The John Batchelor Show

John Batchelor

News, Books, Society & Culture, Arts

4.6 • 2.7K Ratings

Overview

The John Batchelor Show is a hard news-analysis radio program on current events, world history, global politics and natural sciences. Based in New York City for two decades, the show has travelled widely to report, from the Middle East to the South Caucasus to the Arabian Peninsula and East Asia.

22163 Episodes

S8 Ep134: PREVIEW — Bruce Bechtol — China's Role in Supplying Dual-Use Technology to North Korea and the Axis. Bechtol examines China's critical role in sustaining North Korea's military-industrial complex, particularly since 2019 when international sanctions enfor

PREVIEW — Bruce Bechtol — China's Role in Supplying Dual-Use Technology to North Korea and the Axis. Bechtolexamines China's critical role in sustaining North Korea's military-industrial complex, particularly since 2019 when international sanctions enforcement effectively ceased. China supplies dual-use technologies and component parts, frequently procured through illicit channels, directly to North Korea, thereby reinforcing the axis of revisionist states comprising Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Chinese companies involved in these transfers maintain direct linkages to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), operating as instruments of state policy. 1951

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep134: PREVIEW — Bruce Bechtol — Kim Jong-un's Vital Role in the Axis of Evil. Bechtol discusses how Kim Jong-un, despite international perceptions of him as a "clownish figure," is regarded with strategic seriousness by the "axis of evil," which now encompasses

PREVIEW — Bruce Bechtol — Kim Jong-un's Vital Role in the Axis of Evil. Bechtol discusses how Kim Jong-un, despite international perceptions of him as a "clownish figure," is regarded with strategic seriousness by the "axis of evil," which now encompasses four nations. This respect stems from Pyongyang's formidable military capabilities, including a sophisticated arsenal of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, coupled with its demonstrated ability to manufacture and proliferate vital weapon systems required by axis partners throughout the region.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep134: PREVIEW — Svetlana Lokhova — Soviet Espionage in the US: The Role of Ray Bennett. Lokhova discusses the extensive Soviet espionage network established by Stalin in the 1930s to systematically steal American intellectual property, particularly aeronautics

PREVIEW — Svetlana Lokhova — Soviet Espionage in the US: The Role of Ray Bennett. Lokhova discusses the extensive Soviet espionage network established by Stalin in the 1930s to systematically steal American intellectual property, particularly aeronautics and aviation secrets. Lokhova examines Ray Bennett, a Hunter College graduate who served as a trainer for the espionage ring. Bennett, daughter of a communist newspaper editor, maintained extensive associations with communist operatives throughout New York, facilitating recruitment and operational security.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep134: PREVIEW — Svetlana Lokhova — The Atomic Spy Ring: Shamovski, Ovakimian, and Scientific Recruitment. Lokhova examines Soviet operatives Stanislav Shamovski and Gennady Ovakimian, who directed the espionage network stealing atomic weapons secrets. Ovakimian

PREVIEW — Svetlana Lokhova — The Atomic Spy Ring: Shamovski, Ovakimian, and Scientific Recruitment. Lokhova examines Soviet operatives Stanislav Shamovski and Gennady Ovakimian, who directed the espionage network stealing atomic weapons secrets. Ovakimian, a credentialed scientist, deliberately integrated himself into the American scientific community through published academic research and conference participation. His agents, including Shamovski, systematically recruited scientists and engineers from universities and government research institutes, who then reported operational intelligence up the chain through Ovakimian to Moscow Center. 1921

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep134: PREVIEW — David Rooney — Rolls-Royce Engines and the 1919 Transatlantic Flight. Rooney describes the 1919 Atlantic crossing attempt, which definitively established Rolls-Royce's reputation as the premier manufacturer of aircraft engines. The company's Eag

