China, Cartels, and the Future of War

In this special episode, Jack Carr revisits key insights from past guests to explore the shifting landscape of global power, warfare, and America’s place in what’s to come. Featured segments include geopolitical strategist ⁠Peter Zeihan⁠ on China’s looming internal collapse—from declining birth rates to famine threats—and its potential push for war to maintain control at home. Zeihan also outlines how Taiwan and semiconductors fit into the broader picture and why the U.S. may be uniquely positioned to weather global conflict. A segment from ⁠Ed Calderon⁠, former Mexican law enforcement officer and cartel expert, brings a raw, ground-level perspective to the fentanyl pipeline, giving added depth to the border’s role in this crisis. Investigative journalist ⁠⁠Peter Schweizer⁠⁠ breaks down how China is already waging a silent war against the U.S. through fentanyl, with Mexican cartels acting as second-tier partners.  Referenced Episodes: Peter Zeihan: ⁠China, Ukraine, and What Comes Next⁠ Peter Zeihan: ⁠Hezbollah, Hamas, and China’s Crisis⁠ Peter Zeihan: ⁠The End of the World is Just the Beginning⁠ Ed Calderon: ⁠⁠Combating Mexican Drug Cartels⁠ Peter Schweizer: ⁠⁠The China Threat⁠⁠ FOLLOW JACK Instagram:⁠ @JackCarrUSA⁠  X: ⁠ @JackCarrUSA⁠ Facebook: ⁠ @JackCarr ⁠ YouTube: ⁠ @JackCarrUSA⁠ SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller ⁠https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/⁠ Bravo Company Manufacturing - BCM Stock MOD3: ⁠https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stock-mod-3-black/⁠  and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr  ⁠P365 Collection⁠: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion. Visit ⁠https://www.sigsauer.com/⁠ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here ⁠https://jackcarr.co/gear⁠

John Dailey is a United States Marine Corps Special Operations veteran and the author of TOUGH RUGGED BASTARDS, a memoir detailing his time as a sniper, Force Recon Marine, and founding member of MARSOC Det One - the first USMC SOCOM unit.  After retiring in 2008, after two decades of service, John shaped the future of Marine special operations as Training and Education Branch Director at the Marine Raider Training Center.   FOLLOW JOHN Instagram:  @j.a.dailey  Facebook: @WaIkingPointOrg LinkedIn: @daileyja Website: https://www.jadailey.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram: @JackCarrUSA  X:  @JackCarrUSA Facebook:  @JackCarr  YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing - BCM Stock MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stock-mod-3-black/  and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr  P365 Collection: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion. Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here: https://jackcarr.co/gear

Ryan Manion is the CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering veterans and Gold Star families, and to inspiring future generations. Following the death of her brother, Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, in Iraq, she devoted her life to honoring the fallen, fostering resilience, and advocating for the military community. She is also the author of THE KNOCK AT THE DOOR, a powerful story of loss, resilience, and purpose. In addition to her work with the foundation, Ryan hosts THE RESILIENT LIFE podcast, where she interviews leaders from all walks of life about overcoming adversity and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. From the Travis Manion Foundation Website: “On April 29, 2007, experienced Iraq war veteran from the 1st Recon Battalion, 1stLt Travis Manion, and his fellow Marines were ambushed while searching a suspected insurgent house in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. As he led the counterattack against the enemy forces, Travis was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper while aiding and drawing fire away from his wounded teammates. His courageous acts allowed every member of his patrol to survive.  For his actions, Travis was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor. His legacy continues to grow through the work of TMF, inspiring people to make an impact by serving others.” FOLLOW Ryan Instagram: @rmanion X: @rmanion Facebook: @RyanManionTMF Website: https://ryanmanion.com/contact/  Website: https://www.travismanion.org/  FOLLOW JACK Instagram: @JackCarrUSA  X:  @JackCarrUSA Facebook:  @JackCarr  YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr  P365 Collection: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion. Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

John Lechner is a journalist, independent researcher, and consultant specializing in Africa. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and the BBC, among others. His latest book, DEATH IS OUR BUSINESS, is the definitive account of the Wagner Group—the mercenary force that changed modern warfare, from Ukraine to Syria to Africa. Through exclusive interviews and deep investigative research, Lechner exposes how Wagner operated as both a military and business empire, and how its influence continues beyond the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin. FOLLOW JOHN Instagram: @johnalechner X: @JohnLechner1 LinkedIn: @jlechner  Website: https://www.johnlechnerauthor.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram: @JackCarrUSA  X:  @JackCarrUSA Facebook:  @JackCarr  YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA  SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr  P365 Collection: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion. Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

The Jack Carr Book Club March 2025 selection is FEARLESS by Eric Blehm. FEARLESS chronicles the remarkable journey of SEAL Team SIX operator Adam Brown. From his adventurous youth in Arkansas to his struggles with addiction and eventual redemption, Adam's life exemplifies unwavering courage and determination. Overcoming personal demons, he rose to the elite ranks of SEAL Team SIX, where his faith, family, and relentless spirit propelled him to heroic heights. His final act of bravery in Afghanistan stands as a testament to his selflessness and valor. FEARLESS offers an intimate portrayal of a man who faced immense challenges yet remained undaunted, leaving an enduring legacy of what it truly means to be fearless. Eric Blehm is an award-winning author renowned for his compelling nonfiction narratives. His New York Times bestseller, FEARLESS, was published in 2013. His other notable works include THE LAST SEASON, which won the National Outdoor Book Award, and THE ONLY THING WORTH DYING FOR. His latest release, THE DARKEST WHITE, delves into the life of legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly. Blehm's storytelling captures the essence of his subjects, offering readers profound insights into extraordinary lives.  FOLLOW ERIC Instagram - @ericblehmofficial Facebook - @ericblehm LinkedIn - @EricBlehm Website - https://www.ericblehm.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA  X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA  SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From Savage Son: P320 X Compact, P320 Custom build from True Precision, P365 Customized from the Sig Custom Workshop, P226  Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

John L. Plaster is a legendary MACV-SOG operator who served three tours of duty in Vietnam leading high-risk reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia, striking supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Wounded in action and decorated for valor four times, he later flew over 350 aerial combat missions as a Forward Air Controller. After Vietnam, Plaster became a pioneer in modern sniper training, co-founding the National Guard Sniper School and instructing elite military and law enforcement units, including the FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A prolific author, he has chronicled the untold stories of SOG in books including SOG: THE SECRET WARS OF AMERICA'S COMMANDOS IN VIETNAM, SECRET COMMANDOS: BEHIND ENEMY LINES WITH THE ELITE WARRIORS OF SOG, and SOG: A PHOTO HISTORY OF THE SECRET WARS. Plaster has also been inducted into both the Air Commando and Special Forces Halls of Fame. FOLLOW JOHN Website: https://majorjohnplaster.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA  X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From Savage Son: P320 X Compact, P320 Custom build from True Precision, P365 Customized from the Sig Custom Workshop, P226  Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

John L. Plaster is a legendary MACV-SOG operator who served three tours of duty in Vietnam leading high-risk reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia, striking supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Wounded in action and decorated for valor four times, he later flew over 350 aerial combat missions as a Forward Air Controller. After Vietnam, Plaster became a pioneer in modern sniper training, co-founding the National Guard Sniper School and instructing elite military and law enforcement units, including the FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A prolific author, he has chronicled the untold stories of SOG in books including SOG: THE SECRET WARS OF AMERICA'S COMMANDOS IN VIETNAM, SECRET COMMANDOS: BEHIND ENEMY LINES WITH THE ELITE WARRIORS OF SOG, and SOG: A PHOTO HISTORY OF THE SECRET WARS. Plaster has also been inducted into both the Air Commando and Special Forces Halls of Fame. FOLLOW JOHN Website: https://majorjohnplaster.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA   X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From Savage Son: P320 X Compact, P320 Custom build from True Precision, P365 Customized from the Sig Custom Workshop, P226  Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

Ric Prado is a paramilitary, counter-terrorism, and clandestine operations specialist with a 24-year career in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. A seasoned field operative, he spent a decade in the Agency’s Special Activities Division before serving as Deputy Chief of Station of the Bin Laden Task Force and Chief of Operations at the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center on 9/11. From running counter-terrorism missions in Central America, Peru, and the Philippines to coordinating high-stakes operations with our nation’s most elite special mission units, Ric has been at the heart of America’s most critical covert missions. He is the author of BLACK OPS: THE LIFE OF A CIA SHADOW WARRIOR.  FOLLOW SCOTT LinkedIn: @Enrique-Ric-Prado Facebook: @RicPrado Instagram: @prado_ric Twitter: @RicPrado2 Website: https://www.ricprado.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA  X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From Savage Son: P320 X Compact, P320 Custom build from True Precision, P365 Customized from the Sig Custom Workshop, P226  Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

The Jack Carr Book Club February selection is THE JFK CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL KENNEDY—AND WHY IT FAILED by Brad Meltzer. In this episode Jack sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer to discuss his latest non-fiction work, THE JFK CONSPIRACY. Brad delves into the little-known story of the first assassination attempt on John F. Kennedy, offering insights into the meticulous research and compelling narrative that bring this historical event to life. Beyond the book, Brad shares personal anecdotes from his diverse career as a novelist, television host, and comic book writer. Tune in for an engaging conversation that uncovers hidden history and explores the art of storytelling.   FOLLOW BRAD Website - www.bradmeltzer.com Instagram - @bradmeltzer Facebook - @BradMeltzer Threads - @BradMeltzer FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA   X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA  SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry- havoc/ Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here - https://shop.officialjackcarr.com/

Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier with multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is the founder of Rooftop Leadership and the author of the instant New York Times Best-Seller OPERATION PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, which chronicles the heroic efforts of veterans and volunteers during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. His latest book, NOBODY IS COMING TO SAVE YOU, is available now.  FOLLOW SCOTT LinkedIn: Rooftop Leadership Facebook: @ScottMann Instagram: @scottmannauthor Twitter: @RooftopLeader YouTube: Rooftop Leadership Website: https://scottmann.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA  X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From True Believer: M17/M18, P365, P320, P320X-Carry Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear