Domino Theory

In this episode of Domino Theory, we dive into the relationship between the U.S. and China, focusing on the recent release of Pastor Ezra Jin and Beijing's decision not to release Jimmy Lai despite President Trump's request. We also discuss the Vatican's failures and wishful thinking in dealing with China. Key takeaways: The significance of Pastor Ezra Jin's release and its impact...

Sam Brownback, the former senator, governor, and ambassador, outlines the strategic importance of religious freedom in confronting China, the role of the U.S. in supporting persecuted faith communities, and the potential for religion to influence foreign policy. The discussion with Mark Simon and Christian Whiton on "Domino Theory" highlights the intersection of human rights, national se...

In this episode of Domino Theory, hosts Christian Whiton and Mark Simon delve into the ongoing trial of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy figure in Hong Kong, who has been imprisoned under China's national security law. They discuss the implications of Lai's conviction, the potential for his release, and the broader context of China's tightening grip on Hong Kong. Mark shares insights from his long-stand...

Why does Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang wax poetic about China? Why does Sundar “H-1B” Pichai, the CEO of illegal monopolist Google, let his employees focus on censoring conservatives instead of real business? Trump stands up to Xi Jinping by raising Jimmy Lai. Will the November debut of Polymarket US be another win for average investors vs. Wall Street poohbahs? Mark Simon and Christian Whiton discuss o...

In this live episode of Domino Theory, Christian Whiton and Mark Simon discuss Trump's coming trip to Asia, how the tech bros misled Trump, Japan's new government, Indians and the H-1B scam, and whether to bring back the melting pot. Chapters00:00 Sanctions and Market Reactions02:54 Trump's Asia Trip and Diplomatic Dynamics05:52 Trade Talks and Rare Earths08:47 Japan's New Leadersh...

In this first live episode of Domino Theory, Christian Whiton and Mark Simon discuss market turbulence, banking concerns, de-losering CBS News, China blinking on trade, Japan's political crossroads, and the phony baloney H-1B visa program. -Chapters00:00 Market Turbulence and Banking Concerns03:02 CBS News: fill or kill?05:45 China's Trade Tensions and Rare Earths12:01 U.S.-China Relations...

Many in Taiwan have melted down over an article Christian Whiton published (linked below) about "How Trump Lost Taiwan." But typical of many in the government and among DPP denizens, there is more of an effort to discredit the messenger that address the message, including how to address business and quality-of-life issues in Taiwan and how to improve the island's defenses. Mark Simon...

Can the United States and Russia collaborate even as the Ukraine War continues? What is possible if the war stops and if it doesn’t? Fyodor Lukyanov, the prominent Russian expert in foreign affairs, research director at the Valdai Discussion Club, and editor in chief of the publication "Russia in Global Affairs" joins co-hosts Christian Whiton and Mark Simon to discuss Russia and the Uni...

The world now knows that it has to take President Trump seriously. However, the deranged media is still lost. Trump has solid accomplishments heading toward his 100th day in office, but he needs to tighten his message and get Congress to enshrine some of his policies. Kelly Sadler, the commentary editor for The Washington Times who was a special assistant to President Donald Trump in his first adm...

Trump Shifts Trade and America's Future (guest Mark DiPlacido) While the establishment goes nuts, President Trump's decision on tariffs marks the most fundamental turning point in decades--one that promises to set American on the path of long-term revival. So many "experts" have no idea what is going on and what it means. Former Trump administration trade official Mark DiPlacido of American Compas...

Japan will fight, but Taiwan must up its game as U.S.-Asia policy changes dramatically. DOGE, Ukraine, and border security have dominated the early frenetic days of the second Trump administriaton. But behind the headlines looms major change in how the USA handles China and the future of Asia and the Pacifc. Trump has held summits with the leaders of Japan and India. China won’t fight conventional...

Trump took more than a year to raise tariffs in his first term, but slapped China with higher levies just two weeks into Trump II and promised much more. Are we at the beginning of a global trade war or just seeing a more assertive United States? Does Trump want to use tariffs just to extract concessions on matters like immigration, drug cartels, and defense spending? Or does he want to use them t...

Trump triumphs early in his second term, but decisions on TikTok raise questions. Former Justice Department official and leading legal mind John Yoo outlines the tremendous strides Trump is taking to restore national security and the rule of law, but also pitfalls that may diminish his successes. Topics include TikTok, birthright citizenship, impoundment, presidential power, and whether peace with...

Trump’s fills out his team strongly with some controversial choices. Will the Senate confirm them and how will they perform? Trump’s threatened tariffs already working magic plus what we know about his negotiating style. Were the Bobs from “Office Space” prototypes for Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy and their Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)? Will DOGE succeed? Plus: how the media makes u...

Can Trump change the media? On this episode of Domino Theory, Neil Patel, the Co-Founder and CEO of Tucker Carlson Network and the Co-Founder and Publisher of the Daily Caller speaks with co-hosts Christian Whiton and Mark Simon. Topics include the runaway success of the Tucker Carlson Network, whether Trump will dump the hostile White House Correspondents Association and obsolete daily briefing,...

On this episode of Domino Theory, co-hosts Christian Whiton and Mark Simon speak with Elliott Abrams about human rights in a notional Trump II administration. Abrams was as senior official in the Trump, Bush, and Reagan administrations. How did human rights become a woke progressive crusade, including against our allies, and how can a potentially reelected Trump and his top people bring it back to...

We're joined by Garrett Exner from the Hudson Institute, previously a staffer for Sen. Ted Cruz, on this episode of Domino Theory with Christian Whiton and Mark Simon. Topics include Kamala Harris's deteriorating campaign and attempt to turn back the clock to appeasing China. 00:00 State of the presidential race01:40 Dolly steps up to help neglected hurricane victims04:40 What Kamala thinks about...

On Domino Theory, Ned Ryun discusses the state of the 2024 presidential election, including turnout efforts and recent Trump advances in swing states, with co-hosts Christian Whiton and Mark Simon. Ned also discussed his new book: "American Leviathan: The Birth of the Administrative State and Progressive Authoritarianism." 00:00 Monologue - Trump victory coming into view 06:00 Dems and t...

In this first episode of "Domino Theory," a reboot of "Simon and Whiton," hosts Christian Whiton and Mark Simon, along with guest Steve Yates, delve into Trump as a shock to both parties and Kamala Harris's attempt in 2024 to redo Biden's 2020 basement campaign. Topics include: China's fentanyl war against America, which claimed the life of Steve's daughter, and...

Could the Philippines and the South China Sea could be a more likely flashpoint for war with China than Taiwan? How China could be set back 20 years in a conflict. Does the CIA’s old SMICE criteria (sex, money, ideology, compromise, ego) apply to U.S. executives who still bend the knee in Beijing? How demographics paint a grim picture for China, a mediocre one for Vietnam, but a good one for the P...

The liquidation of Evergrande by a Hong Kong court accelerates China's real estate and economic crisis to a new speed, but how does it really affect Chinese individuals and banks? And will the effects impact political stability? But why is no one in the White House seeking to exploit this reality, and would officials in a second Biden term broach a bailout of China and the country's best a...

Taiwan’s ruling DPP party is poor on economics and lacks vision. Taiwan’s economy is stagnant. Its financial system is third rate. The last US bank (Citi) just departed. Can the ruling party salvage the situation? Meanwhile the U.S. presidential election and China’s economic malaise keep getting more interesting and U.S.  businesses embarrassed themselves fawning over Xi Jinping in San Francisco. 

What Hong Kong’s hysterical and deranged response to a media freedom discussion in Geneva tells us. Can Xi and the CCP escape the demographic and real estate doom loop? Filipino fisherman beat China at sea. Is Jakarta’s carbon exchange for real or just for fun? 

Congressional hawks try to sweeten unpopular Ukraine aid with funds for Taiwan, but Taiwan’s history of self-funding is an asset it should preserve. DeSantis over Trump. The semiconductor industry has friends in high (soft-on-China) places. Hunter might not be smoking crack the right way. China’s economic problems mount. Disney’s new management just as woke as the old. 

Chicom Committee Chairman Gallagher politely asks what led to Biden admin’s unrequited romancing of China. Who in the administration is calling shots? DeSantis gains momentum on distracted Trump. Parting with Yellen vs. Hunter. How much can you blow on five days in hot Singapore?