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Judy Dempsey examines fears that Russia will shift military forces to the NATO border if a Ukraine peace deal is reached. She discusses reported US pressure on Kyiv to surrender the Donbas, noting that both Ukraine and the EUoppose such concessions due to sovereignty concerns and lack of security guarantees. 1781 GERMAN SEA

Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley discusses King Charles's recent video regarding his cancer, noting the King implied success with early detection and a reduction in future treatments. Dismissing social media panic, Copley explains the King remains in command and is more likely to die with the disease than of it.

PREVIEW: Russia Retains Initiative but Exaggerates Gains in Ukraine: Colleague John Hardie evaluates the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, noting that while Russia retains the initiative, it consistently exaggerates its territorial gains, explaining that despite Ukrainian infantry shortages, their use of drones and counterattacks has prevented Russia from achieving a major operational breakthrough or capitalizing fully on its material advantages. 1941 GERMAN OCCUPATION

Thunderstorms Extinguish Fires but Spark New Wildfire Risks: Colleague Jeremy Zakis describes spectacular thunderstorms moving from the Blue Mountains to the coast, characterized by intense lightning and heavy rain, noting that while recent downpours extinguished previous fires, fresh lightning strikes combined with forecast heat and wind create a renewed risk for dangerous wildfires in the coming weeks.

Queensland Girl Bitten by Snake Now Fundraising for Rescue Helicopter: Colleague Jeremy Zakis recounts the survival of Joanna Lamb, a ten-year-old Queensland girl bitten by a deadly Eastern Brown snake, noting that after being saved by an air ambulance, she is now selling cows to fund a permanent rescue helicopter for her remote community to ensure others have access to life-saving care.

Implementing a Strategy of Denial Defense: Colleague Elbridge Colby explains that a denial defense seeks to prevent China from seizing and holding key territory, specifically Taiwan, noting the coalition need not achieve total dominance but must destroy the invasion force in transit or deny it the ability to sustain control, effectively blocking China's political objectives. 1900 GERMANS ARRIVE CHINA

The Role of NATO and Nuclear Proliferation: Colleague Elbridge Colby asserts the US must prioritize Asia, urging European allies to assume responsibility for NATO's defense, noting that while friendly nuclear proliferation is not a panacea, integrated allied nuclear forces in Australia or Japan could bolster deterrence if the conventional military balance becomes unfavorable. 1900 BOXER REBELLION

Henry Stimson's Moral Struggle with Firebombing and the Atomic Bomb: Colleague Evan Thomas introduces Secretary of War Henry Stimson, a "Christian gentleman" and realist who agonized over the morality of war, noting that while overseeing the firebombing of Tokyo and the "Frankenstein monster" of the atomic bomb, Stimson struggled with the conflict between his moral vision and the necessity of using power. 1935 TOKYO

Health Reimbursement Arrangements and AI's Economic Potential: Colleague Gene Marks advocates for Health Reimbursement Arrangements, noting they allow small businesses to control costs while employees buy their own insurance tax-free, also discussing AI's potential to double economic growth and advising businesses to ignore doomsday predictions and embrace tools that enhance productivity and daily life. 1964

La Scala's Season Opening and Milan's Christmas Atmosphere: Colleague Lorenzo Fiori describes attending the season opening at La Scala, featuring a dramatic Russian opera that audiences connected to current geopolitical tensions, also noting the festive Christmas atmosphere in Milan and Prime Minister Meloni's continued, albeit non-military, support for Ukraine. 1957

James I's Male Favorites and the Madrid Adventure: Colleague Clare Jackson explores James I's intense relationships with male favorites like Robert Carr and George Villiers, noting the political complications these caused, describing the bizarre, risky journey Prince Charles and Villiers took to Madrid in disguise to woo the Spanish Infanta. MARCH 1960

Caribbean Reactions to US Military Operations Against Venezuela: Colleague Evan Ellis analyzes Caribbean reactions to US military operations against Venezuela, noting support from the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago, explaining that islands like Curacao and Aruba fear becoming targets, while political shifts in St. Vincent offer new cooperation opportunities. OCT 1958

