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本次大会纪念中国人民抗日战争及世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年，向抗战贡献者和参与援助的国外友人致以崇高敬意。强调艰苦卓绝的抗战经历、建立抗日民族统一战线及对世界和平的重大贡献；倡导各国平等、守望相助，构建人类命运共同体。中国人民解放军被描述为党和人民信赖的英雄部队，维护国家主权与统一。强调坚持马克思主义及其中国化理论体系，传承抗战精神，推进新时代中国特色社会主义发展、中华民族伟大复兴。 At this grand gathering, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japan and the world anti-fascist war, paying solemn respects to those who contributed to the war and to foreign friends who aided China. It stresses the arduous resistance, the establishment of the anti-Japanese national united front, and a major contribution to world peace; calls for equality among nations and mutual aid to build a community with a shared future for mankind. The People’s Liberation Army is described as a trusted heroic force loyal to the Party and the people, safeguarding national sovereignty and unity. It emphasizes adherence to Marxism and its sinicized theories, carrying forward the war spirit, advancing the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

China and Russia recently conducted naval exercises in the South China Sea and the Black Sea respectively, while the US military is stretched thin across multiple regions. The speaker suggests that these events are happening without much attention. They also express concern about the collapse of the dollar and the resulting chaos in America, attributing it to a plan orchestrated by central bankers and world leaders. The speaker believes that a new world order, as mentioned by George H.W. Bush in 1990, is being formed through the manipulation of governments and covert actions. They argue that the US, once a barrier against globalists, is now being led towards destruction.

The video argues that China has a unique, long-standing supply chain that involves state security, public security, hospitals, biotech companies, airlines, high-speed rail, and schools. This is described as a “hundred fifty year industry” that could cost lives if spoken about aloud, referencing the death of a actor as an example. The speaker explains that this concept derives from a moment when Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin discussed how humans could live to 150 years old while on the way to a military parade; the speaker asserts that Xi was expressing confidence in China’s medical system and the related supply chain. According to the speaker, a dark medical supply chain exists in which young people have become sources of spare body parts for the rich and powerful, with schools, hospitals, police, and local governments all implicated. Public discussion of this topic has surged as more people go missing. The age range of affected individuals is said to be expanding from toddlers to teenagers to young adults and now middle-aged men and women, including people in their fifties. The speaker notes that a Shanghai official told friends that people should not go to hospitals for physical exams if they are under 60, arguing that as demand for body parts rises, a 50-year-old who “still looks good” is valuable, while the biggest group affected remains children. As 2026 began, reports of missing children across China reportedly increased. The speaker cites a sequence of disappearances in Henan: a mysterious death of a 13-year-old boy, followed within a week by another boy’s disappearance in a township near Xincai County on January 9; a 14-year-old boy, Yang Jiahao, missing on January 11 in Shangji Township; a 13-year-old boy, Wang Yichun, missing January 12 in Heilong Township; and a 14-year-old girl, Xu Mengyao, missing January 12 in Dancheng County, Henan. Concurrently, helicopters were reported in busy urban areas transporting what many suspect to be organs or organ-harvesting victims. Around 2 PM on January 15, a helicopter was filmed lifting a white bag from the rooftop of a traditional Chinese medicine hospital in Xiamen, Fujian. Netizens noted the bag appeared to be moving, leading to heightened online scrutiny, while authorities began censoring the footage.

"We should advocate for an equal and orderly, multipolar world, and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and make the global governance system more just and equitable." Leaders from across The Middle East and Asia gathered in a huge building, 'they boast that they represent nearly 50% of the world's population.' The enduring image was of three of the world's largest countries—Russia, China, and India—looking cordial, with Putin and Modi 'sharing a laugh with the Chinese leader on the sidelines, really almost literally rubbing shoulders.' Modi's first trip to China in seven years. As the summit wrapped up, the gathering signaled 'a time of global uncertainty,' with calls for some kind of newer, fairer system of government. They criticized 'a world order that's been dominated too much by The US since the collapse of the Soviet Union.'

China and Russia have a non-confrontational relationship that promotes world peace. The US, on the other hand, is seen as a warmonger, having been involved in numerous armed conflicts and interfering in other countries' affairs. It has supported over 50 foreign governments, meddled in elections, and attempted assassinations. The US-led NATO has caused wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, resulting in a high death toll and millions of refugees. The US's focus on Asia Pacific security is also a cause for concern. As long as US aggression persists, global peace will be hard to achieve.

The CCP has publicly announced its efforts to reestablish diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with plans to do the same for Syria and UAE. The goal is to unite the Middle East, Iran, and Syria with Russia under CCP leadership, forming a new United Nations. The speaker predicts that the CCP's leader will gain complete power and become the sole leader. It is described as a life or death battle between the two major powers in a bipolar world. The speaker refers to the CCP leader as the true mother of the world, who will bring both economic and energy hardships to their knees.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is not just a battle between two countries, but a larger struggle between democracy and dictatorship, specifically involving the Chinese Communist Party and the United States. The CCP's strategy includes creating chaos in multiple regions to overwhelm the US, with conflicts in the Middle East, Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, and CCP's intimidation of Taiwan. These actions highlight the global impact of the Chinese Communist Party's influence.

Following an intense seven-hour session, the US conveyed directly to China the consequences of aligning more closely with Russia. If China were to be an economic provider to Russia, they would only make up 15-20% of the world's economy, while the G7 countries make up more than 50%, giving the US and European partners a range of tools. This meeting, planned as a follow-up to the November call between President Biden and President Xi, was timely and important, especially given the invasion of Ukraine. If Russia were to use chemical weapons, there would be a severe reaction from the global community, the specifics of which would be discussed with partners around the world.

The speaker discusses the infiltration and impact of Xi Jinping on American soil, emphasizing that he does not represent China or its people. They mention a protest with 400 members against Xi during the APAC summit, highlighting their message that he cannot be trusted to keep his promises. Speaker 1 adds that the Chinese Communist Party believes everything under heaven belongs to China, and that Xi is a violent and brutal dictator who controls everything. They express concern about the United States heading down a similar path and emphasize the need to take down the CCP.

Speaker 0 observes that, despite a 'pitiful Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting' happening among 'all our least favorite characters, Xi and Putin and Modi and the rest,' Trump nonetheless has 'plenty of options.' He identifies 'Number one, those secondary sanctions' as a principal option available to Trump. He further states, 'Yeah. I see these leaders trying to close ranks and gang up on Trump, but it is not going to work.' The overall framing centers on sanctions as a strategic lever in the international arena, with the participants at the SCO gathering appearing to attempt to form a united front against Trump, which the speaker suggests will not succeed.

The United States is in a situation we weren't in four years ago. Previously, Russia, North Korea, and Iran were somewhat separate issues. Now, these nations are effectively combined through economic or military treaties. For example, North Koreans are fighting in Ukraine. This suggests that if a conflict erupts in South Korea, we could see Russians fighting alongside North Koreans against South Korea. It's crucial to understand the potential scale of this threat, and it's something we need to address urgently.

China is set to showcase a range of advanced weapons at a large-scale parade, with the full list kept under wrap. The event, in front of Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and other leaders, has drawn international attention. Analysts using social media photos and rehearsal footage identify key systems: new anti ship missiles from the YJ series, including YJ-15: "new ramjet powered supersonic anti ship cruise missile"; YJ-17: "wave rider with hypersonic glide vehicle, also known as HGV"; YJ-19: "an HCV missile, perhaps driven by an air breathing scramjet"; YJ-21: "Chinese Navy's new possible hypersonic anti ship missile"; and YG twenty's "Biconic aerodynamic configuration points to it being a maneuverable reentry vehicle." Also two new extra large torpedo shaped unmanned underwater vehicles: "The first labeled AJX zero zero two, which has a length of around 18 to 20 meters and, one or 1.5 meter in a diameter" and "second was hidden under a tampoline." The world's largest program of extra large uncrewed underwater vehicles, XLUUVS, with at least five types already in the water. A huge rectangular vehicle in camouflage colors covered with a tarpaulin is claimed to be the most powerful laser air defense system in the world, if confirmed, with capabilities to shoot down missiles and drones using a powerful laser (South China Morning Post daily that is). Other items: "h q nine" still shrouded in mystery; "h q 29" described as a satellite hunter capable of intercepting missiles at altitude 500 kilometers; mobility on a wheeled vehicle, with containers two each approximately 1.5 meters in diameter and satellites in low orbit.

There's a perception that the pandemic is either natural or engineered by China, but it's actually a state of war. The U.S. has been using bioweapons against China for some time, leading to heightened military readiness in China. This explains the widespread mask-wearing, constant testing, and city lockdowns. Both nations are decoupling, and the world is in a state of war that hasn't yet reached its peak. The worst-case scenario could involve nuclear escalation, but systems are in place to prevent that. For instance, Russia and China are taking preemptive actions to avoid conflict, as seen in Ukraine, where Russia intervened when agreements were not honored.

BRICS will continue to expand and may announce a new currency or trading system to counteract the American-led system. BRICS doesn't have to replace the dollar, it just has to threaten it, as finance is based on confidence. Putin will maintain a close relationship with China; he needs China to remain neutral so Russia can pressure the American empire. Over the next few years, the Ukraine war will continue without expanding. Iran will take the initiative against the United States. North Korea will become more belligerent, forcing America to focus on East Asia. The relationship between Putin and Xi Jinping will strengthen.

Colonel Douglas MacGregor and Glenn discuss the current strategic picture across Ukraine, the Russia–China–Iran axis, and the broader Western political environment. On Russia and Ukraine: - MacGregor notes a major “Cauldron battles” situation in Southeastern Ukraine, with remaining Ukrainian forces being encircled and largely annihilated by precision strike weapons, and a Russian swarm anticipated to complete the encirclement. - He identifies two focal points of Russian activity: Odessa (where Russian special operations are reportedly active at night, Odessa largely undefended with air defenses degraded) and Kharkov, with ongoing pressure toward Kyiv. He emphasizes that none of these alone solves the core problem of removing Zelenskyy’s government in Kyiv, which he describes as a facade Europeans seek to preserve. - Russia has increased its force size, adding reservists and training new draftees; options for Moscow appear to be Odessa, Kharkov, and Kyiv. Putin is watching Western European political developments to gauge timing, potentially waiting for Western government changes to move decisively. - MacGregor argues NATO is effectively irrelevant to Russia’s calculus and asserts the United States does not want a war with Russia over Ukraine, giving Moscow more freedom of action than Western audiences realize. On Russia–China relations and Europe: - Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin are pursuing a bilateral strategy to mutually reinforce military and economic capabilities, forming a large continental fortress against the United States. The two powers seek to strengthen ties as they view the U.S. as increasingly belligerent. - MacGregor contends that European leaders, including Starmer, Macron, and Metz, are aligned with globalist and financial elites (referencing ties to BlackRock and others) and that personal relationships between leaders are not meaningful in the international arena; strategic interests drive policy. - He argues that many European elites’ rhetoric about Russia serves to deflect from domestic vulnerabilities and to mobilize anti-Russian sentiment as political cover. On the Middle East and Iran: - The talk about Iran is framed as not serious; MacGregor describes a plan to escalate toward regime change in Iran, driven by U.S., Israeli, and allied intelligence communities, despite Iranian resistance and regional risk. - He claims Mossad, MI6, and CIA influenced President Trump regarding Iran’s fragility, while Iran’s internal protests (economic grievances) were legitimate and quickly mischaracterized as attempts to overthrow the government. He asserts Chinese and Russian assistance helped Iran counter covert efforts, including providing satellite imagery and assisting integrated air and missile defenses. - The declared Western goal is to destroy Iran as a nation-state, with the Iranian leadership prepared to respond with full use of capabilities if attacked. He suggests a potential air and missile campaign could target the regime and strategic hubs, with the United States likely relying on high-altitude precision strikes and long-range missiles, while questioning the effectiveness and survivability of U.S. platforms like B-52s against Iranian defenses. - China and Russia are depicted as unlikely to allow Iran to be pulverized; they could intervene if Iran is near disintegration, possibly through non-nuclear actions such as a collision at sea, leveraging their submarine capabilities and influence. On European political legitimacy and future: - MacGregor connects the Epstein-related discourse in Europe to a broader critique of ruling elites, comparing the potential for political upheaval to late-18th-century France. He argues that as publics grow disillusioned with elites, there could be a crisis of political legitimacy and a shift toward more realistic leadership, with potential upheaval in Britain, France, and Germany. On Putin and future moves: - He suggests Putin views the possibility of reconciliation with Washington as unlikely, having reached somber conclusions about the prospects for meaningful agreement. He predicts Russia will act on its terms, potentially advancing toward the Dnieper River, Odessa, and perhaps Kyiv, while noting Russia does not intend to govern Western Ukraine long-term. He emphasizes that events will unfold on Russian terms, with European irrelevance in the decision-making process fading as Moscow executes its plans.

Mario (Speaker 0) and the Ukrainian ambassador (Speaker 1) discuss a mix of domestic corruption allegations, high-stakes diplomacy, and battlefield realities shaping Ukraine’s path toward ending the war. - Corruption scandal in Ukraine: The ambassador notes the scandal involved two government members and another former member, not Zelenskyy personally. She says lessons have been learned: war does not justify turning a blind eye to corruption, and the president has instructed the government to maintain full control of the situation and meet commitments and expectations. She emphasizes that the silver lining is the independent National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) digging out the scandal, describing NABU as the positive development in this context. Zelenskyy’s response included calls for retirement of involved officials and a push for court hearings and convictions; he reportedly found it personally complex to accept the retirement of his long-time ally, Andriy Yermak, the head of the president’s office, but acknowledges the need for accountability and signals that further exposures would trigger similar actions. The ambassador stresses that all institutions must follow procedures and that the public pressure around the issue is especially painful as winter approaches. - Putin, NATO, and Ukraine’s diplomatic posture: The conversation turns to recent developments. President Putin’s comment after a meeting with the U.S. delegation—“we’ll take Donbas by force or by surrender”—is viewed as a signaling to the American side about Russia’s stance, with the ambassador noting limited progress from the Ukrainian delegation’s talks (Rostov Mumarov and Vipkov) and anticipating a fuller readout. The ambassador says Macron’s discussions with China and China’s involvement in Moscow at the same time as U.S. delegations signals China’s continuing engagement with both Russia and Western actors; China previously supported Russia’s war with material and financial backing, and the ambassador argues China’s presence in Moscow is natural given the broader geopolitics and the need to monitor unpredictable developments. - China and the broader strategic context: The ambassador explains that while Ukraine receives limited direct messaging from China, Beijing maintains dialogue with Russia, the United States, and European allies; China’s alignment with Russia was highlighted at the start of the large-scale invasion, with Xi Jinping and Putin signaling a “thousand-year partnership.” She notes Russia’s shift in narrative after Putin’s Alaska meeting with the U.S. president and suggests Chinese watchdogs in Moscow are a natural counterpoint to Western diplomacy. - The two major sticking points in negotiations: The ambassador notes that Russia presented a 28-point plan (narrowed to 20 points) focused on Donbas, with broader implications including security guarantees and the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO. She argues that it’s not productive to comment on each point in isolation since the Russian side uses a broader narrative that includes education of Ukrainian youth about anti-Western narratives. Ukraine is prepared to discuss a multi-layer solution: ceasefire, security guarantees, deterrence, and post-war political frameworks, while preserving sovereignty. - NATO and security guarantees: The ambassador contends security guarantees could be as strong as a NATO article-five framework, likening allied military actions to past operations conducted with partners. She distinguishes between the mere membership debate and practical security guarantees, asserting that Ukraine’s sovereignty remains paramount and that security guarantees are a meaningful path alongside potential NATO membership. - Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s roles: The ambassador describes a layered U.S. approach (Witkoff as special envoy with direct dialogue with Russia, Rubio coordinating with European allies and NATO officials, plus others like Daniel Driscoll and Candy Baker). She says these are not adversarial to diplomacy; rather, they form a structured process that could converge on a formal U.S.-Ukraine negotiation framework with eventual endorsement by the U.S. administration. - Pokrovsk and battlefield dynamics: The ambassador downplays the idea that Pokrovsk’s capture would decisively alter front-line dynamics, noting that the front experiences hundreds of engagements weekly. She acknowledges that Russia’s propaganda around Pokrovsk is designed to signal progress, but argues the reality is a broader battlefield picture with ongoing Ukrainian resilience. - Long-term strategic questions and sanctions: The ambassador reiterates bipartisan U.S. support for sanctions and designating Russia as a sponsor of terrorism, while acknowledging that enforceability is challenging and that Russia seeks time through delaying tactics. She emphasizes that Ukraine cannot rely on speed alone and must continue leveraging strikes on Russia’s energy and military infrastructure, including the so-called “shadow fleet” vessels, while avoiding direct strikes on civilians. - The Yermak corruption episode: The NABU-led investigation exposed the scandal; the president requested retirement for implicated officials and supported legal proceedings. The ambassador clarifies that there is no evidence implicating Zelenskyy himself, stressing the personal responsibility of the president and the need for transparent procedures moving forward, while maintaining that Yermak’s future role is subject to ongoing scrutiny. She notes media rumors (e.g., “golden toilets”) are not substantiated and emphasizes that Yermak has been sanctioned and that the government is pursuing accountability in a manner consistent with legal processes.

China is positioning itself to replace the US as the world hegemon by hosting a summit attended by 130 countries, including Vladimir Putin. The summit celebrated the 10th anniversary of China's belt and road initiative, which has invested $1 trillion in infrastructure in 70 countries. This serves to make China's exports cheaper and buy countries out of the US orbit. China offers a menu of infrastructure projects, such as ports, trains, power plants, and telecom networks, in exchange for influence. Chinese companies also gain control over the infrastructure they build. China is selling US treasuries and cracking down on US firms in China, suggesting it sees conflict with the US as likely and potentially beneficial.

The China-Russia relationship is based on non-alignment, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of third parties, contributing to world peace and stability. The U.S. is the primary cause for concern due to its destructive role. The U.S. is allegedly the number one warmonger, having been at war for over 224 years of its history and accounting for about 80% of post-World War II armed conflicts. It is also the number one violator of sovereignty, interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. Since World War II, the U.S. has reportedly supported over 50 foreign governments, interfered in elections in at least 30 countries, and attempted assassinations on over 50 foreign leaders. The U.S. is also the primary source of antagonism. NATO, led by the U.S., is responsible for wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, which caused over 900,000 deaths and 37,000,000 refugees. U.S. actions focused on Asia Pacific security also require vigilance. The world will allegedly not have peace as long as U.S. hegemony and belligerence exist.

Glenn: Welcome back. We are joined today by Professor John Mersheimer to understand what is happening in the world with this new great power rivalry and how the outcome of the Ukraine war will impact this new Cold War. Have we entered a new Cold War? Who are the players, competing interests, and the rules? Mersheimer: I think we have entered a new Cold War. We're in a multipolar system, and the United States, China, and Russia are the three great powers. The United States is certainly in a cold war with China. China is powerful and threatens to dominate East Asia, and the United States will almost certainly go to great lengths to prevent that from happening, which axiomatically creates an intense security competition in China. An intense security competition is a cold war, and the name of the game is to make sure that security competition does not turn into a hot war. We are in a cold war with the Chinese, or the Chinese are in a cold war with us. The hot war is avoided. Regarding Russia, since we moved into multipolarity, the Russians and the Chinese have been close allies against the United States. This is largely a result of the Ukraine war, which has pushed the Russians into the arms of the Chinese and caused closer Sino-Russian cooperation. The United States, through the Biden administration, was involved in a cold war with both Russia and China. Trump tried to change that, seeking good relations with Russia to form a Russia-plus-US alliance against China, but he has been unable to make that happen. The result is that the United States is basically still in a cold war with both Russia and China. The war in Ukraine has made me worry greatly that the Cold War in Europe could turn into a hot war, even as the U.S.-China relationship remains cooler so far. Glenn: European leaders hoped the United States and Europe would unite in this new Cold War, with liberal hegemony fading and a return to unity against Russia. But Ukraine has instead divided Europe. How do you explain this? Is it the US not seeing Russia as the same threat as Europeans, or a concern about pushing Russia toward China, or Europe’s costs of the partnership? Is this uniquely a Trump-era approach? Mersheimer: From an American point of view, good relations with Russia make sense. China is the peer competitor, and the United States wants to pivot to East Asia to prevent China’s dominance. Russia is the weakest of the three great powers and not a major threat to Europe. The Americans believe Europe can deal with Russia, freeing them to focus on China. Europe, by contrast, is threatened by Russia’s proximity and thus prioritizes Russia. NATO expansion into Ukraine is seen by many Europeans as a disaster, poisoning Russia–Europe relations, making Europe deeply committed to using Ukraine to weaken Russia. The transatlantic alliance becomes strained, especially with Trump raising the possibility of leaving NATO. Europeans fear losing the American pacifier that keeps centrifugal forces in check, which would complicate European coordination with Russia. Glenn: If the United States signals a departure, won’t Europe face greater challenges in managing Russia? And is Russia truly an empire-building threat, or is this a post-2014 narrative that intensified after February 2022? Mersheimer: Bringing Ukraine into NATO was destined to cause trouble. The crisis began in 2014, and the 2022 war is ongoing. The Ukrainians and Europeans want a security guarantee for Ukraine, essentially NATO membership, while Russia demands territory and rejects a security guarantee that would enshrine NATO’s presence near its borders. The Europeans see NATO expansion as threatening, while the Americans view Russia as the weaker power and the need to pivot to China. The controversy over responsibility for this disaster arises from competing interpretations of NATO expansion and Russian aggression. Glenn: Do you see Russia changing course soon? There has been escalation—Odessa blockades, port attacks, and targeting infrastructure. Could this signal a new stage of the war? Mersheimer: The Russians believe Ukraine is on the ropes and expect to win on the battlefield in 2026, possibly expanding fronts in Kharkiv and Sumy. They may consider increasing conventional force and possibly using nuclear weapons if the war drags on. They view the conflict as existential and fear losing, which could push them toward drastic measures to end the war. The Russians could escalate if they think they cannot win conventionally. Glenn: What are the non-nuclear options to win quickly? Could the Russians deliver a decisive conventional victory? Mersheimer: It’s a war of attrition. If Ukraine’s army is weakened, Russia could surround large Ukrainian formations, disrupt logistics, and open larger fronts. They may build up forces in the rear, potentially for a breakthrough or to deter Western escalation. The battlefield outcome may determine the next steps, including whether nuclear options are considered. Glenn: How will Ukraine end? Is it a military defeat, economic collapse, or political fragmentation? Mersheimer: Ukraine is likely to be defeated on the battlefield. Its economy is in desperate shape, and losing Odessa or more territory would worsen it. Politically, Ukraine will face internal divisions once the war ends. Europe will face a broken Russia–Ukraine relationship, with some European states viewing the conflict differently. Ukraine’s demographic decline compounds its bleak outlook, and the country may become a problematic rump state. The war should have been settled earlier; the negotiators in Istanbul in 2022 could have sought a different path. Zelensky’s choice to align with Western powers and walk away from Istanbul negotiations deepened Ukraine’s predicament. Glenn: Any final reflections? Mersheimer: The war’s outcome will reshape Western unity and European security. Historians may view this as a major mistake in weakening the West. The blame for the disaster will likely be attributed in the West to Russia’s imperialism, but the expansion of NATO is also central. Europe’s economic and political landscape will be altered, and Ukraine’s future will be deeply challenging.

The current situation marks the end of the post cold war order. The reasons behind this will be analyzed for years to come. It is now widely acknowledged that some fundamental beliefs that guided us during this era are no longer valid. Beijing and Moscow are collaborating to promote autocracy worldwide through their partnership. As this rivalry intensifies, many countries are adopting cautious strategies.

Pepe and Mario discuss a broad set of geopolitical developments, focusing on Venezuela, Iran, and broader U.S.-led actions, with insights on Russia, China, and other regional players. - Venezuela developments and U.S. involvement - Venezuela is described as a “desperate move related to the demise of the petrodollar,” with multiple overlapping headlines about backers maneuvering for profit and power in Latin America, and about the U.S. declaring “this is my backyard.” Delcy Rodríguez, the daughter of a slain revolutionary killed by the CIA, leads a new government, described as old-school Chavista with strong negotiation skills, who prioritizes Venezuela’s interests over U.S. interests. - The operation is criticized as having no clear strategy or forward planning for reorganizing the Venezuelan oil industry to serve U.S. interests. Estimates from Chinese experts suggest it would take five years to recondition Venezuela’s energy ecosystem for American needs and sixteen years to reach around 3 million barrels per day, requiring approximately $183 billion in investment—investment that U.S. CEOs are reportedly unwilling to provide without total guarantees. - There is debate about the extent of U.S. influence within Maduro’s circle. Some Venezuelan sources note that the head of security for the president, previously aligned with the regime, was demoted (not arrested), and there is discussion of possible U.S. ties with individuals around Maduro’s inner circle, though the regime remains headed by Maduro with key loyalists like the defense minister (Padrino) and the interior minister (Cabello) still in place. - The narrative around regime change is viewed as a two-edged story: the U.S. sought to replace Maduro with a pliant leadership, yet the regime remains and regional power structures (including BRICS dynamics) persist. Delcy Rodríguez is portrayed as capable of negotiating with the U.S., including conversations with Marco Rubio before the coup and ongoing discussions with U.S. actors, while maintaining Venezuela’s sovereignty and memory of the revolution. - The broader regional reaction to U.S. actions in Venezuela has included criticism from neighboring countries like Colombia and Mexico, with a sense in Latin America that the U.S. should not intrude in sovereign affairs. Brazil (a major BRICS member) is highlighted as a key actor whose stance can influence Venezuela’s BRICS prospects; Lula’s position is described as cautious, with Brazil’s foreign ministry reportedly vetoing Venezuela’s BRICS membership despite Lula’s personal views. - The sanctions regime is cited as a principal reason for Venezuela’s economic stagnation, with the suggestion that lifting sanctions would be a prerequisite for meaningful economic recovery. Delcy Rodríguez is characterized as a skilled negotiator who could potentially improve Venezuela’s standing if sanctions are removed. - Public opinion in Venezuela is described as broadly supportive of the regime, with the U.S. action provoking anti-American sentiment across the hemisphere. The discussion notes that a large majority of Venezuelans (over 90%) reportedly view Delcy Rodríguez favorably, and that the perception of U.S. intervention as a violation of sovereignty influences regional attitudes. - Iran: protests, economy, and foreign influence - Iran is facing significant protests that are described as the most severe since 2022, driven largely by economic issues, inflation, and the cost of living under four decades of sanctions. Real inflation is suggested to be 35–40%, with currency and purchasing power severely eroded. - Foreign influence is discussed as a factor hijacking domestic protests in Iran, described as a “color revolution” playbook echoed by past experiences in Hong Kong and other theaters. Iranian authorities reportedly remain skeptical of Western actors, while acknowledging the regime’s vulnerability to sanctions and mismanagement. - Iranians emphasize the long-term, multi-faceted nature of their political system, including the Shiite theology underpinning governance, and the resilience of movements like Hezbollah and Yemeni factions. Iran’s leadership stresses long-term strategic ties with Russia and China, as well as BRICS engagement, with practical cooperation including repair of the Iranian electrical grid in the wake of Israeli attacks during the twelve-day war and port infrastructure developments linked to an international transportation corridor, including Indian and Chinese involvement. - The discussion notes that while sanctions have damaged Iran economically, Iranians maintain a strong domestic intellectual and grassroots culture, including debates in universities and cafes, and are not easily toppled. The regime’s ability to survive is framed in terms of internal legitimacy, external alliances (Russia, China), and the capacity to negotiate under external pressure. - Russia, China, and the U.S. strategic landscape - The conversation contrasts the apparent U.S. “bordello circus” with the more sophisticated military-diplomatic practices of Iran, Russia, and China. Russia emphasizes actions over rhetoric, citing NATO attacks on its nuclear triad and the Novgorod residence attack as evidence of deterrence concerns. China pursues long-term plans (five-year plans through 2035) and aims to elevate trade with a yuan-centric global south, seeking to reduce dollar reliance without emitting a formal de-dollarization policy. - The discussion frames U.S. policy as volatile and unpredictable (the Nixon “madman theory” analog), while Russia, China, and Iran respond with measured, long-term strategies. The potential for a prolonged Ukraine conflict is acknowledged if European leaders pursue extended confrontation, with economic strains anticipated across Europe. - In Venezuela, Iran, and broader geopolitics, the panel emphasizes the complexity of regime stability, the role of sanctions, BRICS dynamics, and the long game of global power shifts that may redefine alliances and economic arrangements over the coming years.

Putin's meeting with Xi is discussed, highlighting their close relationship and the formation of a new axis of evil. It is noted that China and Russia used to be adversaries, but Putin has gained popularity among the far right in the US. Despite Republicans claiming to dislike the Chinese Communist Party, they admire Putin. The speaker mentions Putin's meeting with Sheikh Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, and criticizes Putin for being associated with the worst people and actions in the world. The importance of recognizing the threat posed by dictators and the need for leaders in the free world to understand this is emphasized.