against Israel Debunked by Expert Analysis GUEST AND TITLE: Peter Berkowitz, Tad and Diane Taube Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University SUMMARY: Peter Berkowitz debunks genocide allegations against Israel, emphasizing the UN definition require

HEADLINE: Global Allies Worry About US Division, Adversaries Exploit Weakness GUEST AND TITLE: Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute Director of Eurasia Project; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Ambassador Husain Haqqani states US allies are "very worried" by American internal division and extreme rhetoric, unlike past unity. Bill Roggio notes similar European issues, but the US now seems to lead in domestic disorder. Adversaries like China, Russia, and Islamist extremists exploit this polarization, using social media manipulation and citing Western decline. Both emphasize leaders must reduce aggressive rhetoric, promote bipartisan cooperation, and control social media to heal divisions, advocating for unity to counter external exploitation and domestic radicalization. 1957

HEADLINE: Global Allies Worry About US Division, Adversaries Exploit Weakness GUEST AND TITLE: Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute Director of Eurasia Project; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Ambassador Husain Haqqani states US allies are "very worried" by American internal division and extreme rhetoric, unlike past unity. Bill Roggio notes similar European issues, but the US now seems to lead in domestic disorder. Adversaries like China, Russia, and Islamist extremists exploit this polarization, using social media manipulation and citing Western decline. Both emphasize leaders must reduce aggressive rhetoric, promote bipartisan cooperation, and control social media to heal divisions, advocating for unity to counter external exploitation and domestic radicalization.

HEADLINE: Houthis Remain Undeterred Despite Israeli Strikes and US Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: Bridget Toomey, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Houthi Watcher; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Bridget Toomey reports Houthis continue daily drone and missile launches towards Israel, with Israeli Iron Dome defenses proving effective. Israel responded with strikes on Houthi military and media infrastructure in Sana'a, causing civilian casualties. US Treasury sanctioned 32 Houthi-affiliated individuals/entities for supporting Iranian-backed smuggling networks. Toomey confirms Iran absolutely provides weapons, mostly via ship routes, despite interdiction efforts. She notes Houthis are undeterred, fueled by past attacks, and will likely continue unless Iran is held accountable. Bill Roggio critiques a recent, unsuccessful Israeli strike in Doha. 1943

HEADLINE: Houthis Remain Undeterred Despite Israeli Strikes and US Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: Bridget Toomey, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Houthi Watcher; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Bridget Toomey reports Houthis continue daily drone and missile launches towards Israel, with Israeli Iron Dome defenses proving effective. Israel responded with strikes on Houthi military and media infrastructure in Sana'a, causing civilian casualties. US Treasury sanctioned 32 Houthi-affiliated individuals/entities for supporting Iranian-backed smuggling networks. Toomey confirms Iran absolutely provides weapons, mostly via ship routes, despite interdiction efforts. She notes Houthis are undeterred, fueled by past attacks, and will likely continue unless Iran is held accountable. Bill Roggio critiques a recent, unsuccessful Israeli strike in Doha. 1940

HEADLINE: Ukraine Advances in Sumy, NATO Urged to Boost Russia Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: John Hardie, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: John Hardie discusses Ukrainian advances in the Sumy border area, noting Russia has redeployed better units to other regions like Donetsk, focusing on areas near Pokrovsk. He suggests Ukraine's counterattacks are part of an active defense, and their focus on Pokrovsk is strategically sound despite manpower shortages. Hardie highlights recent massive Russian drone barrages, including one into Poland, as a "wake-up call" for NATO to improve cost-effective air defenses. He advocates for stronger US secondary sanctions on Russian oil revenue and untying Ukraine's hands for long-range strikes. 1954

HEADLINE: Ukraine Advances in Sumy, NATO Urged to Boost Russia Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: John Hardie, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: John Hardie discusses Ukrainian advances in the Sumy border area, noting Russia has redeployed better units to other regions like Donetsk, focusing on areas near Pokrovsk. He suggests Ukraine's counterattacks are part of an active defense, and their focus on Pokrovsk is strategically sound despite manpower shortages. Hardie highlights recent massive Russian drone barrages, including one into Poland, as a "wake-up call" for NATO to improve cost-effective air defenses. He advocates for stronger US secondary sanctions on Russian oil revenue and untying Ukraine's hands for long-range strikes.

