Retired Brigadier General Rob Spalding joins the show to break down the threat China poses to the United States. We dive into the likelihood of war, compare U.S. and Chinese military and economic capabilities, and discuss how the CCP wages war without firing a shot. General Spalding also shares insights from his books Stealth War and War Without Rules—must-reads for understanding the new era of global conflict.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to General Robert Spalding

01:00 Understanding the Chinese Communist Party

03:40 Experiences in China and Change of Heart

05:56 The Role of the Defense Attaché

08:11 Reassessing Views on China

10:30 Building a Coalition for Change

12:37 Evidence of China's Threat

16:15 Political Warfare and National Security

20:31 The Shift in Focus Post-9/11

22:35 CIA's Recruitment Challenges

26:51 Social Conditioning and Counterintelligence

30:12 The Challenge of Competing Narratives

32:51 Political Warfare in a Free Society

35:51 Economic Coupling and Political Influence

39:15 The Challenge of Digital Sovereignty

41:29 Understanding the Ideological Threat

47:08 The Psyop of COVID-19

52:16 The Complexity of Trust in China

55:00 Historical Context of US-China Relations

01:00:22 Asymmetric Warfare and Modern Strategies

01:09:27 Understanding the Fentanyl Crisis

01:18:25 The Role of the Chinese Communist Party

01:19:08 The American Drug Market and Its Implications

01:21:45 Military Readiness and the PLA

01:30:56 Mindset and Perception in Military Service

01:40:09 Cultural and Ideological Challenges in the Military

01:42:31 The Infiltration of Marxism in Academia

01:45:52 The Rise of Marxism in Corporate America

01:49:42 Critical Thinking and Propaganda

01:53:13 Chinese Influence in American Education

02:00:30 America's Technological Edge and Future

02:09:58 The Resilience of the Chinese Communist Party

02:12:51 American Ingenuity and the Path Forward

Check Out Our Sponsors:

Alp! ALP is arguably the world's best nicotine pouch brand dedicated to offering a better, more satisfying way to enjoy nicotine. ALP is tobacco leaf-free, smoke-free, and available in a range of flavors and strengths. Use our affiliate link: https://alppouch.com/icamewithfire to let them know we sent you and use promo code: ALP-C9ER6GCKZFDXLCY for 10% off your order. (We know, lame promo code…)

Kill Cliff Energy! Looking for a clean energy boost without the crash? Kill Cliff Energy has you covered! Packed with natural ingredients, electrolytes, and just the right amount of caffeine, Kill Cliff gives you the energy you need to power through your day. Plus, with our exclusive discount code KCPODCAST20, you can get 20% off your next purchase. Fuel your energy and recovery with Kill Cliff! Check them out at https://www.killcliff.com

Protekt! Stay hydrated and recover like a pro with Protekt Hydration and Rest supplements! Veteran-owned and operated, Protekt offers clean, natural formulas made in the USA to optimize performance, hydration, and sleep. Fuel your body and rest easy knowing you're supporting a company with American-made quality. Use our exclusive code ICAMEWITHFIRE to get 15% off your next purchase. Get the balance your body needs, day or night, with Protekt! https://protekt.com/