PREVIEW — David Rooney — Rolls-Royce Engines and the 1919 Transatlantic Flight. Rooney describes the 1919 Atlantic crossing attempt, which definitively established Rolls-Royce's reputation as the premier manufacturer of aircraft engines. The company's Eagle and Falcon engines proved vital because they could sustain continuous operation for over 10 hours without requiring refurbishment or maintenance, making them ideally suited for the demanding 20-hour transatlantic journeY. 1921

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep133: SHOW CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT STEE WITKOFF FIRST HOUR 9-915 Trump Envoy's Leaked Negotiations Undermine Ukraine Sovereignty; NATO Grapples with Political Will and Manpower Gaps — Colonel Jeff McCa

SHOW 11-26-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1959 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT STEE WITKOFF FIRST HOUR 9-915 Trump Envoy's Leaked Negotiations Undermine Ukraine Sovereignty; NATO Grapples with Political Will and Manpower Gaps — Colonel Jeff McCausland — Colonel McCausland analyzes leaked details revealing Trumpenvoy Steve Witkoff coaching Russian negotiators and proposing Ukrainian territorial concessions, violating fundamental negotiation principles. McCausland believes the war's continuation is the most probable outcome given these dynamics. McCausland assesses NATO readiness, concluding that while economic components exist, political will remains crucial. He condemns the DoD's attempt to prosecute Senator Kelly for citing Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) principles. C915-930 CONTINUED Trump Envoy's Leaked Negotiations Undermine Ukraine Sovereignty; NATO Grapples with Political Will and Manpower Gaps — Colonel Jeff McCausland — 930-945 Hyper-Individualism Since 1968 Has Fractured Civic Communion, Demands Rebuilding of Formative Institutions— Richard Reinsch — Reinsch argues that American politics is fundamentally undermined by a culture of hyper-individualism—a concept emerging around 1968—that divorces citizens from duty, sacrifice, and relational belonging. This cultural fragmentation has destroyed "civic communion" and social cohesion. To reclaim the republic, Reinschcontends citizens must actively resist the breakdown of formative institutions and work to restore loyalty and commitment through religion, education, family, and military service. 945-1000 SECOND HOUR 10-1015 China's Property Crisis Deepens as State-Owned Giant Vanke Plunges; Export Model Creates International Friction — Fraser Howie — Howie documents the deepening property market crisis, evidenced by the financial collapse of state-owned developer Vanke. The central government avoids massive bailout commitments, converting acute sectoral problems into chronic structural drags that leave municipal and regional banks dangerously exposed. Howie notes that the government's current strategy—relying on massive export volumes—is generating significant international friction and pushback, as other nations fear being "swamped by cheap Chinese imports" and demand market access reciprocity. 1015-1030 PLA Anti-Submarine Warfare Grows, But Taiwan Conflict Will Immediately Escalate to Total War for Ryukyu Islands — Rick Fisher — Fisher notes that the PLA Navy has invested heavily in advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. However, Japan maintains a meaningful deterrent margin through its new lithium-battery powered submarines. Fisher warns that China cannot impose an effective blockade of Taiwan without invading and occupying the Sakushima Islands (part of the Ryukyu chain), guaranteeing that any conflict over Taiwan's status will immediately transition into total, wider warfare involving Japan and the United States. C 1030-104C Canada's PM Carney Pursues China Trade Ties Despite Warnings of Beijing's Malign Influence and Elite Capture— Charles Burton — Burton analyzes Prime Minister Carney's efforts to strengthen trade relations with China, potentially to offset escalating tensions with the U.S. Burton suggests Carney assumes China will reward policy concessions by opening its markets, though historical precedent demonstrates China routinely offers empty promises. Burton expresses concern that the government is delaying implementation of a Foreign Influence Registry to appease Beijing, enabling continued espionage, infiltration operations, and the "elite capture" of Canadian policy makers. 