PREVIEW. HEADLINE TOPIC: Analysis of Drones in Polish Airspace and Ukrainian Barrage GUEST NAMES: John Hardie, Bill Roggio GUEST NAME AND TITLE: John Hardie of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Bill Roggio of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies PREVIEW: John Hardie and Bill Roggio joined John Batchelor to discuss recent drone activity, including a barrage of 815 drones against Ukraine and 19-20 Shahed-type drones entering Polish airspace. These drones, possibly decoys without warheads and potentially fitted with extra fuel tanks for range extension, originated from Belarus amidst an exercise. Hardie doubts the Polish incident was an accident, citing flight paths, number, and extended range capabilities. NATO tracked all drones, intercepting those posing a threat. The discussion aims to determine if the incursions were purposeful or accidental, providing a helpful analysis of the events. 1955

Wild news from the Middle East today as Israel hit a building in Doha where senior Hamas leadership were gathered to reportedly discuss the latest American and Israeli proposal to end the war and bring the hostages home. We caught up with FDD Senior Fellow and State of Tel Aviv friend and regular, Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus to discuss what we know, what we don't and what this might portend. Both Jonathan and I are on the road, so this episode has no visuals - other than at the very outset. It's an old-fashioned audio only podcast - we thought it important to skip the bells and whistles and get the information out to our listeners ASAP.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivJonathan Conricus is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington D.C.-based think tank. He served in the IDF for 24 years, four of them as spokesman during the intense 11 days of the Guardian of the Walls Operation between Israel and Hamas. Now a reserve officer with the rank of Lt. Col., he is a sought-after speaker internationally and is frequently seen on major television news shows. Jonathan was born in Jerusalem to a Swedish father and an Israeli mother and spent his formative years in Sweden.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

PREVIEW:  John Hardie HEADLINE: Ukraine Scales Up Air Defense Against Russian Air Attacks SUMMARY: John Hardie of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies discusses Ukraine's enhanced air defense efforts. Pledges for Patriotsystems will counter Russian ballistic and North Korean KN-23 missile threats. Ukraine is also massively scaling up production and training of anti-aircraft drone units to effectively combat Russian Geran-2 and Geran-3 drones bombarding its cities.  MORE. 1959

BOOK TITLE: The Decisive Decade: American Grand Strategy for Triumph over China AUTHOR: Jonathan DT Ward HEADLINE: The Second Great Divergence: Democracies vs. Dictatorships in the Economic Battleground Jonathan DT Ward introduces the "second great divergence" as an opportunity for democracies to economically surpass dictatorships like China and Russia. This involves seizing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and denying economic advantages to adversaries. China's economic strategies aim to achieve global preeminence, but the US and its allies can counter this by leveraging their collective economic power, rebuilding industrial bases, and competing effectively in the emerging world. 1922 EKING PSTUDENTS GOING ABROAD TO STUDY

Over the weekend, President Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as a character from the war film “Apocalypse Now” and, in that same post, seemingly threatened “WAR” in Chicago; later, the president indicated that sending in troops would be to clean up cities, not to go to war. But weeks of talk of sending federal troops into Chicago has set the city on edge.NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with Dr. Robert Pape, a professor of political science at the University of Chicago who has studied political violence for 30 years, and who worries his city could be a powder keg.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Henry Larson and Avery Keatley. It was edited by Sarah Handel. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Guest Name: Cliff May • Affiliation: Founder and President of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies • Summary: The conversation challenges current energy policies, noting that fossil fuels still provide over 81% of global energy despite decades of renewables promotion. Cliff May argues that climate policy often weakens the US while adversaries like China and Russia continue to rely on coal and hydrocarbons without climate concerns. He emphasizes energy security as intrinsic to national security, criticizing government subsidies as ineffective and prone to cronyism. 1900 MIAMI RIVER

