SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-20-26.
1874 BEAVER

Rick Fisher discusses record-breaking arms packages for Taiwan, including loitering drones and missile defense, to counter potential Chinese invasion. Gordon Chang emphasizes the need for equipment capable of surviving an initial massive missile barrage. (1/16)

Greg Scarlatoiu details North Korea's role as an arsenal for Russia and Iran, providing missiles and tunnel technology for profit. Kim Jong-un's survival strategy relies on nuclear weapons and maintaining relevance among allies. (2/16)

Steve Yates critiques the personal diplomacy approach at the Beijing summit, noting an asymmetric information environment. He highlights the lack of a joint statement and ongoing tensions regarding Taiwan's sovereignty and defense. (3/16)

Steve Yates characterizes China as an opportunistic bystander in foreign policy regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Russia-Ukraine. He argues Beijing lacks the will or power to lead in resolving international crises effectively. (4/16)

Gordon Chang discusses China's "red lines" as tools for diplomatic intimidation. He argues China is fundamentally weak due to demographic collapse, a failing economy, and a military that lacks operational leadership for major invasions. (5/16)

Michael Bernstam explains Russia's dependence on China for technology and energy exports. Despite short-term gains from high oil prices, Russia remains a junior partner struggling with domestic refinery issues caused by Ukrainian drones. (6/16)

Jason Bedrick argues that the Bible is the essential foundation for the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. He laments the decline in biblical literacy, noting it creates a profound gap in cultural understanding. (7/16)

Joel Kotkin explores how the Iranian diaspora in California largely favors a republic over the current regime. This highly professional and accomplished community draws on their experience in a free society to envision reform. (8/16)

Mary Kissel discusses differing interpretations of the Trump-Xi summit, focusing on "strategic stability." She expresses concern over managed trade and the lack of consensus regarding North Korea's denuclearization and Chinese human rights abuses. (9/16)

Mary Kissel discusses the historic indictment of Raul Castro for the 1996 shootdown of unarmed aircraft. She interprets this move as diplomatic leverage to encourage a transition toward a more open, prosperous Cuba. (10/16)

Anne Lord reviews Chris Horton's Ghost Nation, detailing Taiwan's indigenous history and independent spirit. The book refutes Chinese Communist Party claims that the island has always been a "sacred territory" of mainland China. (11/16)

Anne Lord emphasizes Taiwan's critical importance to the global economy via its semiconductor industry. She notes that the Taiwanese people are prepared and investing heavily in defense to protect their democracy and technology. (12/16)

Simon Constable describes an idyllic spring in France before pivoting to alarming price increases for diesel, electricity, and natural gas. He warns that inflation is barreling through global economies as an "unleaded tax." (13/16)

Simon Constable discusses the political maneuvering to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He critiques the lack of clear leadership in Parliament and the potential for unelected transitions of power within the Labour Party. (14/16)

Bob Zimmerman discusses the upcoming SpaceX IPO, which could raise $75 billion. He argues that SpaceX is the real American space program, while NASA has become an ineffective sideshow supporting SpaceX's ambitious goals. (15/16)

Bob Zimmerman explains how private enterprise and competition are transforming the space industry. He also describes unique geological features on Mars, such as "brain terrain," captured in recent images by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. (16/16)

Note: corrected "Labor Party" → Labour Party (UK spelling).