James I, American Colonies, and Tobacco Revenue: Colleague Clare Jackson discusses James I's oversight of American colonies like Jamestown, using chartered companies for deniability against Spanish claims, noting his initial opposition to tobacco before accepting its revenue and describing his fluctuating relationship with Parliament regarding funding and military action. MAY 1952

Ukraine-Russia Conflict and the Transformation of Warfare: Colleague Anatol Lieven discusses the Ukraine-Russia conflict, noting that drone warfare has fundamentally changed battle tactics, analyzing Trump's influence on peace negotiations and suggesting Ukraine risks losing support without concessions, while explaining that EU membership is being offered as a prize in exchange for territorial losses. 1951

James I, Mary Queen of Scots, and the English Succession: Colleague Clare Jackson explains how James I managed the tension between his imprisoned mother, Mary Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth I, noting James protested his mother's execution but prioritized his claim to the English throne, maintaining a compleTE correspondence with Elizabeth to ensure his succession. AUG 1932

China's Intellectual Property Theft and the K-Shaped Economy: Colleague Chris Riegel discusses "The Great Heist," a book detailing China's campaign to steal American intellectual property via spies and students, also noting a US consumer slowdown and describing a "K-shaped" economy where lower-income earners struggle with affordability despite infrastructure spending. 1955

Baltic Defenses and NATO's Uncertain Resolve: Colleague Blaine Holt discusses the Baltics preparing defensive "Mino lines" and bunkers fearing a potential Russian attack, noting Baltic citizens feel trapped between NATO bureaucracy and Russian hybrid warfare while doubting NATO's resolve to intervene, arguing diplomatic solutions are necessary as Europe lacks resources for a cohesive defense. 1848

The National Security Strategy and the First Island Chain: Colleague Steve Yates analyzes the National Security Strategy's focus on the "first island chain" and deterrence against China's bullying of Japan and the Philippines, noting the CCP's obsession with WWII-era Japan for propaganda fails to resonate regionally as neighbors face modern Chinese aggression and grey zone tactics.V 1684

James I as Ecumenicist Amid Confessional Complexity: Colleague Claire Jackson portrays James I as an ecumenicist seeking accommodation, provided Catholics recognized his temporal authority via an Oath of Allegiance, noting he faced a "confessional complexity" ruling Protestant Scotland and England alongside Catholic Ireland, aiming to isolate radical Jesuits from the loyal majority. 1897

Commodities Update from France: Colleague Simon Constable reports from France on unseasonably warm weather and rising copper prices driven by tech demand, noting cocoa prices dropped while coffee remains expensive, discussing farmers' effective non-violent protests in Europe and contrasting European energy shortages with the electricity needs of AI development. 1901

Europe's Economic Stagnation and the Innovation Gap: Colleague Joseph Sternberg discusses Europe's economic decline relative to the U.S., driven by high energy costs and excessive regulation, noting a growing debate in Brussels about deregulation but arguing Europe lacks a unified vision to encourage the entrepreneurship and healthcare innovation seen in the American system. 1954

Wall Street Bets on Rate Cuts Despite Mixed Economic Signals: Colleague Elizabeth Peek discusses the near certainty of a Federal Reserve rate cut, noting Wall Street's optimism despite steady inflation and mixed employment signals, highlighting strong holiday spending and arguing that fears regarding tariffs were overblown, while emphasizing that AI investment is reshaping, rather than reducing, corporate hiring. 1954

Rising Tensions: Hezbollah's Rearmament and Hamas's Defiance: Colleague Jonathan Schanzer warns that Hezbollah has rebuilt its strength in Lebanon using Iranian weapons, prompting Israeli threats of a full-scale attack, noting that Hamas refuses to disarm in Gaza, supported by Turkey and Qatar, while the U.S. moves to designate Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations. 1953

European Leaders Scramble to Support Ukraine Amidst Domestic Crises: Colleague Gregory Copley discusses the meeting between UK, French, and German leaders with Zelenskyy, noting they are using the Ukraine war to distract from domestic political failures, tracing Europe's defense dependency to U.S. post-WWII policies and suggesting Zelenskyy is leveraging European fears against Washington to secure his future. 1941

China will continue exerting a "more proactive" fiscal policy and "moderately loose" monetary policy next year, as it strives to promote "effective qualitative improvement" and "reasonable quantitative growth" in its economy, according to a key Party leadership meeting on Monday.周一召开的党内重要领导会议指出，中国明年将继续实施“更加积极”的财政政策和“适度宽松”的货币政策，着力促进经济实现“质的有效提升”和“量的合理增长”。The meeting was convened by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee to analyze and study the country's economic work in 2026. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.中共中央政治局召开会议，分析研究2026年全国经济工作。中共中央总书记习近平主持会议。The decision-making body of the Party emphasized that the country would adhere to the overarching principle of "seeking progress while maintaining stability", and better coordinate domestic economic work and endeavors in the international economic and trade arena, as well as development and security, according to a statement released after the meeting.根据会后发表的声明，党的决策机构强调，国家将坚持“稳中求进”的总方针，更好地统筹国内经济工作与国际经济贸易领域的工作，以及发展与安全。While noting the importance of implementing more proactive and effective macroeconomic policies, the decision-making body highlighted the need to enhance the foresight, targeting and synergy of policies.决策机构在强调实施更积极、更有效的宏观经济政策的重要性时，同时指出需要增强政策的预见性、针对性和协同性。It called for continuous efforts to expand domestic demand and optimize supply, develop new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, advance the construction of a unified national market in greater depth, and prevent and defuse risks in key areas, the statement said.声明指出，要持续努力扩大内需、优化供给，发展适应本地条件的新质生产力，更深入地推进全国统一市场建设，并在重点领域防范化解风险。Efforts should be made to stabilize employment, enterprises, markets and expectations to maintain social harmony and stability, and ensure a good start for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, the statement added.声明补充道，应努力稳定就业、企业、市场和预期，以维护社会和谐稳定，确保第十五个五年规划（2026-2030年）时期开局良好。It was noted at the meeting that counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments should be strengthened to effectively enhance the efficiency of macroeconomic governance.会议指出，应加强逆周期和跨周期调节，切实提升宏观经济治理效能。The meeting called for building a robust domestic market by expanding domestic demand, stepping up fostering new growth drivers by promoting innovation-driven development, enhancing the momentum and vitality of high-quality growth by deepening reform, and bolstering win-win cooperation across various fields by adhering to opening-up.会议强调，要通过扩大内需来建设强劲的国内市场，通过推动创新驱动发展来培育新的增长引擎，通过深化改革来增强高质量发展的动能和活力，并通过坚持开放来促进各领域共赢合作。The meeting also underlined the need to promote urban-rural integration and coordinated development across the regions, drive green transformation on all fronts, prioritize people's livelihoods, and bear in mind the worst-case scenarios to resolve risks in key areas in a proactive and prudent manner.会议还强调，要推进城乡融合发展和区域协调发展，全面推进绿色转型，着力改善民生，并以最坏的情况为准备，积极审慎化解重点领域的风险。During the meeting, a set of regulations on the CPC's leadership over law-based governance in all respects was reviewed.会议审议通过了《中共中央全面依法治国领导条例》。Historically, the Political Bureau's December meeting has been closely followed by the annual Central Economic Work Conference, which typically sets the tone for economic work in the year ahead.历年来，中共中央政治局12月会议之后紧接着召开的中央经济工作会议，通常为来年经济工作定下基调。China's gross domestic product grew 5.2 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025 despite rising external headwinds, and attention is now shifting to next year, the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period.尽管外部逆风加剧，中国2025年前三季度国内生产总值同比增长5.2%，目前关注焦点正转向明年——中国第十五个五年规划周期的开端。Ahead of Monday's Political Bureau meeting, the CPC Central Committee held a symposium with non-CPC personages on Wednesday in Beijing to solicit their opinions and suggestions on this year's economic situation and economic work for 2026.在周一政治局会议召开前夕，中共中央上周三在北京召开非党人士座谈会，听取他们对今年经济形势和2026年经济工作的意见建议。At the symposium, representatives of non-CPC personages gave their suggestions on a number of issues, including optimizing industrial layout, expanding domestic demand and high-standard opening-up, enhancing people's well-being, and boosting high-quality employment.在座谈会上，非党代表人士就优化产业布局、扩大内需和高标准开放、提升民生福祉、促进高质量就业等若干问题提出了建议。Xi presided over the symposium and delivered an important speech. He emphasized that the supporting conditions and fundamental trend for long-term economic growth in China remain unchanged.习近平主席主持座谈会并发表重要讲话。他强调，中国经济长期向好的基本面没有改变，支撑经济持续增长的条件没有改变。He called for remaining confident, leveraging China's strengths and tackling challenges, and working to consolidate and expand the positive momentum in the economic upturn in order to make a good start in implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan.习近平主席呼吁保持信心，发挥中国优势，应对挑战，努力巩固和扩大经济复苏的积极势头，为实施十五规划开好头。He said that the CPC Central Committee had implemented more proactive and effective macro policies this year, and the main goals for economic and social development are expected to be accomplished.习近平主席表示，中共中央今年实施了更积极、更有效的宏观政策，经济社会发展主要目标有望实现。Xi noted that China has effectively navigated various shocks and challenges over the past five years. As the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) is set to approach a successful conclusion, the country's strengths in the economy, science and technology, and comprehensive national strengths have been significantly enhanced, he said.习近平主席指出，过去五年，中国有效应对了各种冲击和挑战。随着“十四五”规划（2021-2025年）即将圆满收官，我国经济实力、科技实力、综合国力都得到了显著增强。Noting that non-CPC personages had carried out in-depth research on key issues arising in economic and social development and provided important references for the CPC Central Committee's scientific decision-making, Xi expressed thanks to them on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.习近平指出，非中共人士对经济社会发展中的重大问题进行了深入研究，为中共中央科学决策提供了重要参考。他代表中共中央向他们表示感谢。Xi called on them to actively contribute their wisdom and efforts to the formulation and implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan, conduct in-depth research on topics such as building a modern industrial system, developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, and establishing a strong domestic market, and put forward their opinions and suggestions.习近平主席号召他们积极为制定和实施十五五规划贡献智慧和力量，深入研究建设现代工业体系、培育适应本地特点的新质生产力、壮大国内市场等课题，并提出意见和建议。

PREVIEW — Ken Vogel — Hunter Biden and Foreign Influence Peddling. Vogel discusses Hunter Biden'sdocumented involvement with Chinese business figures and financial entities, noting Hunter's own stated "wonderment" regarding the sophisticated networks he accessed and his acknowledged awareness that his personal value derived fundamentally from his family surname and paternal political connections to Vice President Joe Biden. Vogel argues that foreign entities, particularly Chinese governmental and commercial interests, deliberately targeted the Biden family for systematic influence operations and strategic cultivation, accurately calculating that Joe Biden possessed substantial political authority as a sitting Vice President and remained a viable prospective presidential candidate, making influence investment strategically rational from Beijing's geopolitical perspectives and national interest calculations. 1903

The Inauguration and the New England Tour — Nathaniel Philbrick — Philbrick recounts Washington'sinauguration ceremony, noting his emotional collapse immediately following the ritual, which revealed him not as an impassive "marble man" but as a human profoundly terrified of the political road ahead. Philbrick draws historical parallels between this psychological moment and a near-fatal fall experienced by artist N.C. Wyeth. Washingtonsubsequently undertook a systematic tour of New England to unify the fractured nation, deliberately balancing his role as a man of the people—staying in public taverns among ordinary citizens—with the constitutional dignity of his new office. Philbrick highlights oral traditions documenting Washington gently reminding awestruck observers that he was merely "only a man" despite his historical prominence. 1840

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom debunk the myth that deep squats are harmful to the knees and discuss their impact on knee health. They trace the misconception to outdated research and review recent studies showing deep squats are generally safe and beneficial for healthy adults, supporting overall knee health. The hosts discuss knee biomechanics, the importance of gradual progression, and individualized modifications. They emphasize that deep squats support functional movement, joint health, and knee health, even for those with knee pain, and encourage listeners to challenge old beliefs and approach squatting with confidence and proper technique.VivoBarefoot Discount:Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—with perfect styles for any occasion! Boost foot health through mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you're not satisfied!LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. It's our favorite micro nutrition hack to get those essential minerals in! Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!We think you'll love:Free Week of the Knee PlanFree Knee MasterclassJen's InstagramDom's InstagramYouTube ChannelWhat You'll Learn01:47 Tracing the myth to a 1961 study with questionable methods and its influence on fitness culture.04:25 Summary of review findings: most studies support deep squat safety for healthy adults, with a few raising minor concerns.08:02 Highlighting benefits found in research: improved strength, tendon resilience, and functional capacity.09:54 How knee joint and patellofemoral forces change with squat depth, and why deep squat exercise may not be riskier.12:31 Anecdote about retraining Dr. Jen's mom to perform deep squats safely despite osteoarthritis.13:58 Noting that deep squats are used...For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/438 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cleopatra's Spectacular Introduction to Antony: Colleague Barry Strauss describes Cleopatra's spectacular introduction to Antony and her background as the ruthless, wealthy queen of the Ptolemaic dynasty, noting that Antony values her resources and acknowledges her son Caesarion as Julius Caesar's child, highlighting Cleopatra's wealth display with the pearl story and their strategic alliance.

Agrippa's Brilliant Attack on Methone: Colleague Barry Strauss details the logistical maneuvers preceding Actium, noting Antony's defensive posture in western Greece, with Agrippa executing a brilliant surprise attack on Methone, a key supply base, crippling Antony's supply lines; this amphibious raid forces Antony to shift focus to the north, setting the stage for battle.

Lancaster County Shows Consumer Fatigue: Colleague Jim McTague reports that retailers in Lancaster are using deep discounts to attract price-sensitive shoppers, noting that while weekend traffic is decent, weekdays are slow and high-end dining is struggling, with the job market tightening significantly as skilled labor demands vanish, suggesting consumers are "running out of disposable income". 1912 ALLENTOWN

Ukraine Negotiations: Territorial Disputes and Implacable Positions — Anatol Lieven — Lieven discusses the stalled trilateral negotiations between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv, noting that while incremental diplomatic progress exists, the fundamental territorial dispute over Donbass remains structurally "implacable" and resistant to resolution. Lieven documents that Ukraine categorically rejects territorial concessions, invoking historical parallels to the 1938 Munich Agreement and its catastrophic consequences for Czechoslovakia. Lieven emphasizes that Putin views the capture and consolidation of Donbass as strategically essential to justify the war's immense human and economic costs to Russian domestic constituencieS 1938.

PREVIEW: US-Saudi Nuclear Reactor Negotiations: Colleague Henry Sokolski analyzes ongoing negotiations regarding Saudi Arabia's request for nuclear reactors, citing concerns that spent fuel could be repurposed for weapons, noting the deal is not finalized as US negotiators are currently withholding "advanced consent" for uranium enrichment and demanding strict protocols to prevent nuclear proliferation.

PREVIEW: Singapore's Strategic Entry into Quantum Computing: Colleague Brandon Weichert discusses Singapore's competitive edge in the quantum race through the startup Horizon Quantum Computing, noting that unlike American firms focused on software, this initiative integrates hardware and software to create a commercially viable "test bed" aimed at securing communications while potentially decrypting enemy data.

3/8. Darwin's Finches: The Evolution Myth and the Speed of Adaptation — Steven Moss — Moss corrects widespread misconceptions regarding Darwin's Finches, noting that Charles Darwin collected the specimens but failed to properly label their specific island origins, and subsequently employed pigeons rather than finches to explain evolutionary mechanisms. Moss discusses researchers Peter and Rosemary Grant, who demonstrated that evolutionary adaptation can occur with extraordinary rapidity, occurring within single El Niño weather events. Moss explores Australian birds, including the Magpie, as examples of misnamed convergent evolution. Moss emphasizes that all bird species, including the frequently underestimated pigeon, possess sophisticated cognitive and intelligence capabilities. 1862

2/4. Politics vs. Markets: The Failures of Incentivized Climate Solutions — Terry Anderson (Editor) — Andersondiscusses adaptation barriers, noting that regulatory frameworks systematically impede Alaskan Native Villages'traditional ecological knowledge and adaptive ingenuity. Anderson critiques incentivized climate solutions, particularly carbon taxation schemes, arguing they fail fundamentally due to political polarization driven by the perverse incentive structure ("don't tax me, tax them"). Anderson advocates instead for market-driven responses that empower consumers as decision-makers, catalyzing genuine adaptation outcomes, including strategic crop relocation and agricultural practice modification in response to changing environmental conditions. 1838

As we continue our journey through Advent, Charlette and David guide us through this week's Gospel reading from Matthew.  Noting that repentance and growth are a lifelong endeavor--transformation is not something we perform alone; it's a partnership with God requiring time, tending, and courage. They invite listeners to consider how this passage speaks to us in this sacred season of anticipation.Faith to Go is a ministry of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Click here to learn more about EDSD's great work in our region and how you can support this ministry.Remember to get in contact with us!Email: faithtogo@edsd.orgInstagram: @faithtogo

Disney and ESPN: Running a Blue Company in a Red State — Charles Gasparino — Gasparino analyzes the radicalization of the Walt Disney Company, noting that CEO Bob Iger brought progressive cultural affinities while the company maintained profitability. His successor, Bob Chapek, initially navigated the challenge of running a "blue company in a red state" (Florida) by remaining publicly neutral regarding cultural controversies with Governor Ron DeSantis. Internal organizational pressure from Iger forced Chapek to publicly oppose DeSantis's legislation, resulting in Disney forfeiting special taxing authorities and Chapek's subsequent removal. ESPN similarly suffered audience erosion following politicization, exemplified by broadcaster Sage Steele's controversial heterodox commentary. 1957

Early Photography's Scientific Reach: Lunar and Underwater Photography — Anika Burgess — Burgess explores early photography's critical scientific applications, noting that François Arago predicted the daguerreotype would enable detailed mapping of the lunar surface. Early astrophotographers encountered formidable technical challenges involving distance calculations, celestial motion, and insufficient ambient light. James Nasmyth controversially photographed plaster casts and molds of the lunar surface, which contemporary observers praised as scientifically truthful. Burgess also highlights Louis Boutan, who persistently developed practical underwater photography using pressurized hard-hat diving equipment, establishing a new scientific capability. 1865

China's Debt Dilemma and Keir Starmer's Political Trouble — Joseph Sternberg — Sternberg analyzes China'scritical economic vulnerabilities, noting that its $2.2 trillion in global lending—partly channeled through the Belt and Road Initiative—faces mounting pressure from defaults and political resistance to Chinese asset ownership. Domestically, China restricts capital inflows to manage inflation and stabilize exchange rates. Sternberg also examines UK politics, noting that Labour leader Keir Starmer faces mounting political difficulties ahead of a challenging budget that lacks an articulated economic growth strategy. 1700 WINDSOR CASTLE

