Domino Theory

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Politics, media, and business from a New Right perspective. Co-hosted by Christian Whiton and Mark Simon.

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60 recent

May 27, 2026Episode 236 min

Sam Brownback: China's War on Faith

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 security, and moral leadership.Brownback is the author of the new book, "China's War on Faith." Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:39 Religious Freedom as a Strategic Issue05:34 The Role of the U.S. in Promoting Religious Freedom10:48 The Vatican's Approach to China15:07 The Need for a Unified Moral Stance20:11 Retail Politics and Religious Freedom24:06 Surprises in Writing About China28:11 The Story of Jimmy Lai and Its Implications33:58 Future Directions for U.S.-China Relations

January 18, 2026Episode 147 min

The Trial of Jimmy Lai: A Test for China

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-standing experience in the region, emphasizing the absurdity of the charges against Lai and the potential consequences for China if they do not handle the situation delicately. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical landscape, including the role of the U.S. and other nations in addressing human rights issues in Hong Kong and the implications for international relations with China.As the discussion progresses, the hosts shift focus to the recent actions of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his dealings with China, critiquing his approach and the potential fallout for Canada. They explore the changing dynamics in Canada, the impact of immigration, and the future of Canadian foreign policy in relation to the U.S. and China. The episode concludes with reflections on the current political climate in the U.S. and the implications for the upcoming elections, particularly regarding Trump's influence and the potential for shifts in party dynamics.

October 31, 202550 min

Unpatriotic Tech Bros + Trump v Chicoms

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 on this live edition of Domino Theory.Chapters00:00 The China Dilemma in Tech03:08 Trump's Approach to Human Rights05:50 The Semiconductor Question09:03 Trump's Tactics11:57 Google's Woke Culture and Its Consequences31:26 The Future of Google and AI36:12 The Rise of Predictive Markets47:57 Political Predictions and the Role of Gambling

October 23, 202553 min

Live: Trump Asia trip, the Indian H-1B scam, China down, Japan up, melting pot

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 Leadership and Economic Policies12:02 India's Modi and ASEAN Absence14:35 H-1B Visa Controversies and Immigration Issues17:48 Cultural Integration and American Identity20:41 Political Landscape and Upcoming Elections

October 17, 202542 min

Live: Markets stumble, China blinks, Weiss cans CBS wokeista

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 and Political Dynamics21:26 Crisis Stability and Global Leadership25:24 Japan's Political Landscape and Economic Challenges33:05 The H-1B Visa Controversy and Immigration Politics

August 12, 2025Episode 755 min

Meltdown in Taiwan Over Trump Article

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 and Christian Whiton discuss the blowback and what ought to be done."How Taiwan Lost Trump" by Christian Whiton: https://dominotheory.com/how-taiwan-lost-trump/00:00 Meltdown over criticism04:00 The sash brigade misleads10:00 Taiwan doesn't get Trump world15:00 M1 tanks in Taiwan23:00 Japan and Philippines and war 29:10 Lai government's problems35:00 Anti-business policies40:00 The Philippines47:20 KMT and a New Right in Taiwan?

May 22, 2025Episode 651 min

USA and Russia Ready to Face Future? (guest Fyodor Lukyanov)

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 United States, Russia and China, Europe’s declining relevance to both powers, and how to improve relations. 00:00 Lead-in: Putting America first regarding Russia and Ukraine 07:06 What’s on Putin’s mind11:30 Can US and Russia talk about the future?16:45 Areas of possible US-Russia cooperation22:40 Russia turning away from Europe?29:40 Can US and Russia beef up non-official discussions?36:30 Initiating better diplomacy 41:40 Russia and China48:00 Chinese in eastern Russia

April 19, 2025Episode 546 min

Trump Owns Media But Should Tighten Message (guest Kelly Sadler)

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 administration joins co-hosts Christian Whiton and Mark Simon to discuss Trump, his accomplishments, the media, and who among his top aides are most effective and likely to last. 00:00 World Takes Trump Seriously 04:10 Trumps Trade and Comms Strategy 08:22 Trump Will Always Have Some Chaos 11:05 Wall Street Journal Soft on China15:50 Media Even More Trump Deranged?25:00 Trump May Be Best Media President 32:00 Naughty and Nice in Trump’s Cabinet40:00 Who Can Push Back on Trump

April 6, 2025Episode 443 min

Trump Shifts Trade and America's Future (guest Mark DiPlacido)

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 Compass joins co-hosts Christian Whiton and Mark Simon to explain why Trump made his decision and what means for the economy and national power, including which sectors will prosper.00:00 America Wakes Up on Trade02:00 Trump and the Core of the Issue 07:00 Americans Losing New Foreign Asset Division09:50 Chinese Acquiring Assets 10:20 Domestic Freight Set to Pick Up14:20 Middle Class Wages17:40 Dems and Some Republicans Deranged 24:25 Woke Dems Divorcing Working Class33:50 Failures of Past Trade Deals38:10 China Doesn’t Use Tariffs to Screw USA40:05 “Laces” and Transshipping to Avoid Tariffs

March 13, 2025Episode 350 min

Japan Will Fight China’s Hybid War (Guest Steve Yates)

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 conventionally; it will craft a new hybrid war. How hard Taiwan will fight in a China war remains unclear, but Steve Yates, Mark Simon and Chrisitan Whiton argue a changed Japan will fight. Is Trump’s imposition of 20% tariffs on China a warmup to delinkage or prelude to a deal. What does Elbridge Colby’s confirmation hearing to be under secretary of Defense for policy tell us about Trump policy? What can Taiwan do to curtain its growing estrangement from the United States?00:00 Asia Policy03:24 Early Trump Moves07:45 Criticism of Taiwan Warranted13:40 China Bad at Conventional War 16:36 Taiwan Can Be Less Bad 20:05 Taiwan vs MAGA 24:22 Transvestites Don’t Scare Beijing35:26 China Uses Race43:36 Removing China from Panama