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Liz Peek Liz Peek discusses the "AI bubble," noting the Magnificent Seven stocks are priced to perfection amidst concerns that massive investments may not yield adequate returns, observes that although the market is "risk off" the US economy seems "okay" according to data points, and expresses alarm about New York Mayor-Elect Mamdani, a socialist without management expertise who is surrounding himself with ideologues, including Hassan Sheheryar, his transition director, who is "clearly anti-Semitic" and anti-Israel, raising significant concerns for the city.E

CONTINUED ALSO NYC MAYORALTY Liz Peek Liz Peek discusses the "AI bubble," noting the Magnificent Seven stocks are priced to perfection amidst concerns that massive investments may not yield adequate returns, observes that although the market is "risk off"...

Charles Burton Charles Burton discusses his book, The Beaver and the Dragon, illustrating China's fundamental untrustworthiness and statistical manipulation, which has intensified under centralized leadership, noting Canada's past cooperation with China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) failed as officials often falsely reported data, and despite historical deception and security risks, there is a push in Canada to increase trade with China to offset trade issues with the United States, with Burton cautioning that trusting the Chinese Communist Party has always "gone badly wrong."

Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses the US military presence off Venezuela, noting President Trump seeks a negotiated outcome with Maduro to avoid long-term intervention, 

Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg analyzes the BBC political bias scandal, which is significant because the BBC is "omnipresent" and arranges the "mental furniture for British society," noting the BBC, funded largely by a mandatory license fee, faced allegations ranging from deceptive editing of President Trump's remarks to the Arabic service pushing Hamas propaganda potentially fueling anti-Semitism, while domestically discussing the UK Labour Party's dilemma over controversial immigration policies to control illegal channel crossings, a crisis that has strengthened Nigel Farage's Reform party.

SHOW  11-18-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1894 "THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION" THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT GAZA. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Liz Peek Liz Peek discusses the "AI bubble," noting the Magnificent Seven stocks are priced to perfection amidst concerns that massive investments may not yield adequate returns, observes that although the market is "risk off" the US economy seems "okay" according to data points, and expresses alarm about New York Mayor-Elect Mamdani, a socialist without management expertise who is surrounding himself with ideologues, including Hassan Sheheryar, his transition director, who is "clearly anti-Semitic" and anti-Israel, raising significant concerns for the city.E 915-930 CONTINUED 930-945 Judy Dempsey Judy Dempsey addresses the rising costs and future decline of the global cocoa crop, linking it to transcontinental climate change caused by Amazon deforestation, criticizes the EU and NATO for reacting too slowly and lacking strategic vision concerning the Ukraine war and defense, notes European military infrastructure is inadequate for rapid deployment forcing reliance on ships instead of trains, and observes that while the Russian threat is understood by most member states, political fumbling in Germany is allowing the anti-NATO, pro-Russia AfD party to gain significant ground. 945-1000 Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses the US military presence off Venezuela, noting President Trump seeks a negotiated outcome with Maduro to avoid long-term intervention, covers Mohammed bin Salman's influence in the Abraham Accords and the challenge posed by Turkey-backed Hamas, analyzes the symbolic rail sabotage in Poland questioning Russian involvement, and addresses the declining viability of NATO's Article 5 and the potential for King Charles III to intervene in UK political chaos. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Charles Burton Charles Burton discusses his book, The Beaver and the Dragon, illustrating China's fundamental untrustworthiness and statistical manipulation, which has intensified under centralized leadership, noting Canada's past cooperation with China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) failed as officials often falsely reported data, and despite historical deception and security risks, there is a push in Canada to increase trade with China to offset trade issues with the United States, with Burton cautioning that trusting the Chinese Communist Party has always "gone badly wrong." 1015-1030 CONTINUED. 1030-1045 Jonathan Schanzer Jonathan Schanzer discusses Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), calling him a deeply flawed but essential leader driving Saudi modernization and normalization with Israel, with a "pathway to a Palestinian state" as the current diplomatic objective, emphasizing that resolving the Gaza situation and achieving broader peace hinges on eliminating Hamas, while the region faces long-term challenges from Iran and Turkey, the latter complicating Israel's security operations in chaotic Syria, with the UN endorsement of the Trump 20-point plan for Gaza reconstruction considered a landmark win. 1045-1100 CONTINUED CONTINUED KING CHARLES THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses the US military presence off Venezuela, noting President Trump seeks a negotiated outcome with Maduro to avoid long-term intervention, covers Mohammed bin Salman's influence in the Abraham Accords and the challenge posed by Turkey-backed Hamas, analyzes the symbolic rail sabotage in Poland questioning Russian involvement, and addresses the declining viability of NATO's Article 5 and the potential for King Charles III to intervene in UK political chaos. 1115-1130 CONTINUED MBS 1130-1145 CONTINUED KING CHARLES 1145-1200 CONTINUED FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Mary Kissel Mary Kissel addresses three foreign policy dilemmas: regarding Venezuela, the US military buildup is seen as leverage to force dialogue with Maduro following a successful playbook used against North Korea; in Europe, she notes a dichotomy between committed Eastern European states and "weaker lazier" Western powers regarding support for Ukraine; and the China dilemma involves whether to treat Beijing as a legitimate trading partner or an enemy narco-terrorist state responsible for exporting fentanyl precursors, with Kissel suggesting current US policy is confused and benefits the CCP. 1215-1230 1230-1245 oseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg analyzes the BBC political bias scandal, which is significant because the BBC is "omnipresent" and arranges the "mental furniture for British society," noting the BBC, funded largely by a mandatory license fee, faced allegations ranging from deceptive editing of President Trump's remarks to the Arabic service pushing Hamas propaganda potentially fueling anti-Semitism, while domestically discussing the UK Labour Party's dilemma over controversial immigration policies to control illegal channel crossings, a crisis that has strengthened Nigel Farage's Reform party. 1245-100 AM