1045-1100 China's AI War Planning Focuses on Deception, Raises Global Thermonuclear Risk — General Blaine Holt — General Holt examines China's PLA war planning, which prioritizes using artificial intelligence for grand deception operations. He argues that fifth-generation warfare, leveraging deepfakes and large language models, is potentially more destructive than nuclear weapons. Holt warns that autonomous AI systems adjudicating warfare decisions—analogous to WarGames—represents a probable future scenario. He assesses NATO as "slow and archaic," underscoring the urgent need for advanced indicators, warning systems, and diplomatic frameworks to manage emerging technological threats. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Author Charles Burton Recounts MSS Interrogation; Details Canada's Decade of Failing to Counter Chinese Malign Activity — Charles Burton — Burton recounts his 2018 interrogation by China's Ministry of State Securityregarding his academic research on Chinese political democratization. He asserts that successive Canadian governments have consistently failed to challenge Beijing's malign operations. Burton cites slow responses to Huawei 5G concerns, government secrecy surrounding the Wuhan-Winnipeg laboratory connections during COVID-19, and current resistance to subsidized BYD electric vehicles, which function as surveillance and data collection tools. 1115-1130 1130-1145 1145-1200 FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 UK Tax Hikes Reach All-Time High, Fueling Entrepreneur Exodus and Political Turmoil for Labor Party — Simon Constable — Constable reports that the UK Labour budget under Rachel Reeves will raise the aggregate tax burden to an all-time high of 38% of GDP. This approach is viewed as fundamentally anti-business, with over two-thirds of entrepreneurs reporting that the government lacks genuine support for wealth creation and private enterprise. Constable predicts this environment will trigger an exodus of new wealth creators and capital. Constable suggests the resulting political turmoil positions Nigel Farage as a credible contender for future UKleadership. 1215-1230 Sanctions Hit Russian Economy Hard as Middlemen Charge Massive Premiums for Imports and Demand Huge Energy Discounts — Michael Bernstam — Bernstam details how countries including China and Turkey exploit Russia's economic isolation through sanctions. China demands oil discounts of up to $19 per barrel while simultaneously charging an 87% premium for manufactured goods exported to Russia. This arbitrage mechanism has contributed to a severe recession in Russia's civilian economy (5.4% contraction). Russia has increasingly relied on gold reserves to cover government budget deficits and sustain essential spending. 1230-1245 1245-100 AM SpaceX Explosion, Chinese Stranding Highlight Private Space Successes and Major Space Failures — Bob Zimmerman — Zimmerman reports on a SpaceX Super Heavy prototype explosion during testing, emphasizing that engineering failures are vital mechanisms for program advancement and refinement. In stark contrast, the Chinese space program's lack of transparency regarding capsule damage resulted in taikonauts being stranded without functional lifeboat capability—a historic first in crewed spaceflight. Boeing's Starliner manned capsule program was downgraded to cargo-only operations due to persistent technical deficiencies, resulting in substantially reduced contract valuation.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep132: CONTINUED paceX Explosion, Chinese Stranding Highlight Private Space Successes and Major Space Failures — Bob Zimmerman

