12. King Charles III’s Diplomatic Mission to Washington Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses King Charles III’s upcoming April visit to the U.S. to address a joint session of Congress. The visit aims to harmonize U.S.-UK relations amid tensions between Trump and the Starmer government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Starmer faces internal leadership challenges within a troubled and incoherent Labour Party. (12)

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11. European Energy Realism and the Ukraine Conflict Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley analyzes the shift in European politics toward pragmatism regarding Russianenergy. High energy costs are forcing a rejection of "farcical" climate change ideologies in favor of nuclear and fossil fuels. Additionally, support for Ukraine is waning as nations prioritize economic survival and access to Central Asian markets. (11)
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10. Planning for Regime Change in Tehran Guest: Gregory CopleyGregory Copley criticizes Washington’s lack of a long-term strategic plan for Iran. The Trump administration now weighs regime change versus tactical military operations like seizing Kharg Island. Copley suggests a provisional government under Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi could be established in occupied litorals to encourage Iranian military defections. (10)

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9. Asymmetric Warfare and the Midterm Election Dilemma Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses Iran’s asymmetric warfareand the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He suggests President Trump faces a choice between strategic victory in Iran and domestic political stability ahead of midterms. Copley notes Iran's missile reserves are declining but they continue receiving resupplies from China via overland routes. (9)

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8. Israel’s Security Zone in Southern Lebanon Guest: Jonathan SchanzerJonathan Schanzer details Israel’s creation of a security zone in southern Lebanon to remove Hezbollah threats. The IDF is striking bridges over the Litani River to cut off supply lines. Schanzer notes that the IRGC remains entrenched in Lebanon, prompting debates about a generational opportunity for normalization. (8)
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7. The U.S. Strategy for the Strait of Hormuz Guest: Jonathan SchanzerJonathan Schanzer evaluates Trump’s strategy of "maximum flexibility"toward Iran. While 3,400 ships remain trapped in the Gulf, the U.S. prepares Marines for deployment to liberate the Strait. Schanzer notes that while Iran uses cheap drone swarms, Ukrainianexperts are advising regional allies on how to counter them. (7)

6. Keir Starmer’s Leadership During Global Tension Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg critiques Keir Starmer’s "reactive" leadershipduring global tensions. Iranian missiles now threaten British bases in Cyprusand potentially range to London. Starmer’s perceived indecisiveness and focus on internal Labour Party politics leave Britain poorly prepared for the economic shocks of rising petrol and energy costs. (6)
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5. China’s Slowing GDP and Economic Transformation Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg discusses China’s record-low GDP growth target of 4.5 to 5%. The CCP struggles to transition from a real estate-dependent model toward domestic consumption. Slowing credit growth and an oversaturated EV market further complicate Beijing’s efforts to maintain economic stability without relinquishing political control. (5)
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4. German Populism and the Hungarian Election Guest: Judy Dempsey Judy Dempsey examines the AfD’s success in Germany's Palatinate election, signaling a shift away from the ruling SPD. Populist gains are driven by migration concerns and economic frustrations. Additionally, Hungary’s upcoming election pits Viktor Orbán against Peter Magyar, with Russiareportedly attempting to intervene to protect its regional interests. (4)
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3. Trump’s "Armageddon Taco Shuffle" and European Energy Guest: Judy Dempsey Judy Dempsey analyzes President Trump’s "Armageddon taco shuffle" regarding Iranian negotiations. Berlin and Brussels face soaring energy bills and diesel prices as Middle Eastern tensions threaten LNG and fertilizer supplies. Concerns also mount over Iran's long-range missile capabilities, which now potentially range as far as major European capitals. (3)

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