CONTINUED Pakistan's Military Dominance: Field Marshal Munir's Power and US Relations Guest: Ambassador Husain Haqqani Ambassador Husain Haqqani detailed the institutional dominance of Pakistan's military, noting that Parliament recently granted Field Marshal Asim Munir legal immunity for life and expanded his power 1945 CHAPPAR RIFT

China's Economic Slump: Export Decline, Policy Failures, and Property Market Stagnation Guests: Anne Stevenson-Yang and Gordon Chang Anne Stevenson-Yang and Gordon Chang discussed the unprecedented slump in China's economic activity, noting cooled investment and slowing industrial output, with exports falling 25% to the US, attributing this long-term decline to the government's 2008 decision to pull back economic reforms and the current 15th Five-Year Plan lacking viable solutions or bailouts for hurting localities, while consumption remains dangerously low (around 38% of GDP) and is expected to shrink further as the government prioritizes technological development and factory production, with the property market collapsing as capital investment, land sales, and unit prices decline, forcing people to hold onto decaying apartments and risking stagnation for decades similar to Japan post-1989, a problem largely self-created due to overcapacity, although other countries like Brazil are also restricting Chinese imports.

Iraq Elections and Yemen's Houthi Crackdown Guest: Bridget Toomey Bridget Toomey discussed recent developments in Iraq and Yemen, noting that Iraqi parliamentary elections saw a higher-than-expected 56% voter turnout, with preliminary results suggesting Shiite parties close to Tehran performed well and might secure enough seats to form the next government, despite internal infighting and votes remaining largely sectarian, while Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received credit for stability and his party performed strongly, though many Iraqis doubt the elections affect real change, believing critical decisions are made via elite backroom deals, and turning to Yemen, the Houthis announced the arrest of a purported Saudi-American-Israeli spy ring, a paranoid crackdown following Israel's successful targeting of Houthi government and military leaders in August, with arrests including 59 UN workers and prosecutors requesting the death sentence for 21, aiming to intimidate domestic dissent and signal resolve to Western and regional adversaries, especially in sensitive Houthi locations in Sana'a. 1939

CONTINUED Venezuela Crisis: Potential Maduro Exit and Shifting Political Tides in Latin America Guests: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo discussed the crisis in Venezuela, noting a powerful US fleet gathered nearby, with Maduro fearing military intervention and... 1930 Caracas

Venezuela Crisis: Potential Maduro Exit and Shifting Political Tides in Latin America Guests: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo discussed the crisis in Venezuela, noting a powerful US fleet gathered nearby, with Maduro fearing military intervention and reportedly wanting to discuss surrender conditions with President Trump, though his exit is complicated by his ally Diosdado Cabello, who heads operations for the Cartel of the Suns and has no path for redemption, while Maduro's potential fall would deliver a severe blow to the organized crime and drug trafficking networks that permeate South America's political structures, with the opposition, led by María Corina Machado, having transition plans, and Brazilian President Lula neutralized from strongly opposing US actions due to ongoing tariff negotiations with Trump, as the conversation highlighted a new conservative political wave in Latin America, with optimism reported in Argentina following elections that strengthened Javier Milei, and in Chile, where conservative José Antonio Kast is strongly positioned, representing a blend of economic freedom, anti-organized crime platforms, and conservative values. 1950     

PREVIEW Chinese Central Filtering of Canadian Statistical Assistance. Charles Burton discusses Canada's 1990s statistical assistance to China, noting how central filtering distorted the results. Authorities selectively used data that fit assumptions of success, ignoring negative information or using it only to improve tax extraction. The Canadians felt readily deceived due to China's reluctance to share negative truths. Guest: Charles Burton.

