5. Russia’s Economic Bonus from Iran Conflict. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Michael Bernstam explains how skyrocketing oil prices have rescued Russia’s economy, doubling weekly revenues. While Europefaces severe diesel shortages and high costs, Moscow benefits from increased prices and reduced discounts to Asian buyers.,, (5)
1880 SERFDOM

4. Taiwan’s Strategic Pivot to Nuclear Energy. Guest: Jack Burnham. Jack Burnham analyzes Taiwan’s decision to restart its nuclear power plants to ensure energy security. Facing vulnerabilities in LNG supplies from the Middle East, Taiwan seeks a stable, domestic baseload power for critical manufacturing.,, (4)
1925 TAIPEI

3. The Return of Conventional Amphibious Warfare. Guest: Grant Newsham. Grant Newsham explains the deployment of Marine Expeditionary Units to the Persian Gulf. He argues this move validates traditional amphibious capabilities over recent "force design" strategies that focused solely on small, island-based missile teams.,, (3)

1944 SWORD BEACH?

2. China’s Drive for Undersea Maritime Hegemony. Guest: Rick Fisher. Rick Fisher discusses China’s long-term project to map the ocean floor for submarine warfare. He warns that China’s expanding fleet and undersea sensor networks aim to achieve naval parity with the United States.,, (2)

1907 RUSSIAN EMPIRE

 1. USS Gerald R. Ford’s Successes and Innovations. Guest: Rebecca Grant. Rebecca Grant highlights the carrier’s successful combat mission and technical advances like the electromagnetic launch system and high-capacity elevators. She notes these innovations significantly increase strike power compared to older Nimitz-class aircraft carrier ships.,, (1)

1945 PACIFIC

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Guest Rebecca Grant discusses the USS Gerald R. Ford’s combat success, highlighting its advanced electromagnetic launch system, increased weapon elevator capacity, and strategic deck configuration which significantly enhances the carrier’s strike power. (1)
APRIL 1936 OFF HONOLULU:  RANGER, LEXINGTON, SARATOGA.

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Guest Steve Yates explores China’s strategic planning for post-conflict Iran. Beijing prioritizes maintaining privileged, discounted access to energy resources while working to minimize United States influence and potential sanctions in the region. (2)
1903

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: Bruce Bechtol explains how North Korean engineers, led by Mong Lo, built underground tunnels at Natanz and Isfahan to help Iran conceal its growing nuclear program and its strategic missile arsenal. (1)

1688 PERSIAN GULF