The John Batchelor Show

STREAMING MAKING OF THE JBS, FEATURING GORDON CHANG, VICTORIA COATES, MARK SIMON, STEVE YATES, 4-29-26 "SEND YOUR BINOCULARS TO THE NAVY" This transcript from The John Bachelor Show explores the shifting dynamics of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, specifically under the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The participants argue that Britain’s global influence is declining, citing military inadequacies and a failure to protect strategic assets like Diego Garcia. The conversation then transitions to the dire health of imprisoned Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai, framing his treatment as a symbol of the Chinese Communist Party's uncompromising authoritarianism. Furthermore, the experts analyze a potential summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, questioning whether such a meeting is appropriate while China supports adversaries like Iran and Russia. Ultimately, the speakers advocate for a tougher stance against the "devil's triangle" of Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran, suggesting that the U.S. should prioritize newer European allies like Poland over traditional partners.

16. Blue Origin Launch Failures and European Mars Ambitions Guest: Doug Messier Summary: A Blue Originengine failure has disrupted the schedule for upcoming lunar missions. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency targets 2028 for its Mars rover launch, having replaced Russian technology following the invasion of Ukraine. 16 1880

15. China's Space Militarization and NASA's Search for Exoplanets Guest: Doug Messier Summary: China'sdevelopment of counter-space weapons threatens US communication and surveillance satellites. Conversely, NASA's new Nancy Grace Roman Telescope aims to study dark energy and discover thousands of new exoplanets using advanced wide-field imaging. 15 1880

14. The American Purchase of Marmite and UAE's Exit from OPEC Guest: Simon Constable Summary:American company McCormick's acquisition of Marmite highlights corporate expansion. Simultaneously, the UAE'sexit from OPEC disrupts the traditional oil cartel, potentially leading to lower global energy prices as more nations pursue independent production. 14 1890

13. Commodity Price Volatility and Keir Starmer's Leadership Challenges Guest: Simon Constable Summary:Soaring prices for oil, fertilizer, and grains threaten global food security and European economic stability. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces intense internal pressure and public dissatisfaction following a series of political scandals. 13 1871

12. Why Post-Liberalism Historically and Politically Fails Guest: Thomas Howes Summary: Howes explains that post-liberal movements often fail because their chosen leaders prioritize power over the movement's ideals. Historically, these intellectual elites are frequently marginalized or "thrown under the bus" by the systems. 12 1870

11. The Rise and Philosophical Roots of Post-Liberalism Guest: Thomas Howes Summary: This Catholic-led movement critiques modern constitutional democracy and advocates for a strong executive to enforce social conservatism. Proponents seek to empower personal sovereigns and loyalist bureaucracies, drawing inspiration from pre-revolutionary European governance models. 11 1866

10. The Terminal Stage and Impending Collapse of OPEC Guest: Michael Bernstam Summary: Bernstam argues OPEC is dying due to the US shale revolution turning America into an exporter. The UAE's departure signals a broader collapse as nations seek to bypass production quotas for individual profit. 10 1865

9. The Official Russian Economic Recession and Fiscal Deficits Guest: Michael Bernstam Summary: Russia has officially entered a recession as "military Keynesianism" exhausts its economic potential. Budget deficits soar while military equipment shortages force the Victory Parade to proceed without its traditional display of tanks and planes. 9 1865

8. Interstellar Comet Variations and the Science Board Shakeup Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: Data from comet 3i Atlas reveals unique chemical compositions unlike local solar system objects. Additionally, President Trumpdismissed the National Science Board after its members publicly opposed his proposed budget cuts for research funding. 8 1865

C7. Golden Dome Defense and Private Space Stations Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: The Space Force is developing the "Golden Dome" to protect North America from missiles and drones. Simultaneously, private companies like Vast and Voyager are racing to launch commercial space stations featuring artificial gravity. 7 1897

6. CCP Propaganda and the Strategic Obsession with Japan Guest: Grant Newsham Summary: Newsham explains how the CCP uses anti-Japanese propaganda as a pretextual distraction from its own internal failures. Despite state-sponsored animosity, Chinese citizens admire Japanese culture, highlighting a disconnect between the regime and public. 6 1893

5. Japan's Energy Vulnerability and Military Rearmament Guest: Grant Newsham Summary: Japan faces extreme risks due to its 95% reliance on Middle Eastern oil. Under Prime Minister Takaichi, the nation is moving toward rearmament and seeking energy security through American and Canadian partnerships instead. 5

4. The Reality of the Russia-China "No Limits" Partnership Guest: Steve Yates and Gordon Chang Summary:Characterized as theater rather than strategic reality, the Russia-China partnership faces limits as both nations struggle with domestic failures. Yates notes China's inability to project power or protect global maritime navigation during crises. 4

3. China's Economic Vulnerability and Role in the Gulf Guest: Steve Yates and Gordon Chang Summary: Yatesexamines how the US-led blockade of Iranian ports devastates China's manufacturing-dependent economy. He argues that Beijing's "Wizard of Oz" illusion of power is fading as Trump uses unconventional tactics to impose consequences. 3

2. The Health Crisis and Potential Release of Jimmy Lai Guest: Mark Simon and Gordon Chang Summary: Mark Simon details the deteriorating condition of 79-year-old Jimmy Lai in a Hong Kong prison. The discussion explores potential diplomatic intervention by Donald Trump and critiques the British government's failure to effectively challenge Beijing. 2

1. The Special Relationship Under Scrutiny Guest: Victoria Coates and Gordon Chang Summary: Coates analyzes the historical US-UK bond, criticizing Prime Minister Keir Starmer for compromising strategic assets like Diego Garcia. She highlights Britain's degraded military capabilities and suggests Washington should prioritize "New Europe" partners like Poland. 1 1885

Michael Bernstam discusses the UAE exiting OPEC, suggesting the organization is a 20th-century artifact. He explains how outdated rules favoring only Russia and Saudi Arabia are driving members to leave the group. 1909

Victoria Coates analyzes King Charles III's visit to the United States for the nation's 250th anniversary. She emphasizes the profound interconnection between the two nations despite their historical conflicts and past wars. 1850

Grant Newsham explores the CCP's obsession with Japan, noting how the party avoids wartime history. He observes that while officials promote disdain, many Chinese citizens actually admire and visit Japan frequently. 1900