In the span of just twelve days, the strategic balance of the Middle East was fundamentally altered. Israel systematically dismantled Iran's drones, missiles, and air defenses, while American strikes turned its most important nuclear facilities into dust. But for all of that, another aspect of the war may not yet have gotten enough attention, and that is the demonstration of what American energy dominance can make possible. What does it mean that oil did not rise over $100 per barrel, as some predicted it might, and how did American policymakers ensure that it didn't? The answer to that question lies in part in the creation in February 2025 of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC). Our guest today is Richard Goldberg, a senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who recently served as senior counselor to the NEDC. In conversation with Mosaic's editor Jonathan Silver, Goldberg examines what he calls “a National Security Council for energy,” its role in crafting a whole-of-government approach to coordinating American energy policy, and what it tells us about President Trump's vision for American power. We are currently living through a three-way strategic competition among the United States, China, and Iran for influence in the Middle East—and energy is the battleground. China is pouring billions into its Belt and Road infrastructure projects across the region while buying Iranian oil in defiance of sanctions. Iran is using energy revenues to fund proxy networks from Iraq to Yemen, threatening the very shipping lanes that global commerce depends on. The Trump administration's answer is to turn American energy abundance into a strategic weapon. To this end, it has signed an energy- and AI-cooperation agreement with Israel—designed to combine Israeli innovation with American infrastructure to dominate the technologies of the future. The administration is also working to cut off Iran's energy lifelines, ending waivers that allowed Iraq to buy Iranian oil and gas. It's also pushing massive infrastructure projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor that would run through Israel and bypass both Iranian threats and Chinese influence. Coordinating and advancing these policies is the work of the NEDC, and Goldberg was in the room during the twelve-day war and the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, as well as for the signing of that unprecedented U.S.-Israel energy-cooperation agreement during Prime Minister Netanyahu's July visit to Washington. Now that he no longer holds public office, he can talk about the experience.

John Batchelor 09-03 segment 15.mp3 Guest: Janatyn Sayeh from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Iran's Nuclear Dilemma and Regional Threats Janatyn Sayeh discusses the looming snapback mechanism of the 2015 JCPOA, which could reinstate UN sanctions on Iran if it fails to comply with demands. Iran's non-compliance has its currency hitting new lows, yet Tehran threatens regional war and exiting the NPT if sanctions return. Sayeh notes Iran seeks rearmament, primarily from China, with Belarus and North Korea acting as potential intermediaries for Russian weapons. 1852 TEHRAN

