JRE #1713 – Mike Baker

by

30-Sep-21






Joe Rogan Podcast #1713 – Mike Baker

This podcast features Mike Baker, a former CIA covert operations officer and current CEO of Portman Square Group, a global intelligence firm. He’s also the host of “Black Files Declassified” on Discovery’s Science Channel. The episode explores a wide range of topics, including US foreign policy, political manipulation, technology advancements, and the enduring mystery of UFOs.

Provocative topics include the chaos of the Afghan withdrawal, the Chinese Communist Party’s influence on US businesses, the development of hypersonic weapons, the possibility of alien technology, and concerns about the growing social credit score system. Underlying themes examine the power of misinformation, the dangers of unchecked technology, and the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of global power dynamics.

Topics

  1. Mike Baker’s Background and Expertise

    1. Mike Baker’s experience as a CIA covert operations officer provides him with unique insights into global intelligence operations and the inner workings of government agencies.
    2. His current role as CEO of Portman Square Group, a global intelligence firm, further deepens his understanding of international affairs and security threats.
    3. His hosting of “Black Files Declassified” on Discovery’s Science Channel showcases his interest in exploring controversial and often hidden information.
    4. Baker’s expertise in intelligence gathering, analysis, and risk assessment informs his perspectives throughout the podcast.

  2. The Chaos of the Afghan Withdrawal

    1. Baker provides a detailed analysis of the Afghan withdrawal, highlighting the disastrous execution and its consequences for US credibility and influence.
    2. He emphasizes the flawed assumptions that underpinned the withdrawal strategy, including the belief that the Afghan government and military would hold their own.
    3. He discusses the impact of the Doha Agreement, the Taliban’s failure to meet its conditions, and the rapid collapse of the Afghan government.
    4. Baker highlights the strategic implications of the withdrawal, including the strengthening of the Taliban, the erosion of trust among US allies, and the challenges of conducting “over the horizon” operations.

  3. The Chinese Communist Party’s Influence on US Businesses

    1. The podcast discusses a disturbing case involving ARM, a semiconductor intellectual property firm, where China effectively stole its technology by leveraging a joint venture arrangement.
    2. Baker emphasizes the Chinese government’s pervasive influence within its commercial sector, making it difficult for US companies to maintain control over their intellectual property when operating in China.
    3. He argues that the Chinese Communist Party’s relentless pursuit of technological dominance and its willingness to engage in economic espionage pose a significant threat to US innovation and competitiveness.
    4. Baker suggests that the US needs to re-evaluate its approach to business with China, recognizing the inherent risks and the need for more robust protections for US intellectual property.

  4. The Development of Hypersonic Weapons

    1. The podcast highlights the ongoing race to develop hypersonic weapons, a technology that could revolutionize warfare and render existing air defense systems obsolete.
    2. Baker explains the significance of hypersonic technology, emphasizing its ability to evade detection and intercept, and the strategic advantage it offers to nations that possess it.
    3. He notes that the US, Russia, and China are all actively developing hypersonic weapons, underscoring the competitive nature of global military advancements.
    4. Baker emphasizes the need for the US to prioritize hypersonic technology development and defense, recognizing its potential to reshape the global security landscape.

  5. The Enduring Mystery of UFOs

    1. The podcast delves into the ongoing debate about UFOs, exploring the Pentagon’s recent acknowledgment of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and the increasing number of credible sightings.
    2. Baker raises questions about the motives behind the Pentagon’s increased transparency on UFOs, speculating that it may be a strategy to divert attention from other classified technologies or to manage public perception.
    3. He discusses a patent for a plasma controlled fusion device filed by the US Navy, raising the possibility that the government may be developing advanced technologies that could explain some of the UAP sightings.
    4. Baker emphasizes the importance of continued investigation and scrutiny, urging viewers to remain skeptical and to question official narratives surrounding UFOs.

  6. The Growing Social Credit Score System

    1. Baker expresses his deep concern about the increasing use of data aggregation and surveillance technologies, drawing parallels to the social credit score system implemented in China.
    2. He highlights the potential for data from browsing history, purchase records, and other online activity to be used to assess creditworthiness, potentially creating a system where individuals are judged based on their digital footprint.
    3. Baker argues that this trend poses a significant threat to privacy and individual freedom, emphasizing the need for robust data protection measures and ethical considerations in the development and use of these technologies.
    4. He urges listeners to be wary of the potential for these technologies to be misused for surveillance, control, and social engineering, and to advocate for policies that safeguard individual rights and liberties in the digital age.

  7. The Power of Misinformation and Political Manipulation

    1. Baker discusses the role of misinformation and foreign interference in shaping public opinion and eroding trust in democratic institutions.
    2. He references the work of KGB defector Yuri Bezmenov, who outlined the Soviet Union’s strategy of ideological subversion, highlighting the enduring relevance of these tactics in today’s digital world.
    3. Baker notes that social media platforms have amplified the impact of misinformation campaigns, making it easier for foreign governments and other actors to influence public opinion and sow division.
    4. He emphasizes the importance of media literacy, critical thinking, and a healthy skepticism towards information circulating online, urging listeners to verify information and to be aware of potential manipulation tactics.

  8. The Dangers of Unchecked Technology

    1. The podcast explores the potential risks of unchecked technological advancements, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and hypersonic weapons.
    2. Baker raises concerns about the potential for AI to become sentient and to pose a threat to humanity, echoing concerns voiced by figures like Elon Musk.
    3. He highlights the dangers of AI being used to control defense systems, particularly in the context of hypersonic weapons, where reaction times are drastically reduced.
    4. Baker emphasizes the need for careful ethical considerations and safeguards in the development and deployment of these technologies, recognizing the potential for them to be misused and the need for responsible oversight.

  9. The Fragility of Democratic Institutions

    1. The podcast explores the erosion of trust in democratic institutions, highlighting the polarization of political discourse, the prevalence of misinformation, and the increasing influence of foreign powers.
    2. Baker critiques the partisan nature of political discourse, particularly in Washington D.C., where finding fault with the other side often takes precedence over seeking solutions or promoting transparency.
    3. He argues that term limits are necessary to break the cycle of entrenched interests and to inject fresh perspectives into the political system.
    4. Baker emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in curating information, challenging established narratives, and engaging in respectful dialogue with those who hold opposing viewpoints, recognizing that the fate of democracy rests in the hands of its citizens.

Memorable Quotes

  • “Facts don’t matter in Washington anymore. Facts don’t matter anywhere.” – This quote reflects Baker’s frustration with the increasing disregard for truth and objectivity in political discourse.
  • “It’s a great brainwashing process, which goes very slow, and it’s divided in in 4 basic stages.” – This quote, referencing KGB defector Yuri Bezmenov’s analysis, highlights the long-term strategy of ideological subversion employed by authoritarian regimes.
  • “He who controls semiconductors controls the future.” – This quote underscores the critical role of semiconductors in driving technological innovation and economic power.
  • “They’re not real, you know, the whole idea is that this is the they’re about kindness and consideration. That’s horse shit.” – Baker debunks the notion that wokeness is solely about inclusivity and kindness, exposing its potential for manipulation and control.
  • “We’ve hardened our positions because of a variety of reasons. You’re not gonna fix that. You’re not gonna it’s it’s not gonna be something that comes along unless, you know, aliens manifest themselves, and then we’ve all got a common enemy.” – This quote encapsulates Baker’s pessimistic outlook on the future, highlighting the deep divisions within American society and the challenges of bridging those divides.