The John Batchelor Show

Preview for later today. Simon Constable reports from France on skyrocketing energy prices fueled by the Iran war. With Brent crude up 50% and electricity soaring, diesel shortages and economic strain are looming for farmers. (2)
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Preview for later today. Steve Yates discusses the postponement of President Trump’s summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing. Security concerns and military operations in the Middle East have delayed the meeting until later this year. (4)
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STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 3-17-2026.
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This transcript from The John Batchelor Show features a detailed discussion between host John Batchelor and guests ThaddEus McCotter and David Shedd regarding escalating global instability. The participants analyze the military and economic ramifications of the conflict in Iran, specifically focusing on the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global oil prices and food supplies. A significant portion of the conversation examines the Trump administration's strategic response, noting the challenges of securing international cooperation and the political pressures of the upcoming midterm elections. Additionally, the dialogue transitions to China's systematic campaign of industrial espionage, as detailed in Shedd’s book, The Great Heist. The experts warn that Chinese state-sponsored theftextends beyond military secrets to include commercial data in sectors like food delivery and robotics. Ultimately, the sources portray a world where unrestricted mercantilism and geopolitical warfare threaten the stability of the American economy and international trade.

SHOW SCHEDULE 3-17-26 ST PATRICK'S DAY
1950 STORK CLUB, HITCHCOCK AND LAMOUR
1. Guest Elizabeth Peak analyzes how $105 oil impacts global inflation and the resilient U.S. economy. Despite war, AI investment persists. John Bachelor concludes by describing a "creepy," personalized interaction with AI assistant Claude. (1)
2. Guest Elizabeth Peak highlights strong public support for Trump’s Iranian strikes despite Democratic opposition. She criticizes the DHS shutdown for causing travel chaos and notes that midterm elections will focus on affordability and conflict. (2)
3. Guest David Shed details China’s global campaign of economic espionage and secret-stealing. Using Brazilian food delivery as a case study, he explains how the PRC leverages data and predatory acquisitions to dominate international markets. (3)
4. Guest David Shed recommends that President Trump confront Xi Jinping over economic espionage and cyberattacks during their summit. He emphasizes strengthening ties with India and the Quad to counter China’s slowing global economic influence. (4)
5. Guest Mary Kissel discusses potential government transitions in Cuba following severe U.S. economic pressure and power grid failures. She notes a broader rightward political shift in South America, including Argentina and ready Venezuelan opposition. (5)
6. Guest Mary Kissel evaluates the ongoing conflicts in Tehran and Beirut, noting the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to weaken Iranian proxies. Priorities include destroying nuclear capacity, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and managing rising fuel costs. (6)
7. Guest Jonathan Schanzer discusses the killing of Iranian leader Ali Larijani and the degradation of Iran’s missile production. He analyzes the closed Strait of Hormuz and the potential for the Iranian people to revolt. (7)
8. Guest Jonathan Schanzer details the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah following ceasefire violations. Israel aims to destroy Hezbollah's arsenal while navigating regional dynamics, including opposition from Turkey and quiet support from Gulf nations. (8)
Here are the 35-word summaries for the guests featured in segments 9 through 16: (9)
SEG 9: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg, a Wall Street Journal editorial board member, analyzes the stalling of European right-wing populism. He observes voters in the UK, Germany, and Hungary rejecting insurgent parties in favor of moderate, centrist leadership movements. (10)
SEG 10: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg examines UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s record unpopularity. He attributes this to economic pessimism, perceived political haplessness, and the Labour Party’s internal struggle to define its ideological direction between the center and left. (11)
SEG 11: Conrad Black Biographer Conrad Black details Canada’s immense chromium deposits in the "Ring of Fire." He highlights its strategic value for stainless steel production and US national security, potentially ending reliance on several unreliable foreign minerals sources. (12)
SEG 12: Charles Burton Charles Burton, Sinopsis expert, discusses the complex US-China trade dynamic. He examines Xi Jinping’s ritualistic goals, potential concessions regarding Taiwan, and Canada’s efforts to balance its economic interests and natural resources amidst these ongoing tensions. (13)
SEG 13: Grant Newsham evaluates Japan’s new hawkish Prime Minister, Takaichi Sai. He argues Japan must accept military risks in the Strait of Hormuz to solidify future American support against the growing threats from mainland China now. (14)
SEG 14: :Grant Newsham  discusses South Korea’s reluctance to assist in the Strait of Hormuz. He characterizes the current administration as ideologically pro-China and skeptical of US alliances, potentially undermining regional security cooperation against common global threats. (15)
SEG 15: Craig Unger Journalist Craig Unger reviews the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into Donald Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. He examines subpoenas regarding missing documents and investigates long-standing allegations of sexual misconduct and many "catch and kill" patterns. (16)
SEG 16: Craig Unger Craig Unger explores the legal and political consequences of the Epstein investigation. He notes growing Republican dissent and argues that while presidential immunity complicates immediate prosecution, these allegations could significantly impact the upcoming national elections. (17)

SEG 16: Craig  Unger explores the legal and political consequences of the Epstein investigation. He notes growing Republican dissent and argues that while presidential immunity complicates immediate prosecution, these allegations could significantly impact the upcoming national elections. (17)
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