SHOW SCHEDULE  9-3-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR GOOD EVENING: The show begins in Beijing, watching the trio of Xi, Putin and Kim review the display of offensive weapons and offensive battalions. FIRST HOUR 9-915 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 1.mp3 Guest: Colonel Jeff McCausland, United States Army retired artilleryman, CBS News, Dickinson College visiting professor, and Diamond 6 Leadership and Strategy CEO. Global Geopolitics and Military Displays Colonel Jeff McCausland discusses a Beijing military parade featuring Xi Jinping, Kim Jong-un, and Vladimir Putin, interpreting it as a message of strength and innovation, not peace, while downplaying the US role in WWII. He also covers the static battle lines in Ukraine, European proposals for a military force, and US involvement in Middle East conflicts in Yemen and Gaza, noting a tactical agreement with the Houthis. 915-930 : John Batchelor 09-03 segment 2.mp3 Guest: Colonel Jeff McCausland, United States Army retired artilleryman, CBS News, Dickinson College visiting professor, and Diamond 6 Leadership and Strategy CEO. Pentagon's Evolving Mission and Global Order Colonel Jeff McCausland discusses the new national military strategy emphasizing homeland defense as the primary mission for the Department of Defense, shifting from an international "cop on the beat" role to a domestic one. This is reflected in increased border forces and Caribbean operations. McCausland also touches on China's ambition to establish a new global order, returning to its perceived historical position as a superpower, utilizing organizations like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.930-945 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 3.mp3 Guest: John Cochrane at the Hoover Institution. Federal Reserve Independence and Financial Regulation John Cochrane explores the complex debate on whether financial regulation should be integrated with or separated from monetary policy and less independent of Congress. He raises concerns about the Fed's independence, its failure to foresee the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, and the "too big to fail" phenomenon. Cochrane also discusses the risks of the Fed monetizing debt, its stance on stablecoins, and how its actions influence fiscal policy. 945-1000 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 4.mp3 Guest: John Cochrane of the Hoover Institution. Reforming the Federal Reserve's Role John Cochrane addresses proposals to reorganize the Federal Reserve, questioning whether it should become more political or have its scope narrowed to monetary policy, his preferred option. He criticizes the Fed'spandemic response, specifically its decision to print trillions of dollars for deficits, which he argues was a choice leading to the 2022 inflation. Cochrane also examines the wisdom of Quantitative Easing (QE), suggesting it had limited economic impact but expanded the Fed's political influence. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 5.mp3 Guests: Gordon Chang and General Blaine Holt, US Air Force General, retired. China's Historical Revisionism and Autocratic Alliances Gordon Chang and General Blaine Holtdiscuss China's military parade, led by Xi Jinping, which falsely claims Chinese victory over Japan in WWII, omitting the US and Allied contributions. Holt views the parade as theater for a crumbling Belt and Road Initiative, not a united front. They note India's absence from the parade due to animosity with China. Despite appearances, Putin and Kim Jong-un also have underlying animosity towards Xi Jinping, making their alliance one of expediency, not unity.1015-1030 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 6.mp3 Guests: Gordon Chang and Peter Huessy, President of Geostrategic Analysis, a fellow at the National Institute for Deterrent Studies. China's Nuclear Ambitions and Arms Control Challenges Peter Huessy describes China's nuclear weapons as tools for coercion and hegemonic goals, a stark contrast to the US view of deterrence. He notes China's rapid nuclear buildup, exceeding Soviet Union rates during the Cold War. Huessy and Gordon Chang discuss the imminent expiration of the New Start treaty with Russia and the absence of arms control talks with China, which has historically aided proliferation. This signals a "brave new world" with zero legal restraint on nuclear weapons.1030-1045 : John Batchelor 09-03 segment 7.mp3 Guests: Gordon Chang and Captain James Fanell, United States Navy retired, intelligence officer for the Seventh Fleet and for the Indo-Pacific Theater. Pacific Tensions: Philippines, China, and US Naval Strategy Captain James Fanell and Gordon Chang analyze China's strategic ambition to subjugate the Philippines, building militarized islands in the South China Sea. Fanell highlights Scarborough Shoal as a critical "cork in the bottle," potentially used by China as a military base. He notes the Philippines' new forward operating base with anti-ship missiles in the Bashi Channel as a counter. Fanell suggests a reinvigorated US Navymorale and a shift in the Pentagon's approach to deter China.1045-1100 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 8.mp3 Guests: Gordon Chang and Rebecca Grant, Vice President of the Lexington Institute. Venezuela, Guyana, and US Deterrence in the Caribbean Rebecca Grant discusses Guyana'sburgeoning oil wealth and Venezuela's threatening territorial claims under Maduro, who also opposes democracy. She and Gordon Chang analyze a significant US Navy presence off Venezuela's coast, including destroyers and a Marine Expeditionary Unit, as a strong deterrent against Maduro's actions and his alliances with Russia and China. Grantindicates improving morale and combat readiness within the US Navy, emphasizing its vital role in global operations. THIRD HOUR John Batchelor 09-03 segment 9.mp3 Guest: Brett Arends of Market Watch (Return on Investment). Bond Market Anxiety and Federal Reserve Pressures Brett Arends explains the bond market's current unhappiness stems from unsustainable national debt and uncertainty surrounding President Trump's tariffs. He clarifies that the Fedcontrols short-term rates, while the bond market sets long-term rates. Arends warns that Trump's pressure on the Fed to cut short-term rates could paradoxically cause long-term rates, including mortgage rates, to rise, hurting the economy and exacerbating market nervousness. He emphasizes the need for fiscal sustainability. 1100-1115 : John Batchelor 09-03 segment 9.mp3 Guest: Brett Arends of Market Watch (Return on Investment). Bond Market Anxiety and Federal Reserve Pressures Brett Arends explains the bond market's current unhappiness stems from unsustainable national debt and uncertainty surrounding President Trump's tariffs. He clarifies that the Fedcontrols short-term rates, while the bond market sets long-term rates. Arends warns that Trump's pressure on the Fed to cut short-term rates could paradoxically cause long-term rates, including mortgage rates, to rise, hurting the economy and exacerbating market nervousness. He emphasizes the need for fiscal sustainability. 1115-1130 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 10.mp3 Guest: Brett Arends of Market Watch. Addressing Bond Market Turmoil Brett Arends explains that the troubled bond market stems from unsustainable national debt and recent court rulings questioning President Trump's tariffs. He advises Donald Trump to support Federal Reserve independence, abandon attacks on Jerome Powell and Lisa Cook, and work with Congress on tariffs to ensure fiscal sustainability and calm market anxieties. Arends notes that gold's all-time high reflects a lack of market confidence.1130-1145 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 11.mp3 Guest: Bob Zimmerman who keeps the website Behind the Black. New Discoveries in Space and Planetary Science Bob Zimmerman highlights new solar research using the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter probe, improving predictions of solar events that impact Earth's technology. He discusses the uniqueness of stars, Juice's Venus flyby en route to Jupiter, and Mars' chaotic mantle structure. Zimmermanemphasizes Mars' ample near-surface ice, making it attractive for colonization, and presents an exoplanet found in an accretion disc, challenging planetary formation theories.1145-1200 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 12.mp3 Guest: Bob Zimmerman who keeps the website Behind the Black. NASA Unionization and SpaceX Milestones Bob Zimmerman addresses the recent executive order by President Trumpeliminating unions at NASA and other agencies, arguing that government unions are inefficient and costly. He then praises SpaceX's achievements, including a Falcon 9 first stage completing its 30th flight—a new reuse record. Zimmerman notes SpaceX is significantly reducing launch costs and enabling new space technologies like Starlink, also mentioning the reuse of a Starship super heavy booster. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 13.mp3 Guest: Simon Constable writing for The Wall Street Journal and other distinguished publications. European Politics, Commodities, and Digital Identity Debates Simon Constable reports on pleasant weather in the South of France and seasonal produce. He reviews commodity prices, noting gold's all-time high, coffee's surge, and orange juice's decline. Constable discusses political crises in France, with President Macronfacing a no-confidence vote, and the UK, where Keir Starmer struggles with spending cuts and migration. He advocates for digital national ID cards as the only reasonable solution to migration.1215-1230 : John Batchelor 09-03 segment 14.mp3 Guest: Simon Constable writing for The Wall Street Journal and other distinguished publications. The Rise of AI in Romance Simon Constable shares surprising polling data from the Kinsey Institute on romantic engagement with AI. He reveals that 16% of single adult Americans romantically interact with AI, with Gen Z being the most likely cohort at 33%. Furthermore, 44% of single Americans dating AI believe emotional support from an AI partner is superior to human support, highlighting a stark generational shift in romantic relationships.1230-1245 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 15.mp3 Guest: Janatyn Sayeh from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Iran's Nuclear Dilemma and Regional Threats Janatyn Sayeh discusses the looming snapback mechanism of the 2015 JCPOA, which could reinstate UN sanctions on Iran if it fails to comply with demands. Iran's non-compliance has its currency hitting new lows, yet Tehran threatens regional war and exiting the NPT if sanctions return. Sayeh notes Iran seeks rearmament, primarily from China, with Belarus and North Korea acting as potential intermediaries for Russian weapons.1245-100 AM John Batchelor 09-03 segment 16.mp3 Guest: Ivana Stradner from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. Autocracy and Protests in the Western Balkans Ivana Stradner reports on mass protests in Belgrade demanding snap elections following a fatal accident and criticizing President Alexander Vučić's autocratic regime, which she likens to "Belarus 2.0". Vučić is accused of corruption and suppressing free media, while fostering close military and economic ties with China and Russia to maintain power and "blackmail" the West. Stradner expresses concern over the repression against Serbian people.