CONTINUED paceX Explosion, Chinese Stranding Highlight Private Space Successes and Major Space Failures — Bob Zimmerman

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: SpaceX Explosion, Chinese Stranding Highlight Private Space Successes and Major Space Failures — Bob Zimmerman — Zimmerman reports on a SpaceX Super Heavy prototype explosion during testing, emphasizing that engineering failures are vital mechanisms for p

SpaceX Explosion, Chinese Stranding Highlight Private Space Successes and Major Space Failures — Bob Zimmerman — Zimmerman reports on a SpaceX Super Heavy prototype explosion during testing, emphasizing that engineering failures are vital mechanisms for program advancement and refinement. In stark contrast, the Chinese space program's lack of transparency regarding capsule damage resulted in taikonauts being stranded without functional lifeboat capability—a historic first in crewed spaceflight. Boeing's Starliner manned capsule program was downgraded to cargo-only operations due to persistent technical deficiencies, resulting in substantially reduced contract valuation.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: Sanctions Hit Russian Economy Hard as Middlemen Charge Massive Premiums for Imports and Demand Huge Energy Discounts — Michael Bernstam — Bernstam details how countries including China and Turkey exploit Russia's economic isolation through sanctions. Chin

Sanctions Hit Russian Economy Hard as Middlemen Charge Massive Premiums for Imports and Demand Huge Energy Discounts — Michael Bernstam — Bernstam details how countries including China and Turkey exploit Russia's economic isolation through sanctions. China demands oil discounts of up to $19 per barrel while simultaneously charging an 87% premium for manufactured goods exported to Russia. This arbitrage mechanism has contributed to a severe recession in Russia's civilian economy (5.4% contraction). Russia has increasingly relied on gold reserves to cover government budget deficits and sustain essential spendi32ng. 19

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: UK Tax Hikes Reach All-Time High, Fueling Entrepreneur Exodus and Political Turmoil for Labor Party — Simon Constable — Constable reports that the UK Labour budget under Rachel Reeves will raise the aggregate tax burden to an all-time high of 38% of GDP.

UK Tax Hikes Reach All-Time High, Fueling Entrepreneur Exodus and Political Turmoil for Labor Party — Simon Constable — Constable reports that the UK Labour budget under Rachel Reeves will raise the aggregate tax burden to an all-time high of 38% of GDP. This approach is viewed as fundamentally anti-business, with over two-thirds of entrepreneurs reporting that the government lacks genuine support for wealth creation and private enterprise. Constable predicts this environment will trigger an exodus of new wealth creators and capital. Constable suggests the resulting political turmoil positions Nigel Farage as a credible contender for future UKleadership.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: 4/4 Author Charles Burton Recounts MSS Interrogation; Details Canada's Decade of Failing to Counter Chinese Malign Activity — Charles Burton

4/4 Author Charles Burton Recounts MSS Interrogation; Details Canada's Decade of Failing to Counter Chinese Malign Activity — Charles Burton

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: 3/4 Author Charles Burton Recounts MSS Interrogation; Details Canada's Decade of Failing to Counter Chinese Malign Activity — Charles Burton

3/4 Author Charles Burton Recounts MSS Interrogation; Details Canada's Decade of Failing to Counter Chinese Malign Activity — Charles Burton

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: 2/4 Author Charles Burton Recounts MSS Interrogation; Details Canada's Decade of Failing to Counter Chinese Malign Activity — Charles Burton

2/4 Author Charles Burton Recounts MSS Interrogation; Details Canada's Decade of Failing to Counter Chinese Malign Activity — Charles Burton 1956

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: 1/4 Author Charles Burton Recounts MSS Interrogation; Details Canada's Decade of Failing to Counter Chinese Malign Activity — Charles Burton — Burton recounts his 2018 interrogation by China's Ministry of State Securityregarding his academic research on

1/4 Author Charles Burton Recounts MSS Interrogation; Details Canada's Decade of Failing to Counter Chinese Malign Activity — Charles Burton — Burton recounts his 2018 interrogation by China's Ministry of State Securityregarding his academic research on Chinese political democratization. He asserts that successive Canadian governments have consistently failed to challenge Beijing's malign operations. Burton cites slow responses to Huawei 5G concerns, government secrecy surrounding the Wuhan-Winnipeg laboratory connections during COVID-19, and current resistance to subsidized BYD electric vehicles, which function as surveillance and data collection tools.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: China's AI War Planning Focuses on Deception, Raises Global Thermonuclear Risk — General Blaine Holt — General Holt examines China's PLA war planning, which prioritizes using artificial intelligence for grand deception operations. He argues that fifth-gen

China's AI War Planning Focuses on Deception, Raises Global Thermonuclear Risk — General Blaine Holt — General Holt examines China's PLA war planning, which prioritizes using artificial intelligence for grand deception operations. He argues that fifth-generation warfare, leveraging deepfakes and large language models, is potentially more destructive than nuclear weapons. Holt warns that autonomous AI systems adjudicating warfare decisions—analogous to WarGames—represents a probable future scenario. He assesses NATO as "slow and archaic," underscoring the urgent need for advanced indicators, warning systems, and diplomatic frameworks to manage emerging technological threats. NOVEMBER 1973

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: Canada's PM Carney Pursues China Trade Ties Despite Warnings of Beijing's Malign Influence and Elite Capture— Charles Burton — Burton analyzes Prime Minister Carney's efforts to strengthen trade relations with China, potentially to offset escalating tensi

Canada's PM Carney Pursues China Trade Ties Despite Warnings of Beijing's Malign Influence and Elite Capture— Charles Burton — Burton analyzes Prime Minister Carney's efforts to strengthen trade relations with China, potentially to offset escalating tensions with the U.S. Burton suggests Carney assumes China will reward policy concessions by opening its markets, though historical precedent demonstrates China routinely offers empty promises. Burton expresses concern that the government is delaying implementation of a Foreign Influence Registry to appease Beijing, enabling continued espionage, infiltration operations, and the "elite capture" of Canadian policy makers. 1963

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: PLA Anti-Submarine Warfare Grows, But Taiwan Conflict Will Immediately Escalate to Total War for Ryukyu Islands — Rick Fisher — Fisher notes that the PLA Navy has invested heavily in advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. However, Japan maint

PLA Anti-Submarine Warfare Grows, But Taiwan Conflict Will Immediately Escalate to Total War for Ryukyu Islands — Rick Fisher — Fisher notes that the PLA Navy has invested heavily in advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. However, Japan maintains a meaningful deterrent margin through its new lithium-battery powered submarines. Fisher warns that China cannot impose an effective blockade of Taiwan without invading and occupying the Sakushima Islands (part of the Ryukyu chain), guaranteeing that any conflict over Taiwan's status will immediately transition into total, wider warfare involving Japan and the United States. 1937 ESTONIA

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: China's Property Crisis Deepens as State-Owned Giant Vanke Plunges; Export Model Creates International Friction — Fraser Howie — Howie documents the deepening property market crisis, evidenced by the financial collapse of state-owned developer Vanke. The

China's Property Crisis Deepens as State-Owned Giant Vanke Plunges; Export Model Creates International Friction — Fraser Howie — Howie documents the deepening property market crisis, evidenced by the financial collapse of state-owned developer Vanke. The central government avoids massive bailout commitments, converting acute sectoral problems into chronic structural drags that leave municipal and regional banks dangerously exposed. Howie notes that the government's current strategy—relying on massive export volumes—is generating significant international friction and pushback, as other nations fear being "swamped by cheap Chinese imports" and demand market access reciprocity. 1947 PEKING

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: CONTINUED Hyper-Individualism Since 1968 Has Fractured Civic Communion, Demands Rebuilding of Formative Institutions— Richard Reinsch

CONTINUED Hyper-Individualism Since 1968 Has Fractured Civic Communion, Demands Rebuilding of Formative Institutions— Richard Reinsch 1865 FARMVILLE VA

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

S8 Ep131: Hyper-Individualism Since 1968 Has Fractured Civic Communion, Demands Rebuilding of Formative Institutions— Richard Reinsch — Reinsch argues that American politics is fundamentally undermined by a culture of hyper-individualism—a concept emerging around 1

Hyper-Individualism Since 1968 Has Fractured Civic Communion, Demands Rebuilding of Formative Institutions— Richard Reinsch — Reinsch argues that American politics is fundamentally undermined by a culture of hyper-individualism—a concept emerging around 1968—that divorces citizens from duty, sacrifice, and relational belonging. This cultural fragmentation has destroyed "civic communion" and social cohesion. To reclaim the republic, Reinschcontends citizens must actively resist the breakdown of formative institutions and work to restore loyalty and commitment through religion, education, family, and military service. 1898 PUERTO RICO