The Duran Podcast

Tensions rise as Xi Jinping warns Japan's new PM and Trump to reassess their rhetoric on Taiwan. The discussion dives into Japan's nationalist leadership and historical grievances shaping China's fierce response. With the U.S. playing a pivotal role in Japan's stance, the hosts analyze Taiwan's strategic significance to American interests. They caution against potential economic countermeasures from China and explore the implications for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The conversation wraps up with a debate on U.S. resolve versus China's strategies.

The discussion dives into the chaotic diplomacy surrounding Ukraine, spotlighting the leaked 28-point plan and its 19-point revision. With negotiation complexities heightened by a potential Ukrainian collapse, Trump’s team aims for a strategic plan to prevent a disaster. They critique the role of deep-state actors sabotaging US-Russia talks and highlight the political motives behind denying Trump any successes. The conversation also explores the financial allure of prolonged conflict and the consequences for Trump's presidency amid negotiations.

Robert Barnes, an attorney and political commentator known for his insights on law and geopolitics, discusses the shifting dynamics in U.S. policy towards Ukraine. He highlights how recent battlefield developments are pressuring Washington to seek peace negotiations. Barnes contrasts the entrenched deep state with a new realist faction pushing for de-escalation. The conversation delves into the impact of leaked diplomatic communications on these efforts, the roles key figures like Trump and Kushner play, and the broader implications for global geopolitics.

The hosts dive into the contentious issue of frozen Russian assets and examine Ursula von der Leyen's controversial funding strategies for Ukraine. They discuss Ukraine's staggering budget crisis and the warnings from Euroclear's CEO about the legality of seizing assets. The conversation highlights the geopolitical pushback from the ECB and explores the centralization ambitions behind these financial maneuvers. Additionally, they ponder over the potential retaliation from Russia and the significant legal ramifications involved.

Discussions center on Putin's upcoming visit to India and the implications of US claims about India reducing Russian oil purchases. The hosts delve into Russia's responses on oil trade, potential military deals, and India's interest in advanced tech like the Suhoi-57. They explore historic ties between India and Russia, Modi's balancing act within BRICS against pressures from the US, and the strong rapport between Modi and Putin that bolsters cooperation. Insights into sanctions, military needs, and civilian projects highlight the complexity of this geopolitics.

The hosts dive into U.S. covert actions aimed at removing Maduro from Venezuela, discussing a reported CIA operation. They analyze the military tactics, such as naval deployments, meant to intimidate him. Personal vendettas against Maduro by key figures impact strategic decisions. The conversation also examines the U.S. goal of restricting Venezuelan oil from reaching Cuba and how this ties into broader geopolitical dynamics. Finally, they touch on the influence of domestic politics and public opinion on intervention strategies.

The hosts dive into the military situation in Ukraine, highlighting the liberation of Kupyansk and ongoing Russian advances. They discuss Putin's strategic visit to the command post and the alarming collapse of Ukrainian defenses in Donbass. An encirclement is forming around Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, raising concerns about a full-scale siege. The duo debates the implications of US military involvement and Ukrainian political fractures, suggesting that the city of Kiev could face severe consequences if current trends continue.

The hosts dive into Trump's proposed 28-point Ukraine peace plan, dissecting its confusing variations and media spin. They highlight key inconsistencies, like NATO references and security guarantees. Urgency looms as they discuss the U.S. push for a deal amid changing battlefield dynamics. The vagueness around enforcement and commitments raises concerns. As they explore Russian and Ukrainian red lines, they assess the timing and authenticity of the plan, questioning the roles of negotiators and scrutinizing clauses on amnesty and human rights.

Daniel McAdams, Director at the Ron Paul Institute and host of the Ron Paul Liberty Report, dives into a variety of pressing geopolitical topics. He discusses the ongoing corruption in Ukraine and the shifting dynamics in U.S. diplomacy, alongside the implications of Trump's potential pivot towards peace. McAdams critiques European energy strategies and debates the current U.S. stance on Venezuela. The conversation also explores the far-reaching effects of foreign policy on American living standards, NATO's credibility, and the stability of international relations.

Hosts delve into the impact of refinery strikes on US inflation, uncovering that damage to Russian facilities is minor. They argue that sanctions, rather than attacks, inflate global energy prices. The conversation shifts to US and EU sanctions disrupting energy supplies and the need for costly subsidies in Europe. Insights on Russia's eastward energy routes highlight its growing ties with China, while a discussion on US strategies to dominate the LNG market reveals the potential harm to Western living standards due to rising energy costs.