The Victor Davis Hanson Show: Episode Summary Title: Iran and China as Paper Tigers
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler

Overview

In this episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show, hosts Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler delve into the intricate dynamics between Iran and China, dissecting their geopolitical roles and the perceptions of their military strengths. The discussion extends to contemporary political figures, racial and class dynamics within the United States, and pressing issues in Africa. Through an engaging dialogue, Hanson and Fowler provide historical context, critical analysis, and insightful commentary on current global and domestic affairs.

Iran's Theocracy and Military Efficacy

The conversation begins with an exploration of the Iranian theocracy's global standing and military capabilities. Hanson references his recent article, emphasizing that while the Iranian regime garners widespread disdain, China's support for Iran remains limited.

• Hanson [05:56]: “No, they were not shy about ordering their Iranian lackey to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, through which 50% of Chinese purchased oil passes for President Xi.”

The hosts discuss the ineffectiveness of Iran's military strategies during the Iraq-Iran war, highlighting the regime's inability to sustain a prolonged conflict.

• Fowler [11:57]: “They reclaimed their position by 1986 or 87, but it was a war of attrition, and the Russians were selling arms. Saddam Hussein's miscalculations led to his downfall.”

Hanson critiques the myth of an indomitable Iranian military, pointing out their failures and vulnerabilities.

• Hanson [15:00]: “The myth of the indomitable Iranian military is not backed up by any evidence. They can blow up Marines asleep in their barracks via Hezbollah on three.”

China's Leadership and Political Stability

The discussion shifts to China's political landscape, focusing on President Xi Jinping's potential decline. Hanson cites a New York Post article questioning Xi's tenure amidst internal party strife and health concerns.

• Host [21:39]: “Is Chinese President Xi Jinping on His Way Out? [...] Xi is in poor health and likely to retire at the CCP plenary session this August.”

Fowler adds skepticism, comparing Xi's situation to other long-standing leaders like Castro and Putin, questioning the reliability of such rumors.

• Fowler [24:12]: “We heard Castro was on his way out or dying, etc. But Xi is still around despite rumors.”

They analyze China's economic challenges, including the Belt and Road initiative's pitfalls and the demographic crisis stemming from the one-child policy.

• Fowler [24:54]: “They have 1.4 billion people and are building pre-planned cities not based on supply and demand, leading to empty urban developments.”

Racial Politics and Congresswomen's Attacks on MLK Jr.

Hanson and Fowler address recent incidents involving Democratic congresswomen, specifically highlighting AOC and Latifah Simon's controversial remarks about Martin Luther King Jr.

• Host [32:50]: “Democrat Rep. Latifah Simon exploded during a House Oversight Committee hearing, objecting to Republicans quoting Dr. King.”

Fowler criticizes the politicization of racial icons, arguing it undermines genuine discourse and alienates voters.

• Fowler [38:30]: “They are hemorrhaging voters to the right, weakening the argument that anyone who votes for Trump is racist.”

Class vs. Race in US Politics

The hosts discuss the shifting dynamics where class overtakes race as a primary indicator of political affiliation. They note the growing middle and upper classes within Black and Hispanic communities, challenging the traditional racial narratives.

• Fowler [35:10]: “Class is not a reliable indicator of a person's race anymore. There's a thriving black middle and upper class.”

Hanson adds that economic disparities within races are more nuanced, with significant income gaps between White and Asian Americans compared to Black and White Americans.

• Hanson [37:00]: “Per capita income between Black Americans and White Americans isn't as wide as between White and Asian Americans.”

Demographics and Voting in Black and Hispanic Communities

The discussion continues with an analysis of voting patterns among Black and Hispanic populations, emphasizing the increasing support for Republican candidates like Trump.

• Fowler [38:30]: “50% or higher of Hispanics voted for Trump, and they doubled their support now, according to recent polls.”

Hanson attributes the shift to leaders who double down on racial demagoguery in response to losing voter support.

• Hanson [42:25]: “They are desperately looking for ways to fan up re-enthusiasm or anger, resorting to race-based rhetoric.”

China's Economic and Demographic Challenges

Fowler elaborates on China's economic vulnerabilities, including excessive debt and the unsustainable development of Potemkin cities due to the one-child policy.

• Fowler [24:21]: “China has tremendous debt and is building Potemkin cities that are unsustainable, leaving 400 million people without adequate housing.”

He also touches on the societal impacts of an aging population, linking it to declining fertility rates and economic stagnation.

• Fowler [24:59]: “An aging population requires a lot of young people to take care of them, tying affluence to declining fertility.”

Integrity of Political Figures

The hosts briefly discuss the questionable integrity of former political figures like John Brennan, highlighting his controversial statements and actions.

• Fowler [46:33]: “John Brennan lied under oath on two occasions and was involved in the Steele dossier, undermining his credibility.”

Hanson underscores why such figures should not be trusted as reliable sources.

• Hanson [48:56]: “They have a horrible record. So why would anybody listen to anything they say?”

Africa's Peace Agreements and Violence against Christians

In the concluding segment, Hanson and Fowler commend the Trump administration's role in facilitating peace between Rwanda and Congo. They also express concern over the ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria, urging international attention and intervention.

• Host [55:27]: “There's endless slaughter of Christians and Catholics in Nigeria. Churches are being attacked by Islamic terrorists with machetes.”

Fowler notes the lack of Western scrutiny compared to the criticism faced by China, questioning the international community's priorities.

• Fowler [59:06]: “The international left doesn't mention China at all. They ignore the atrocities, unlike their condemnation of other nations.”

Listener Feedback

The episode closes with positive feedback from listeners, highlighting the educational value and insightful commentary provided by Hanson and Fowler.

• Listener [60:31]: "I'm 74 years old, retired RN and I only wish I'd known about VDH many years ago. Thank you so much for helping me and millions of others understand our history as well as present."

• Listener [60:58]: "HDH is a very rare animal, like a wolverine, with high intelligence, stealthy and fearless. He's giving me a free education in his columns for over 35 years."

Conclusion

This episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show offers a comprehensive analysis of Iran's and China's geopolitical strategies, the shifting dynamics of race and class in American politics, and pressing issues in Africa. Through historical references and current events, Hanson and Fowler provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of complex global and domestic challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Hanson [05:56]: “No, they were not shy about ordering their Iranian lackey to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, through which 50% of Chinese purchased oil passes for President Xi.”

• Fowler [11:57]: “They reclaimed their position by 1986 or 87, but it was a war of attrition, and the Russians were selling arms.”

• Hanson [15:00]: “The myth of the indomitable Iranian military is not backed up by any evidence.”

• Fowler [24:21]: “China has tremendous debt and is building Potemkin cities that are unsustainable.”

• Hanson [37:00]: “Per capita income between Black Americans and White Americans isn't as wide as between White and Asian Americans.”

• Fowler [38:30]: “50% or higher of Hispanics voted for Trump, and they doubled their support now, according to recent polls.”

• Hanson [48:56]: “They have a horrible record. So why would anybody listen to anything they say?”

• Host [55:27]: “There's endless slaughter of Christians and Catholics in Nigeria.”

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a clear and comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the full podcast.