SHOW -25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1942 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT the peace plan. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Economy, Fed Rates, and the AI Productivity Boom — Liz Peek — Peek examines the U.S. economy, noting mixed retail sales data alongside recent strength in credit card spending. She anticipates the Federal Reserve will likely reduce interest rates in December due to softening labor market conditions, despite traditional employment reporting lags. Peekemphasizes that the Fed fails to account adequately for AI's significant, though currently unmeasured, impact on productivity gains, employment displacement, and escalating electricity consumption, even as AI demonstrates substantial benefits in diagnostics and medical analysis. 915-930 930-945 Ireland's Exposed Western Flank and Europe's Ukraine Stance — Judy Dempsey — Dempsey examines how Ireland's steadfast neutrality and limited defense capabilities leave its critical undersea communication cables vulnerable to Russian eavesdropping and potential sabotage. Despite maintaining budget surpluses, Ireland prioritizes social issues, including housing, over defense investments. Dempsey notes that European powers view the U.S.-Russia peace proposal for Ukraine with skepticism, characterizing it as a "Russian wish list," while German leadership remains publicly committed to sustained Ukrainian military support. 945-1000 SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Unorthodox Ukraine Diplomacy and Geopolitical Realism — Mary Kissel — Kissel analyzes the "exceedingly odd" U.S. approach to Ukraine peace negotiations, wherein businesspeople framed initial proposals while bypassing traditional State Department channels. This transactional negotiating style concerns European allies because it appears to reward Russia and establishes an unfavorable initial bargaining position. Kissel suggests the conflict will likely persist while diplomatic discussions protract. She commends Marco Rubio for prioritizing economic growth and countering Chineseand Iranian influence throughout the Western Hemisphere. 1015-1030 1030-1045 Escalating Conflict: Hezbollah Strike, Turkish Influence, and Fragile Ceasefires — Jonathan Schanzer — Schanzer discusses the chaotic status of regional ceasefires, highlighting Israel's major strike against Hezbollah's de facto military commander in Beirut. Iran and Turkey are actively exploiting smuggling routes into Lebanon via Syriato sustain Hezbollah operations. Schanzer addresses the dysfunction of the Lebanese government, the fragility of the Gaza truce agreement, and the complex geopolitical competition involving Russia, Turkey, and external actors competing for influence over the nascent Syrian state. 1045-1100 THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 China's Debt Dilemma and Keir Starmer's Political Trouble — Joseph Sternberg — Sternberg analyzes China'scritical economic vulnerabilities, noting that its $2.2 trillion in global lending—partly channeled through the Belt and Road Initiative—faces mounting pressure from defaults and political resistance to Chinese asset ownership. Domestically, China restricts capital inflows to manage inflation and stabilize exchange rates. Sternberg also examines UK politics, noting that Labour leader Keir Starmer faces mounting political difficulties ahead of a challenging budget that lacks an articulated economic growth strategy. 1115-1130 1130-1145 AI Regulation: The Danger of Fear and the Need for a National Framework — Kevin Fraaser — Fraser critiques the regulatory rush surrounding AI, faulting the EU's approach to establishing guardrails based on "speculative fears" rather than documented harms. He warns against allowing "robophobia"—unfounded fear of artificial intelligence—to drive policy, advocating instead for regulatory focus on beneficial applications including healthcare diagnostics and educational access. Fraaser advocates for a unified U.S. regulatory framework to prevent a fragmented patchwork of state laws and excessive litigation that stifles technological innovation. 1145-1200 FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Ukraine Diplomacy, NATO Defense Gaps, and Baltic War Games — Gregory Copley — Copley analyzes the opaque U.S.-Russia Ukraine peace talks, which initially involved non-traditional negotiators rather than career diplomats. European powers are seeking inclusion in discussions but maintain conflicting strategic objectives. The discussion covers NATO's eroding relevance, particularly regarding Ireland's vulnerability to Russian surveillance and potential sabotage of critical undersea communication cables. Copley assesses a war game scenario in which Russia directly challenges NATO's Article 5 collective defense commitment in the Baltics. 1215-1230 1230-1245 1245-100 AM

PREVIEW — Gregory Copley — NATO's Inconsistencies and Future Existence. Copley examines the fractured and inconsistent state of NATO, noting overwhelming enthusiasm from threatened eastern flank members, including Poland, the Baltics, and Finland, who prioritize collective defense. This contrasts sharply with tepid commitment from wealthy western members and explicit antagonism toward the U.S. from Germany and France. Copley highlights concerns regarding western flank exposure, particularly Ireland's vulnerability, and the critical dependence of eastern defense on central European cooperation and coordination. 11930 County Waterford coastal artillery

Economy, Fed Rates, and the AI Productivity Boom — Liz Peek — Peek examines the U.S. economy, noting mixed retail sales data alongside recent strength in credit card spending. She anticipates the Federal Reserve will likely reduce interest rates in December due to softening labor market conditions, despite traditional employment reporting lags. Peekemphasizes that the Fed fails to account adequately for AI's significant, though currently unmeasured, impact on productivity gains, employment displacement, and escalating electricity consumption, even as AI demonstrates substantial benefits in diagnostics and medical analysis. 1921 CHAPLIN

PREVIEW — Joseph Sternberg — Keir Starmer's Political Survival Amid Labour's Economic Malaise. Sternberganalyzes the mounting challenges facing UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, noting growing restlessness within his party despite commanding parliamentary supermajorities. The forthcoming budget will prove economically "punishing," featuring substantial tax increases potentially affecting working households—contradicting election pledges. Labour faces sustained unpopularity due to elevated inflation, anemic economic growth, and an immigration crisis. The party's substantial seat majority was secured with an "unusually slim plurality" of actual votes cast, undercutting political legitimacy. 1901 commons

Geopolitics of the Gulf and Eurasia: US-Saudi Relations and China's Global Strategy — Victoria Coates, Vice President, Heritage Foundation — Victoria Coates addresses U.S.-Saudi relations, noting that technology transfer risks from China exist but remain manageable through export-controlled F-35 versions. She argues that Russia is dependent on Beijing in the Ukraine war, which serves China's strategic objective of distracting the West from Indo-Pacific developments. A perceived Russian victory would embolden China toward aggression in East Asia. Coates identifies security guarantees and Saudi openness to the Abraham Accords as key priorities for regional stability.  1922 PEKING

PREVIEW — Malcolm Hoenlein — BBC reporting distortion in Gaza. Hoenlein documents persistent distortions in BBC coverage of Gaza, noting that reporting relies on information from Hamas operatives posing as journalists. The coverage consistently exaggerates casualty figures, frequently failing to clarify that many deceased were terrorists or died of natural causes. Despite systematic challenges and documented inaccuracies, the BBC continues this problematic practice, even though Hamas operates deliberately within civilian populations to attract military response. Share

Veronique De Rugy discusses US industrial policy, noting the trade deficit has increased despite tariffs, and the administration's decision to remove tariffs on food items—goods not produced domestically—is seen as an implicit admission that tariffs contribute to the "affordability crisis" because tariffs are a tax primarily borne by American consumers. The goals behind tariffs have shifted from fighting China to raising revenue, and the largest tariff exemption is for computer parts, indicating an understanding that tariffs could contradict other goals like energy abundance. De Rugyargues that US economic power stems from innovation and a willingness to invest, making industrial policy involving tariffs and seeking foreign investment largely unnecessary and potentially harmful. 1947

2/8 Autocrats Versus Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. Michael McFaul analyzes the Cold War, noting that the Cuban Missile Crisis taught the need for crisis management mechanisms with adversaries. He argues that the US was too complacent, first when engaging China after Tiananmen Square without stressing values, and later when failing to invest politically and economically to consolidate democracy in post-Soviet Russia. Guest: Michael McFaul. 1917

1/8. Autocrats Versus Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. Michael McFaul analyzes the Cold War, noting that the Cuban Missile Crisis taught the need for crisis management mechanisms with adversaries. He argues that the US was too complacent, first when engaging China after Tiananmen Square without stressing values, and later when failing to invest politically and economically to consolidate democracy in post-Soviet Russia. Guest: Michael McFaul 1812.

4/8 Autocrats Versus Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. Michael McFaul analyzes the Cold War, noting that the Cuban Missile Crisis taught the need for crisis management mechanisms with adversaries. He argues that the US was too complacent, first when engaging China after Tiananmen Square without stressing values, and later when failing to invest politically and economically to consolidate democracy in post-Soviet Russia. Guest: Michael McFaul. 1918