 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 16.mp3 Guest: Ivana Stradner from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. Autocracy and Protests in the Western Balkans Ivana Stradner reports on mass protests in Belgrade demanding snap elections following a fatal accident and criticizing President Alexander Vučić's autocratic regime, which she likens to "Belarus 2.0". Vučić is accused of corruption and suppressing free media, while fostering close military and economic ties with China and Russia to maintain power and "blackmail" the West. Stradner expresses concern over the repression against Serbian people. 1904 DANUBE

The Economist just ran a story about the Shanghai Co-operation Organization summit that took place, calling it Xi Jinping's anti-American party. This party also included world leaders like Turkish President Erdogan. Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Turkish politics, joins Thanos Davelis as we look into Erdogan's cozying up to China and what it means for the US.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Xi Jinping's anti-American partyTurkey's Erdogan holds hands with Iran's Pezeshkian, sparks online buzzPutin, Modi and Erdoğan among leaders in China for talks with XiMitsotakis and Erdogan likely to meet this monthAthens sends message to Nicosia over power cable project

The United States deploying a guided missile cruiser, amphibious ships, a submarine, and over four thousand troops near Venezuela's coast has escalated tensions with the Venezuelan government. The United States has labeled the President Maduro regime a 'Global Terrorist Organization' and the deployment will be a part of an operation to combat drug trafficking. President Maduro claims Washington is seeking regime change and has promised to declare a 'republic in arms' if the United States forces attack Venezuela in anyway. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Retired U-S Navy Admiral Mark Montgomery, a Former Policy Director For the Senate Armed Services Committee, and now with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, who says he supports President Trump's move but he could have used different assets. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: President Trump sparks heated debate with his proposal to allow 600,000 Chinese students to study in the United States. Frank Gaffney of the Institute for the American Future joins us to break it down. Is Hezbollah finally down for the count? Lebanon is floating a plan to persuade the militant group to disarm, while Israel signals it might pull its forces back. We'll get analysis from David Daoud of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com.Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Jacked Up Fitness: Get the all-new Shake Weight by Jacked Up Fitness at https://JackedUpShakeWeight.comCBDistillery: Visit https://CBDistillery.com and use promo code PDB for 25% off your entire order!Stash Financial: Don't Let your money sit around. Go to https://get.stash.com/PDB to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this episode commercial free at https://angryplanetpod.comIf the internet is a battlefield, does that mean the United States needs a new military force to dominate it?On this episode of Angry Planet, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Edward Charles Cardon and former House Armed Services Committee Democratic staffer Joshua Stiefel make the case for spinning off the Cyber Force into an independent branch. Both are part of a new commission at the Center for Strategic and International Studies — partnered with Jason's new bosses at Foundation for Defense of Democracies — with the goal of preparing for a new branch that both feel is inevitable.It's a wild and wandering conversation that touches on Neuromancer, AI, and fighting a cyber war against the Islamic State.“A Cyber Force is inevitable”How cyber works nowFrom Army Air Service to Air Force to Space ForceVolt Typhoon as warningIt's hard to recruit hackersThe Goldwater-Nichols Act mentioned, drinkBasic training for hackers?A retired Lt. General at DefconThe weird nebulous thinking of AI and cyberThe Army has soldiers, the Space Force has Guardians, what about Cyber Force?Neuromancers? Hackers?“The leaders of this domain have to understand the people they're talking to.”Change is only possible in the aftermath of something cataclysmic“AI is gonna put the offense on steroids”Glowing SymphonyIslamic State as the model conflictCSIS Launches Commission on Cyber Force Generation in Partnership With Cyber SolariumUnited States Cyber Force: A Defense ImperativeVolt TyphoonGoldwater-Nichols Act of 1986The Rise of ‘Vibe Hacking' Is the Next AI NightmareRussia Is Suspected to Be Behind Breach of Federal Court Filing SystemOperation Glowing SymphonySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/warcollege. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe to Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.orgGift a subscription of Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.org/giftsSubscribe to Amit Segal's newsletter ‘It's Noon in Israel': arkmedia.org/amitsegal/Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastCheck out Ark Media's other podcasts: For Heaven's Sake: lnk.to/rfGlrA‘What's Your Number?': lnk.to/rbGlvMFor sponsorship inquiries, please contact: callmeback@arkmedia.orgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: arkmedia.org/Ark Media on Instagram: instagram.com/arkmediaorgDan on X: x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: instagram.com/dansenorTo order Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel: tinyurl.com/bdeyjsdnToday's Episode: On Friday, August 22, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) – a global hunger monitor backed by the U.N. – declared for the first time that famine had struck North Gaza. Israel quickly denied the charge, accusing the IPC of “biased and self-interested sources originating from Hamas.”It's hard to identify the truth about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, but one thing is clear: the U.N. has worked to weaponize the famine narrative as part of its campaign against Israel and against the Israel/US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which supplanted much of the U.N.'s role in Gaza.To discuss this disturbing part of the equation, we are joined by Rich Goldberg. Rich is a senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He served in both Trump administrations, including on the White House National Security Council staff. He also spent a decade on Capitol Hill, as an aide to a U.S. House Member and U.S. Senator, where Rich worked on congressional oversight of U.N. Programs in the Middle East. CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY - Executive ProducerMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorMARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional EditingMAYA RACKOFF - Operations DirectorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer

Is Trump on the verge of brokering a deal to end the war in Ukraine? Buck is joined by Bill Roggio, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and editor of the Long War Journal, to break down the realities on the battlefield, Russia’s war strategy, Ukraine’s uphill fight, and what a Trump-led peace effort might actually achieve. Never miss a moment from Buck by subscribing to the Buck Sexton Show Podcast on IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! Connect with Buck Sexton:Facebook – / bucksexton X – @bucksexton Instagram – @bucksexton TikTok - @BuckSexton YouTube - @BuckSexton Website – https://www.bucksexton.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As global tensions flare, Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies joins the show for an incisive threat assessment. - - - Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 - - - Privacy Policy: https://www.dailywire.com/privacy morning wire,morning wire podcast,the morning wire podcast,Georgia Howe,John Bickley,daily wire podcast,podcast,news podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices