The John Batchelor Show

Gregory Copley reports that Chinese leader Xi Jinping's power has diminished, noting he is expected to step down as General Secretary at the upcoming fourth plenum, retaining only the powerless PRC presidency. Copley suggests the new leadership may reduce global aggression because the country lacks money, resources, and solidarity for a global campaign, and faces massive domestic food and water crises. He also addresses Tony Blair's "surreal politic" role in the Gaza plan and the fragility of the clerical leadership in Iran. 1870 BUCKINGHAM

Gregory Copley reports that Chinese leader Xi Jinping's power has diminished, noting he is expected to step down as General Secretary at the upcoming fourth plenum, retaining only the powerless PRC presidency. Copley suggests the new leadership may reduce global aggression because the country lacks money, resources, and solidarity for a global campaign, and faces massive domestic food and water crises. He also addresses Tony Blair's "surreal politic" role in the Gaza plan and the fragility of the clerical leadership in Iran. 1944 GOLD BEACH, NORMANDY

Gregory Copley reports that Chinese leader Xi Jinping's power has diminished, noting he is expected to step down as General Secretary at the upcoming fourth plenum, retaining only the powerless PRC presidency. Copley suggests the new leadership may reduce global aggression because the country lacks money, resources, and solidarity for a global campaign, and faces massive domestic food and water crises. He also addresses Tony Blair's "surreal politic" role in the Gaza plan and the fragility of the clerical leadership in Iran. 1922 SUN YAT SEN

Gregory Copley reports that Chinese leader Xi Jinping's power has diminished, noting he is expected to step down as General Secretary at the upcoming fourth plenum, retaining only the powerless PRC presidency. Copley suggests the new leadership may reduce global aggression because the country lacks money, resources, and solidarity for a global campaign, and faces massive domestic food and water crises. He also addresses Tony Blair's "surreal politic" role in the Gaza plan and the fragility of the clerical leadership in Iran. 1917 PRINCETON IN PEKING

Peter Berkowitz asserts that American universities face a crisis of legitimacy and trust, earned through illiberal rules, intellectual stifling by tenured professors, and politicized curricula. He argues tenure often prevents professors from being independent thinkers. Berkowitz praises the University of Texas at Austin's hiring of William Inboden as Provost, viewing him as a strong reformer capable of restoring liberal education to the institution 1910 HARVARD

Peter Berkowitz asserts that American universities face a crisis of legitimacy and trust, earned through illiberal rules, intellectual stifling by tenured professors, and politicized curricula. He argues tenure often prevents professors from being independent thinkers. Berkowitz praises the University of Texas at Austin's hiring of William Inboden as Provost, viewing him as a strong reformer capable of restoring liberal education to the institution 1906 STANFORD, AGASSIZ

Mary Kissel credits President Trump for his commitment to the Gaza peace plan, which aims for a "de-radicalized terror-free zone" and redevelopment. The plan seeks support from Arab neighbors and envisions significant private sector involvement to rebuild Gaza into a modern, thriving region. Kissel also praises Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his "realist" approach and success in securing the release of US citizens held hostage in Afghanistan. 1914 MT ZION

Mary Kissel credits President Trump for his commitment to the Gaza peace plan, which aims for a "de-radicalized terror-free zone" and redevelopment. The plan seeks support from Arab neighbors and envisions significant private sector involvement to rebuild Gaza into a modern, thriving region. Kissel also praises Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his "realist" approach and success in securing the release of US citizens held hostage in Afghanistan. 1898 GAZA

Judy Dempsey notes that Russian drone activities are prompting several European nations to seek a collective "drone wall" and coordinate defense efforts independent of US leadership, signaling a shift in the transatlantic relationship. She highlights positive pro-European election results in Moldova and a temporary halt to the far-right AfD's momentum in German local elections. Europe remains hesitant about the Gaza plan but expects to contribute to reconstruction. 1940 DANUBE

Judy Dempsey notes that Russian drone activities are prompting several European nations to seek a collective "drone wall" and coordinate defense efforts independent of US leadership, signaling a shift in the transatlantic relationship. She highlights positive pro-European election results in Moldova and a temporary halt to the far-right AfD's momentum in German local elections. Europe remains hesitant about the Gaza plan but expects to contribute to reconstruction.

Joseph Sternberg discusses German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposed "autumn of reforms" to revive the stagnant German economy by encouraging private investment, simplifying business processes, and reforming welfare and pension systems. In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces severe political issues due to internal Labour Party divisions and voter defections to Nigel Farage's Reform Party. Starmer struggles to persuade voters that his party can address high immigration and culture issues. BERCHTESGADEN

Joseph Sternberg discusses German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposed "autumn of reforms" to revive the stagnant German economy by encouraging private investment, simplifying business processes, and reforming welfare and pension systems. In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces severe political issues due to internal Labour Party divisions and voter defections to Nigel Farage's Reform Party. Starmer struggles to persuade voters that his party can address high immigration and culture issues. 1860 BECHTESGADEN

Jonathan Schanzer analyzes the US-backed Gaza peace plan, which demands the release of all hostages and Hamas's surrender, meeting Benjamin Netanyahu's primary war aims. Despite pushback from the Israeli far-right, the momentum has shifted, putting the onus on Hamas. Schanzer notes that Iran's regional influence is waning, while Turkey's neo-Ottoman aspirations are resurging. He also confirms the significant damage inflicted upon Hezbollah's arsenal and leadership. 1933

Jonathan Schanzer analyzes the US-backed Gaza peace plan, which demands the release of all hostages and Hamas's surrender, meeting Benjamin Netanyahu's primary war aims. Despite pushback from the Israeli far-right, the momentum has shifted, putting the onus on Hamas. Schanzer notes that Iran's regional influence is waning, while Turkey's neo-Ottoman aspirations are resurging. He also confirms the significant damage inflicted upon Hezbollah's arsenal and leadership. 1915 GERMANY OVER GAZA

Liz Peek confirms that Wall Street expects further interest rate cuts despite strong GDP growth and a stable job market. She stresses that Artificial Intelligence is seriously impacting corporate hiring plans, noting major employers like Walmart are preparing to flatten employment over "several years." Peek also points to the alarming lead of socialist, anti-Israel mayoral candidate Mamdani in New York City, whose inexperience creates a large question mark over the city's future. 1963 NYSE

Liz Peek confirms that Wall Street expects further interest rate cuts despite strong GDP growth and a stable job market. She stresses that Artificial Intelligence is seriously impacting corporate hiring plans, noting major employers like Walmart are preparing to flatten employment over "several years." Peek also points to the alarming lead of socialist, anti-Israel mayoral candidate Mamdani in New York City, whose inexperience creates a large question mark over the city's future. 1955 NYSE

Preview: Keir Starmer faces immense political problems, unable to solve the exodus of Labour voters to Nigel Farage's Reform Party. Voters are frustrated with immigration and Labour's leftward drift on cultural issues, like trans issues. Though Starmer attempts tougher citizenship tests and restrictions, this effort divides the Labour Party. Those voting Reform have lost faith in Labour. 1930 PARLIAMENT KITCHEN

Preview: Gregory Copley reports that King Charles III and Camilla traveled to Barrow-in-Furness to commission the HMS Agamemnon, a new attack boat. The Agamemnon is the sixth of seven new Astute-class nuclear submarines entering Royal Navy service. The King's visit also served to recognize Barrow's extensive history in industrial construction and defense shipbuilding. 1928 FLYING SCOTSMAN

Preview: Peter Berkowitz argues that American distrust of higher education is rightly earned. Universities are guilty of censoring free speech and denying basic due process rights to students accused of wrongdoing, particularly in sexual misconduct cases. Furthermore, institutions are criticized for politicizing the undergraduate curriculum or hollowing it out instead of teaching essential subjects for responsible citizenship.

Preview: Liz Peek discusses the Fed's rate cut amidst strong economic data and consumer spending, noting second-quarter GDP growth was revised up to 3.8%. She highlights AI's increasing impact on hiring, citing Walmart's plan to hold employment flat and investment banking trends. The conversation ends with the concerning New York City mayoral race and candidate Mamani's socialist policies and inexperience. 1882 NYSE