JRE #1862 – Mike Baker

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24-Aug-22






Joe Rogan Experience #1862 – Mike Baker – Topics

Joe Rogan Experience #1862 – Mike Baker – Topics

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Mike Baker, a former CIA covert operations officer and CEO of Portman Square Group, a global intelligence firm. The conversation delves into the current global landscape, exploring tensions with China, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the future of technology and national security. The podcast also touches on provocative topics like monkeypox, the US government’s response to Chinese espionage, and the impact of social media on public discourse.

Major Topics

  1. Monkeypox:
    1. The podcast begins with a discussion of the monkeypox outbreak, its spread, and its impact.
    2. Joe Rogan makes a controversial comment about the virus’s transmission, leading to criticism and a discussion about public perception and misinformation.
    3. Baker notes the media’s emphasis on the outbreak, despite the virus’s relatively low mortality rate.
    4. The discussion raises questions about the role of public health messaging and the need for factual information in times of crisis.
  2. Nancy Pelosi’s Visit to Taiwan:
    1. Baker explains how Chinese intelligence is likely aware of Pelosi’s visit long before it becomes public, highlighting the intricate nature of international espionage.
    2. The conversation explores the complex relationship between the US, China, and Taiwan, including the One China policy and the potential for conflict.
    3. Baker suggests that the public nature of Pelosi’s trip may have been a factor in her decision to proceed, creating a situation where backing down would have been seen as weakness.
    4. The discussion raises concerns about the potential for escalation and the need for strategic diplomacy in the face of rising tensions.
  3. China’s Strategic Ambitions:
    1. Baker emphasizes the Chinese government’s long-term strategy to achieve global dominance, particularly in areas like technology, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
    2. He highlights China’s aggressive intelligence gathering operations, including economic espionage and the use of state-owned and private companies for espionage purposes.
    3. The conversation examines the Chinese government’s significant investments in acquiring assets and intellectual property, emphasizing their calculated approach to achieving their goals.
    4. Baker expresses concerns about China’s growing military capabilities and their potential for aggression, particularly in the context of Taiwan.
  4. The US Government’s Response to Chinese Espionage:
    1. Baker discusses a recent FBI investigation into Chinese telecom companies, specifically Huawei, and their role in placing equipment near US military bases.
    2. He criticizes the slow pace of the US government in removing Huawei equipment from cell towers, despite evidence of potential national security risks.
    3. The discussion highlights the challenges of navigating complex international relationships, balancing security concerns with economic interests.
    4. Baker emphasizes the need for greater transparency and communication regarding the threats posed by Chinese espionage, arguing that businesses need to be made more aware of the risks.
  5. The Role of Intellectual Property Theft:
    1. Baker describes the widespread problem of intellectual property theft by China and other nations, emphasizing the significant economic impact on the US.
    2. He details examples of Chinese companies stealing proprietary information from US businesses, including the case of Nortel, a once-leading telecoms company that went bankrupt due to espionage.
    3. The conversation highlights the complexities of economic espionage and the challenges of protecting intellectual property in a globalized world.
    4. Baker stresses the importance of awareness, vigilance, and improved security measures to combat the growing threat of intellectual property theft.
  6. The Future of Electric Vehicles:
    1. The podcast explores the global shift towards electric vehicles and the implications for energy resources, particularly minerals like lithium and cobalt.
    2. Baker points out China’s dominant position in the mineral processing industry, raising concerns about US dependence on Chinese supplies.
    3. The discussion questions the environmental impact of mining for these minerals and the potential for unintended consequences of a transition to electric vehicles.
    4. Baker advocates for a more pragmatic approach to energy policy, balancing green energy initiatives with existing fossil fuel resources.
  7. The Chips and Science Act:
    1. Baker discusses the US government’s recent investment in semiconductor production through the Chips and Science Act, acknowledging its importance in addressing the US’s dependence on foreign manufacturers.
    2. He expresses concerns about the challenges of securing sufficient mineral resources for electric vehicles, particularly in light of public resistance to mining operations.
    3. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach to technology policy, considering the economic, environmental, and security implications.
    4. Baker suggests that the US should continue to invest in fossil fuels while simultaneously pursuing green energy initiatives.
  8. The IRS Funding Increase:
    1. Baker analyzes the US government’s decision to increase funding for the IRS and hire 87,000 new agents, arguing that the stated goal of targeting wealthy tax evaders is unlikely to be realized.
    2. He suggests that the funding increase is more likely motivated by a desire to raise revenue, potentially impacting middle-class Americans more than wealthy individuals.
    3. The conversation delves into the complexities of tax law and the challenges of enforcing tax regulations on individuals and corporations with substantial resources.
    4. Baker raises concerns about the potential for the IRS funding increase to lead to more aggressive audits and scrutiny of middle-class taxpayers.
  9. The Wealth Gap and Inequality:
    1. The discussion explores the increasing wealth gap and the perception of inequality in the US, addressing the argument that the system is rigged against ordinary people.
    2. Baker presents a counter-argument, emphasizing the value of hard work, ambition, and the potential for upward mobility in a capitalist system.
    3. The conversation raises concerns about the growing sense of entitlement and the perception that wealth is primarily obtained through unfair advantages rather than effort and merit.
    4. Baker encourages a focus on personal responsibility and hard work, arguing that success is attainable for those willing to put in the effort.
  10. The Overthrow of Roe v. Wade:
    1. Baker expresses surprise and disappointment at the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, arguing that it has further polarized the country and made it more difficult to find common ground on issues like abortion.
    2. He believes that the decision will have a significant impact on the upcoming midterm elections, potentially mobilizing voters on both sides of the issue.
    3. The conversation delves into the complexities of the abortion debate, acknowledging the deeply held beliefs on both sides of the issue while advocating for finding reasonable solutions.
    4. Baker expresses concern about the potential for further restrictions on abortion access and the impact on women’s rights.
  11. The Future of Contraception:
    1. The podcast touches on the potential for future restrictions on contraception, specifically the plan B pill and condoms, driven by a belief that sex should be solely for procreation.
    2. Baker considers the implications of such restrictions, including the potential for unintended consequences and the moral implications of restricting access to birth control.
    3. The conversation explores the role of the government in regulating personal choices and the potential for unintended consequences of restrictive policies.
    4. Baker expresses concern about the potential for societal backlash and the need for a more nuanced approach to family planning and reproductive rights.
  12. The Rise of Social Media and the Erosion of Trust:
    1. Baker examines the influence of social media on public discourse, highlighting the spread of misinformation and the erosion of trust in institutions.
    2. He discusses the use of bots and social media campaigns by foreign actors to sow discord and undermine faith in democracy.
    3. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating a rapidly evolving media landscape and the importance of critical thinking and media literacy.
    4. Baker suggests that the US government needs to be more proactive in addressing the dangers posed by social media manipulation and misinformation.
  13. The Raid on Mar-a-Lago:
    1. Baker analyzes the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, arguing that it was a self-inflicted wound and a politically charged event.
    2. He expresses skepticism about the political motives behind the raid, suggesting that it may have been intended to undermine Trump’s political future.
    3. The conversation examines the complexities of the raid and the need for transparency regarding the reasons behind it.
    4. Baker emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and avoiding politically motivated actions that erode public trust in law enforcement and the justice system.
  14. The Future of US Politics:
    1. Baker predicts that Trump will likely run for president again in 2024, despite the recent controversies surrounding him.
    2. He expresses doubt about President Biden’s ability to run for re-election, citing his declining health and the lack of enthusiasm for Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential successor.
    3. The conversation explores the potential for a contested Democratic primary and the challenges of navigating a deeply polarized political landscape.
    4. Baker highlights the concerns of a potential resurgence of Trump and the potential for further polarization of the US electorate.
  15. The Threat of Nuclear War:
    1. Baker discusses the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the growing concern about the possibility of nuclear war.
    2. He acknowledges the potential for a limited nuclear strike by Russia, particularly if they feel cornered or threatened.
    3. The conversation explores the complexities of nuclear deterrence and the challenges of preventing a catastrophic escalation of conflict.
    4. Baker highlights the need for careful diplomacy and restraint to avoid a nuclear confrontation.
  16. The Role of Technology in National Security:
    1. Baker examines the development of hypersonic weapons, particularly glide vehicles, and the implications for national security.
    2. He highlights the importance of investing in research and development in areas like quantum computing and the need to stay ahead of potential adversaries.
    3. The conversation explores the potential for quantum computers to break cryptography, raising concerns about the security of communication systems.
    4. Baker advocates for increased investment in national security research and development to address the evolving technological landscape.
  17. The Integration of Technology and Human Beings:
    1. The podcast discusses the emerging field of neural interfaces, particularly Elon Musk’s Neuralink, and the potential for integrating technology with human beings.
    2. Baker expresses concern about the security implications of such technology, particularly the potential for hacking and manipulation of human bodies.
    3. The conversation explores the ethical implications of blurring the lines between human and machine and the potential for unforeseen consequences.
    4. Baker emphasizes the need for careful consideration of the security risks and ethical implications of integrating technology with human beings.
  18. The Future of Cryptocurrency:
    1. Baker discusses the evolving world of cryptocurrency, highlighting the potential for government regulation and the impact on decentralized finance.
    2. He expresses concern about the potential for a centralized digital currency controlled by governments, similar to China’s social credit score system.
    3. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing the benefits of cryptocurrency with the need for regulation and security.
    4. Baker questions the future of cryptocurrency and its potential for disruption in the financial landscape.
  19. The Role of Media and Public Discourse:
    1. Baker criticizes the decline of traditional news sources and the rise of clickbait journalism, highlighting the challenges of finding accurate and reliable information.
    2. He acknowledges the rise of independent news sources and the growing need for media literacy.
    3. The conversation examines the impact of the 24-hour news cycle and the prevalence of sensationalized headlines on public discourse.
    4. Baker encourages a more nuanced approach to consuming news and a greater focus on critical thinking.
  20. The Importance of Open Dialogue and Understanding:
    1. Baker concludes the podcast by emphasizing the importance of open dialogue, reasoned discourse, and a willingness to understand different perspectives.
    2. He stresses the need to move beyond rigid belief systems and embrace a more nuanced approach to complex issues.
    3. The conversation highlights the dangers of polarization and the need for greater self-awareness and understanding in a divided world.
    4. Baker expresses hope for a future where people can engage in meaningful conversations and find common ground despite differences.

Memorable Quotes

  1. “I didn’t have monkeypox on my bingo card. I didn’t — It doesn’t seem to be that big of an issue. Even when people get it, they don’t die. They just get blisters and then they heal up. And then they’re good.” – Baker’s casual dismissal of monkeypox, while meant to be humorous, reveals a lack of understanding of the potential severity of the outbreak and the need for public health awareness.
  2. “They’ve been caught in the recent past. They’ve been caught out in the middle of agricultural land trying to dig up modified seeds. Right? I mean, that’s pretty old school. Sent a coopty or, you know, some asset out to a field in Nebraska to dig up to modified seeds to send back to China so they can take a look at what’s going on. Their efforts are you know, from a intelligence perspective, like, you gotta admire me the way. They’re very, you know, they’re well resourced. They’re aggressive. They work hard at it.” – Baker’s humorous description of China’s intelligence gathering operations highlights the intricate and often bizarre nature of espionage, while acknowledging the effectiveness and resourcefulness of China’s efforts.
  3. “When you think about that, it’s not that they have all those in their in in within China, but they control the processing of it because they’re smart and because they looked at this years ago. And because part of their 5 year plan at a certain point was We’re gonna advance the ball in green technology as we’re gonna focus. What does that mean? That means we’re gonna we’re gonna lock this down, and we’re also gonna steal information related to this, but we’re gonna we’re gonna do everything we can to get ourselves further up that chain.” – Baker’s analysis of China’s strategy for dominating the green energy sector reveals their long-term thinking and calculated approach to achieving their goals, highlighting the challenges for the US in competing with such a determined adversary.
  4. “They’re gonna go after people that don’t have the resources. They’re gonna go after people that may have, you know, fudged a little here and there, and they’re gonna bring those folks down.” – Baker’s critical view of the IRS funding increase emphasizes the potential for unintended consequences, raising concerns that the additional funding will disproportionately impact middle-class Americans rather than the wealthy individuals it is intended to target.
  5. “We’ve we’ve we’ve created the soft society. We have an inability to say difficult things to each other without getting completely wound up. Right? I mean, the words are violence. No. They’re fucking not. You know? It just but a free flow of ideas and exchange, you know, is is It’s very difficult thing to do nowadays.” – Baker’s reflection on the current state of discourse in the US highlights the dangers of hyper-sensitivity and the suppression of open dialogue, suggesting that the fear of offense has created a climate where difficult but necessary conversations are avoided.