Pakistan's Military Dominance: Field Marshal Munir's Power and US Relations Guest: Ambassador Husain Haqqani Ambassador Husain Haqqani detailed the institutional dominance of Pakistan's military, noting that Parliament recently granted Field Marshal Asim Munir legal immunity for life and expanded his power by designating him Chief of Defense Forces, giving him control over the entire military, as Munir aims for presidential privileges without directly taking power, backed by a national narrative that Pakistan is perpetually under threat from India, and gained significant political and psychological advantage through two meetings and praise from President Trump, despite no new US aid or weapons, while Trump, who favors strongmen, may also be using this praise to leverage concessions from Indian Prime Minister Modi, as Munir is taking risks by adopting a firmer stance regarding violence on the Northwest frontier with the Taliban, an approach not well received by the Afghans, with Pakistani politicians historically conceding ground to the military to secure a shared portion of power. 1965 INDO-PAKISTAN WAR

PREVIEW: Europe's Readiness for War and Coalitions of the Willing Guest: Judy Dempsey Judy Dempsey responds to the discussion of a "coalition of the willing" among European powers like Germany and France, expressing skepticism and noting that Europeans are not ready for war and lack awareness or panic, despite alleged Russian drone attacks and damage to Poland's train system, with such coalitions being pursued because consensus for full European political and economic integration is absent.

Londinium 91 AD: The Aging Emperor's Urgency. Gaius and Germanicus discuss the physical and mental state of emperor Trump, noting his senior age and frantic, restless pace as potentially signs of an aging brain or alternatively adrenaline and confidence. Germanicus believes the emperor is acutely self-aware of his limited time, driven by tremendous brutal urgency to secure a lasting legacy including fiscal stability, border control, and eliminating principles like DEI. However, the stress of this frantic pace combined with age could cloud his judgment, making him more impulsive or desperate. The emperor's focus on revenge cycles, such as indicting former directors, is typical of historical emperors against their enemies. Germanicus worries this could lead to physical decline and reckless action. A critical marker of a republic's collapse into an emperor system is when the incoming president pursues and imprisons his predecessor, an easy push into civil war seen in places like Brazil. They conclude the transition is quietly happening, with the question of whether the U.S. will experience violence remaining unknown. 81 BCE SULLA Retry

Londinium 91 AD: The Debate Over Venezuela. Gaius and Germanicus of the Friends Mystery Debating Society discuss at a cold wine bar by the choppy Thames the potential decision by emperor Trump to invade Venezuela, noting the presence of a sizable, powerful military force gathered deliberately off its shores. Germanicus argues that American engagement in the Caribbean is a deep-rooted tradition dating back to the Monroe Doctrine, with the current military buildup serving as a symbolic initiative signaling to powers like China and Russia that the U.S. is reasserting influence in its accepted sphere. However, he cautions there are huge risks because the U.S. military's connection to strategic realities has declined massively, with capabilities depleted partly due to the war in Ukraine. U.S. history of warfare since Korea is marked by poor net assessment, where planners privilege desires over reality. Maduro has reportedly offered tribute of 300 million barrels of oil, suggesting the conflict is currently an aggressively conducted negotiation dependent heavily on Venezuelan armed forces loyalty. The emperor faces pressure to achieve a consolation prize if he chooses not to invade to avoid looking weak, leaving the outcome undecided. 80 BCE. SULLA

PREVIEW Ahmad Sharawi explores current Russian interests in Syria, noting that Russia previously assisted Assad in brutalizing the Syrian people. Recent discussions included defense agreements, military ties, and the status of two Russian bases in Western Syria. While Syria tries to balance world powers, the guest expresses concern because the Syrian people are domestically unhappy with a close relationship with Russia due to past atrocities. Guest: Ahmad Sharawi. ALEPPO

Legacy, Loyalty, and the Nationalist Leader. Joseph Turigian concludes with Xi Zhongxun's death in 2002 after suffering cancer, noting his epitaph speaks of a life of struggle and happiness. Xi Jinping wrote to his father, listing qualities he wished to emulate: never persecuting people and never losing faith in the cause. The suffering endured often rededicated communists to the party. Xi Jinping once told Prime Minister Abe that if he were American, he would join the Republicans or Democrats, not the Communist Party. This comment suggested to Abe that Xi Jinping is primarily a nationalist focused on power and using communism for China's rejuvenation, driven by a deep fear of chaos. Guest: Joseph Turigian. 1908 zpeking

Catherine Liu, Professor of Film and Media Studies at UC Irvine, discusses her forthcoming book, Traumatized: The New Politics of Suffering (Verso, 2026), wherein she elucidates the emergence of trauma culture, tracing it back to psychoanalysis and the reification of mental health in post-war America. Analysing the fetishisation and recognition of feelings, Liu historicises the explosion of psychoanalysis in the United States in the 1950s and the rise of New Left in the 1960s, which advanced “the personal is political,” an idea quickly adopted by second-wave feminists. Observing how the discourse of trauma has permeated all areas of society, such that feelings have been prioritised over knowledge and “centering feelings” has replaced scientific inquiry, Liu critiques how the professional managerial class thrives on rebranding, promoting credentials, and creating new identities, all in order to advance the collapse of the separation between work and leisure. Noting how workers have fought for years to maintain a separation of work from leisure time, Liu muses on the invasive, destructive force of the Silicon Valley New Left and professional middle-class feminists who have driven the insistence of a non-differentiated space where “we are always at work”, therefore our private lives are expected to be “on display through our performance virtue.” She examines the dynamics of how anti-normativity and transgression function within the writings of Michel Foucault, since they invariably strengthen normativity. Nonetheless, Liu vituperates the bastardisation of these valences under the scope of identity politics, which forces the merging of one's personal life, politics, and intellectual practices. Get full access to Savage Minds at savageminds.substack.com/subscribe

Paul Gregory describes his observations during the summer of 1962 while taking Russian lessons from Marina, noting Lee and Marina's poverty; Marina even lacked a baby carriage for infant June. Lee presented himself as an intellectual but was secretive about his desertion to the Soviet Union. Both Lee and Marina expressed admiration for President Kennedy, whose photo was on the only book they owned. At a dinner with the Dallas Russians, Lee was confronted by Anna Miller about deserting America for the Soviet Union, reacting with controlled rage that highlighted his discomfort. This encounter caused George Buha, the community leader, to decide the Russians must help Marina, whose isolation and Lee's abusiveness became apparent. Guest: Paul Gregory. 1963

PREVIEW Jeff Bliss discusses using air cabs to alleviate traffic in Los Angeles, especially during the Olympics, noting that ground travel to venues currently takes over an hour. While air cabs offer a quick trip, traffic has worsened significantly since 1984. This expensive solution, available to those who can afford it, will only make a small dent in the overall traffic issue. Guest: Jeff Bliss.

1/2 Anatol Lieven discusses the war in Ukraine, noting the new Russian unit RubiKon hunting drone operators and the slow Russian advance on Pakovsk, aided by both innovation and old factors like fog. The conversation also covers Germany's military rearmament plans and the significant, rising influence of the populist right AFD party in German politics, which is strongly anti-immigrant and largely anti-rearmament. Guest: Anatol Lieven. 1/2

Veronique de Rugy discusses the cost of living, critiquing the administration's claims that Thanksgiving dinner is cheaper, citing the use of shrinkflation and item removal. She criticizes the proposal to send $2,000 checks, noting this Keynesian approach boosts demand, which, without increased supply, risks raising prices further. De Rugy advocates for deregulation and the elimination of tariffs (which she confirms are a tax) as the necessary supply-side solution to the affordability crisis. Guest: Veronique de Rugy.

SHOW 11-13-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT BUNDESTAG COHESION AND  STABILITY. FIRST HOUR 9-915 1/2 Anatol Lieven discusses the war in Ukraine, noting the new Russian unit RubiKon hunting drone operators and the slow Russian advance on Pakovsk, aided by both innovation and old factors like fog. The conversation also covers Germany's military rearmament plans and the significant, rising influence of the populist right AFD party in German politics, which is strongly anti-immigrant and largely anti-rearmament. Guest: Anatol Lieven. 1/2 915-930 2/2 Anatol Lieven details UK Prime Minister Starmer's genuine political troubles concerning domestic policy drift and significant potential losses in upcoming regional elections. Starmer maintains prestige supporting Ukraine, though funding remains a question. A back channel to Moscow has been opened by Jonathan Powell to discuss peace, dropping the prior insistence on a ceasefire, indicating a shift in London. Guest: Anatol Lieven. 2/2 930-945 Chris Riegel, CEO of SCALA.com, states that Chinese claims of matching Nvidia's high-end chip success are largely propaganda, though China mandates domestic chip use. The US holds the AI "pole position." AI is a genuine profit driver, worth trillions to GDP, with material workforce impact expected by 2026. Guest: Chris Riegel 945-1000 Mary Anastasia O'grady reports on the assassination of Mayor Carlos Monzo in Michoacán, killed after leaving President Sheinbaum's Morena party and aggressively confronting cartels and their agricultural extortion. Sheinbaum has cooperated smartly with the US, allowing surveillance flights, and hired credible security chief García Haruch. The main challenge is whether Sheinbaum has the political will to confront the cartels, especially given the widespread belief in Morena's complicity. Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Cliff May discusses severe Christian persecution in Nigeria, which President Tinubu claims guarantees religious liberty. Attacks are carried out by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and powerful Fulani militias. May suggests jihadism acts as theological justification for Fulani nomadic herders to seize land from Christian farmers. The US could provide assistance, training, and advice to the Nigerian military to protect communities. Guest: Cliff May. 1015-1030 Sadanand Dhume examines the shift in US foreign policy, where President Trump now favors Pakistan and its military chief, General Munir. This followed intense combat between India and Pakistan after a horrific terrorist attack. When the US mediated a ceasefire, Trump took credit, which embarrassed Indian Prime Minister Modi. Pakistan cleverly thanked Trump and nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize, securing his favor over India. India now needs a trade deal. Guest: Sadanand Dhume. 1030-1045 Professor Matthew Graham discusses the most powerful black hole flare ever recorded, which shone like 10 trillion suns from an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN). Material falling into the supermassive black hole forms an accretion disc, releasing intense radiation. This 10-billion-year-old event was detected using computer cameras. Graham explains that these black holes are ancient "seeds" of galaxies, acting as cosmic vacuum cleaners, such as when a large star gets shredded. Guest: Professor Matthew Graham. 1/2 1045-1100 Professor Matthew Graham details his needs for future black hole research, prioritizing a network of space telescopes with large fields of view, like the Roman space telescope, for perpetual, multi-wavelength monitoring of the sky. This "audit of the cosmos" will improve detection speed and timing. Graham encourages students to pursue black hole work, noting it is a vibrant growth area, viewing black holes as the enduring future product of the universe. Guest: Professor Matthew Graham.2/2 THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Veronique de Rugy discusses the cost of living, critiquing the administration's claims that Thanksgiving dinner is cheaper, citing the use of shrinkflation and item removal. She criticizes the proposal to send $2,000 checks, noting this Keynesian approach boosts demand, which, without increased supply, risks raising prices further. De Rugy advocates for deregulation and the elimination of tariffs (which she confirms are a tax) as the necessary supply-side solution to the affordability crisis. Guest: Veronique de Rugy. 1115-1130 Conrad Black assesses Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's new budget as anti-climactic, failing to deliver promised growth or definitive decisions on controversial policies like pipelines. However, the budget was sensible and conciliatory, avoiding conflict with the opposition, Washington, and Alberta. Carney, adopting a diplomatic style akin to a central banker, did offer serious encouragements to alleviate the housing shortage. Guest: Conrad Black. 1130-1145 Scott Winship analyzes 50 years of US median earnings, preferring the MACPI to accurately adjust for cost of living. He finds that the middle class is better off: women's earnings are up 120%, and men's are up 40–50%. Winship disputes populist theories that income inequality or the China shock are the main villains, noting that the worst period for young men was 1973–1989, predating those factors. Guest: Scott Winship.1/2 1145-1200 Scott Winship investigates the mystery of the decline in young men's earnings between 1973 and 1989. He concludes this period was not caused by accelerated immigration or women entering the workforce, as men's earnings continued to rise. The actual explanation is the unique economic combination of stagflation—high unemployment and very high inflation—that occurred until the early 1980s recession. This severe economic dynamic has not been matched since 1989. Guest: Scott Winship. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 The arrival of the US carrier Gerald Ford signals an escalating commitment to possible military solutions against Maduro's regime in Venezuela. Maduro has ordered a Cuban-style guerrilla defense, but analysts worry more about "anarchization"—wreaking havoc—if he falls. Removing Maduro and lifting sanctions could lead to necessary refinancing of Venezuela's $170 billion debt. Guest: Evan Ellis. 1/4 1215-1230 Peru faces severe political instability, evidenced by six presidents in two years and detentions for corruption. Transitional leader José Heresi is tackling rising organized crime, including a 36% jump in homicides, through a state of emergency. Meanwhile, China maintains deep-seated influence, controlling key sectors like mining, oil, and the deep-water port of Chancay. Guest: Evan Ellis.2/4 1230-1245 Honduras is holding a high-stakes, single-round election where the outcome could determine if the country returns to alignment with Taiwan or shifts to China. Election observers noted improper pressure and concerns about meddling by the ruling Libre Party. Separately, Argentina's economy under Milei is strengthening, backed by a significant US currency swap and political support. Guest: Evan Ellis. 3/4 1245-100 AM COP 30 is largely "political theater" with commitments insufficient to address climate change. Estimates suggest the crucial 1.5-degree global temperature increase will be reached by 2030. While there is increased international attention, funding remains inadequate; Brazil secured only $5.5 billion toward its $125 billion forest preservation goal. The plight of Amazonian indigenous peoples continues unaddressed. Guest: Evan Ellis.4/4 | 

Rare Earths Monopoly and US Strategy. General Blaine Holt discusses China's challenge to the US and its allies regarding rare earths, noting that China previously threatened to cut off supply. The US is securing deals with partners like Australia and is on track to replace China entirely, despite initial processing reliance on Chinese predatory practices. Holt suggests a two-year recovery is conservative, as technology for domestic processing exists. He also notes China's leadership is in turmoil, trying to buy time through trade deals. 1942

Commodity Markets and UK Political Instability. Simon Constable analyzes rare earth markets, noting China's dominance is achieved through undercutting prices and buying out competitors. Prices for key industrial commodities like copper and aluminum are up, indicating high demand. Constable also discusses UK political instability, noting that Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer lacks natural leadership and confidence. The major political driver for a potential leadership change is the party's broken promise regarding income taxes, which severely undermines public trust before the next election,

Commodity Markets and UK Political Instability. Simon Constable analyzes rare earth markets, noting China's dominance is achieved through undercutting prices and buying out competitors. Prices for key industrial commodities like copper and aluminum are up, indicating high demand. Constable also discusses UK political instability, noting that Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer lacks natural leadership and confidence. The major political driver for a potential leadership change is the party's broken promise regarding income taxes, which severely undermines public trust before the next election, 1941

PREVIEW The conversation explores why energy prices are so high in California, noting that gasoline is $1.60 higher there than the national average. Energy mandates are causing the hollowing of the middle class. The individuals most affected are those who must commute to work far outside major metro areas, or those living in the inland part of the state who rely heavily on energy for heating and cooling their homes. Guest: Michael Toth. 1959

Sudan Civil War, Global Proxies, and Nigerian Violence. Caleb Weiss and Bill Roggio analyze the civil war in Sudan between the SAF and the RSF, noting both factions commit atrocities, including massacres after the capture of El Fasher. The conflict is fueled by opposing global coalitions: the UAE and Russia support the RSF, while Iran, Egypt, and Turkey back the SAF. The Islamic State has called for foreign jihadis to mobilize. Weiss also addresses the complicated violence in Nigeria, differentiating jihadist attacks on Christians from communal farmer-herder conflict. 1925

Sudan Civil War, Global Proxies, and Nigerian Violence. Caleb Weiss and Bill Roggio analyze the civil war in Sudan between the SAF and the RSF, noting both factions commit atrocities, including massacres after the capture of El Fasher. The conflict is fueled by opposing global coalitions: the UAE and Russia support the RSF, while Iran, Egypt, and Turkey back the SAF. The Islamic State has called for foreign jihadis to mobilize. Weiss also addresses the complicated violence in Nigeria, differentiating jihadist attacks on Christians from communal farmer-herder conflict.

President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that China is willing to work with Spain to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership with greater strategic determination, dynamism and global influence, as he met with King Felipe VI of Spain, the first Spanish monarch to make a state visit to China in 18 years.The four-day trip, which started on Monday, comes as the highlight of a series of high-level interactions between the two countries, following a visit in April by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who made three visits to China in the past three years.Xi said that over the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Spain have always viewed and developed bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, respected and supported each other, and contributed to each other's success.This has set a model of pursuing amicable ties and common development by countries with different histories, cultures and social systems, Xi said.The Chinese president stressed that the two countries have played an important role in promoting openness and cooperation in the world and in upholding international fairness and justice.Xi lauded the remarkable contributions made by the Spanish royal family in developing China-Spain relations, and emphasized that King Felipe VI's visit is of great significance to the further advancement of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.Noting that China cherishes its traditional friendship with Spain and values Spain's unique role in international and regional affairs, Xi said both sides should further consolidate mutual support, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic guidance, and ensure that bilateral relations always stay on the right track.On practical cooperation, Xi said China is willing to import more quality products from Spain, explore the potential of cooperation in emerging areas, expand mutual investment, and build more signature projects.Xi called on the two countries to leverage their complementary strengths and jointly explore third-party markets such as Latin America.Statistics showed that bilateral trade volume between China and Spain exceeded $50 billion last year, while two-way investment surpassed $11 billion. China is Spain's largest trading partner outside the European Union, while Spain is one of China's key trading partners within the EU.China and Spain should enhance exchanges in culture and education, and support each other in the operation of cultural and language institutions in each other's country, Xi said, adding that China will continue its visa-free policy for Spain to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges. Xi explained his vision on building a community with a shared future for humanity, saying he hopes that countries could rise above differences in social systems and ideologies, build consensus through dialogue and consultation, and work together to turn the aspirations of people around the world for a better life into reality.During the talks, the Spanish king expressed his pleasure in visiting China and praised the long-standing friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, as well as China's remarkable achievements in poverty alleviation and green development.He acknowledged the role of Chinese investment in fueling Spain's economic growth and green transition, and expressed Spain's willingness to strengthen its cooperation with China in the areas of economy, trade, technology and renewable energy.He said Spain and China share highly similar philosophies on many international affairs, and both support multilateralism and the settlement of disputes through dialogue and consultation.Spain highly appreciates the four major global initiatives put forward by Xi, and is going to work with China to respond to uncertainties in the international situation with a view to upholding international trade order and promoting the steady development of the global economy, he said.Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 10 cooperation documents in areas including the economy and trade, science and technology, and education.Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji also met separately with King Felipe VI on Wednesday.Before traveling to Beijing, King Felipe VI visited Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, where he attended a business forum on Tuesday.

The Rise of the AfD and the Threat to German Democracy. Judy Dempsey discusses the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, noting it is infiltrating German culture, education, and town halls, predominantly in the East. She warns that the AfD poses a danger to German democracy and the rule of law. The future hinges on whether established parties can isolate the AfD or if the Constitutional Court will intervene to outlaw the party. Dempsey also notes that the BBC scandal involves the highly scrutinized domestic service, distinct from the generally "exemplary" BBC World Service.

Rare Earths, Global Conflicts, and Reimagining Democracy. Gregory Copley analyzes China's rare earth monopoly, noting it was achieved through low pricing and unsafe practices but is now eroding as global suppliers ramp up production. He reviews current global conflicts, viewing the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford battle group near Venezuela as a test of brinkmanship, and citing Kyiv's admission of losses in Ukraine. Copley also argues that democracy is "dead," advocating for a return to defining the spirit of a social contract rather than relying on mutable laws. 1955

Rare Earths, Global Conflicts, and Reimagining Democracy. Gregory Copley analyzes China's rare earth monopoly, noting it was achieved through low pricing and unsafe practices but is now eroding as global suppliers ramp up production. He reviews current global conflicts, viewing the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford battle group near Venezuela as a test of brinkmanship, and citing Kyiv's admission of losses in Ukraine. Copley also argues that democracy is "dead," advocating for a return to defining the spirit of a social contract rather than relying on mutable laws.

Rare Earths, Global Conflicts, and Reimagining Democracy. Gregory Copley analyzes China's rare earth monopoly, noting it was achieved through low pricing and unsafe practices but is now eroding as global suppliers ramp up production. He reviews current global conflicts, viewing the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford battle group near Venezuela as a test of brinkmanship, and citing Kyiv's admission of losses in Ukraine. Copley also argues that democracy is "dead," advocating for a return to defining the spirit of a social contract rather than relying on mutable laws. 1862 PLATO SYMPOSIUM VIA MUNICH

Rare Earths, Global Conflicts, and Reimagining Democracy. Gregory Copley analyzes China's rare earth monopoly, noting it was achieved through low pricing and unsafe practices but is now eroding as global suppliers ramp up production. He reviews current global conflicts, viewing the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford battle group near Venezuela as a test of brinkmanship, and citing Kyiv's admission of losses in Ukraine. Copley also argues that democracy is "dead," advocating for a return to defining the spirit of a social contract rather than relying on mutable laws. 1914 MELBOURNE

The Rise of the AfD and the Threat to German Democracy. Judy Dempsey discusses the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, noting it is infiltrating German culture, education, and town halls, predominantly in the East. She warns that the AfD poses a danger to German democracy and the rule of law. The future hinges on whether established parties can isolate the AfD or if the Constitutional Court will intervene to outlaw the party. Dempsey also notes that the BBC scandal involves the highly scrutinized domestic service, distinct from the generally "exemplary" BBC World Service. 1933

Staffing Challenges and Political Bias: The Gaza Peace Plan and the BBC. Mary Kissel details the challenges facing the State Department and NSC in implementing the Trump administration's urgent Gaza Peace Plan, noting staffing issues are delaying coordination. The plan, featuring an apolitical "Board of Peace," seeks international legitimacy despite the UN's prejudice against Israel. Kissel expresses little surprise regarding the BBC scandal, viewing the deliberate distortion of the President's video remarks as appalling and emblematic of an "embedded bias" against conservatives that is deep and unfixable. 1957 GAZA

Staffing Challenges and Political Bias: The Gaza Peace Plan and the BBC. Mary Kissel details the challenges facing the State Department and NSC in implementing the Trump administration's urgent Gaza Peace Plan, noting staffing issues are delaying coordination. The plan, featuring an apolitical "Board of Peace," seeks international legitimacy despite the UN's prejudice against Israel. Kissel expresses little surprise regarding the BBC scandal, viewing the deliberate distortion of the President's video remarks as appalling and emblematic of an "embedded bias" against conservatives that is deep and unfixable. 1959 GAZA

PREVIEW. The DeepSeek AI Model: Low Cost, Open Source, and Security Risks. John Batchelor and Jack Burnham discuss the US-China AI contest and microchips, noting China's ban on the best chips. DeepSeek, an open-source, low-cost model, is appealing but may not perform as well as American models. Concerns persist about its true costs, potential use of Nvidia chips, and security flaws like providing CCP talking points. 1954

PREVIEW. Canadian-Chinese Struggles; China's Campaign Against Pessimism and Public Discontent. Charles Burton discusses China's campaign to discourage pessimism on social media, noting that while severe censorship works, unhappiness persists privately among family and friends, leading to growing frustration. The discontent with Xi Jinping's leadership is profound. This is exacerbated by him declaring himself "emperor for life," which removed any hope for limited future terms. 2884 OTTAWA

Origins of Water and Organic Molecules in Space4.  Greg Brennecka explores the origins of life's ingredients, noting that Earth, Mars, and meteorites are fundamentally made of the same materials, with meteorites delivering complex organic molecules containing carbon. While life needs rock, energy, and water, scientists suspect Earth's water may have settled back after being liberated during the moon-forming impact, but meteorites still contributed significant building blocks in the form of pre-made ingredients like amino acids and nucleotides (adenine, guanine, and uracil) that formed in the outer solar system. Delivered in a "ready to go kit," these components simplify the emergence of life, and Brennecka stresses the need for continued missions to retrieve pristine asteroid samples to better understand our origins.

  Snakes in Pools and Magpie Attacks on Cyclists. Jeremy discusses the prevalence of snakes, noting that it is illegal to kill them, and they are frequently attracted to swimming pools, seeking water and warmth in filters or motors. He warns that even libraries are not safe from brown snakes. He also highlights an experiment examining why magpies aggressively attack cyclists more than other people. Retry

Ashes Cricket: Injury Risks and Unknown Opponents. Jeremy Zakis discusses the upcoming Ashes contest, noting both Australia and England are good teams with unknowns. Australia aims to match England's power but faces risks from older, injury-prone players, including captain Pat Cummins. The series outcome depends heavily on the English team's strategy (fast, slow, power, or spinning). 1898

Dallas the Dog Welcomes Skittish Sparrows. Jeremy details Dallas's affinity for birds, noting that usually skittish common garden sparrows are now drinking and eating from the dog's bowls. The destructive cockatoos, while still present and stripping pine trees, have thankfully avoided attacking the damaged roof. Crows remain cautious, staying distant to avoid aerial "dogfights" with the aggressive magpies. PURPLR FINCH

2. When Politicians Panicked: The New Coronavirus, Expert Opinion, and a Tragic Lapse of Reason. The conversation reviews the governors' initial promise of two-week lockdowns, noting that centralized power is rarely relinquished. The economic crisis deepened as epidemiologists and experts supplanted the collective knowledge of the marketplace, resulting in central planning, mass unemployment, and debt. John Tamny contrasts the COVID-19 response with the 1968 Hong Kong flu pandemic, which caused the equivalent of 250,000 modern deaths but elicited virtually no political or market reaction. The difference lies in technology: 50 years ago, without Zoom or delivery services, lockdowns would have caused mass discomfort and riots, preventing politicians from acting. Lockdowns happened because they could, not because they had to.

Conrad Black discusses Canadian politics and trade, noting a misunderstanding between Prime Minister Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford regarding an anti-tariff ad that offended President Trump. Black reports that China's General Secretary Xi has been conciliatory toward both Canada and the US. Crucially, Canada needs pipelines built both east, west (Trans Mountain to Vancouver/Pacific), and south (Keystone XL) to move Alberta's oil. Carney's federal government tentatively agreed to approve a second pipeline to Northern British Columbia. 1893 

Regulating AI and Protecting Children. Kevin Frazier (Law School Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin) addresses the growing concern over AI chatbots following tragedies, noting that while only 1.9% of ChatGPT conversations relate to "relationships," this fraction still warrants significant attention. He criticizes early state legislative responses, such as Illinois banning AI therapy tools, arguing that such actions risk denying mental health support to children who cannot access human therapists. Frazier advocates against imposing restrictive statutory law on the rapidly evolving technology. Instead, he recommends implementing a voluntary, standardized rating system, similar to the MPA film rating system. This framework would provide consumers with digestible information via labels—like "child safe" or "mental health appropriate"—to make informed decisions and incentivize industry stakeholders to develop safer applications. 1941

Regulating AI and Protecting Children. Kevin Frazier (Law School Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin) addresses the growing concern over AI chatbots following tragedies, noting that while only 1.9% of ChatGPT conversations relate to "relationships," this fraction still warrants significant attention. He criticizes early state legislative responses, such as Illinois banning AI therapy tools, arguing that such actions risk denying mental health support to children who cannot access human therapists. Frazier advocates against imposing restrictive statutory law on the rapidly evolving technology. Instead, he recommends implementing a voluntary, standardized rating system, similar to the MPA film rating system. This framework would provide consumers with digestible information via labels—like "child safe" or "mental health appropriate"—to make informed decisions and incentivize industry stakeholders to develop safer applications. 1919

Nigeria, Venezuela Intervention, and China Power Struggles. Gregory Copley discusses Trump's order for military action in Nigeria, noting the violence is complex and not strictly genocide against Christians, contrasting it with US refusal to provide past aid. Discussion shifts to the overwhelming US military buildup near Venezuela, which might force Maduro's departure by damaging his credibility, possibly via anti-narcotics action. The interview concludes by analyzing the anticlimactic Trump-Xi meeting, attributing the lack of confrontation to Xi Jinping's significantly weakened position due to China's shattered economy and internal power struggles. 1911 NIGERIA