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Talking Geopolitics

113 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 145 ratings

A bi-monthly non-partisan podcast brought to you by Geopolitical Futures, an online publication founded by internationally recognized geopolitical forecaster George Friedman. Geopolitical Futures tells you what matters in international affairs and what doesn’t. Go to https://geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast for details.

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Episodes

Turmoil in the Middle East | ClubGPF Preview with George Friedman and Hilal Khashan

March 22, 2024 16:02 - 5 minutes - 197 MB Video

Middle East expert Hilal Khashan wrote in his January 23rd piece titled ‘The Middle East as a Powder Keg’ that resolving the region’s issues will be on hold pending resolution of the conflict in Gaza. In a recent ClubGPF live discussion, Dr. Khashan was joined by GPF Chairman George Friedman to discuss current conditions, why Israel is reluctant to make any kind of deal, and what a Palestinian state could look like if one was created. For the full recording, and to join the next ClubGPF li...

The Challenges of Intelligence | ClubGPF Preview with George Friedman

January 23, 2024 20:37 - 4 minutes - 4.37 MB

How do intelligence failures happen? What are the ramifications for such failures? In our recent ClubGPF discussion, GPF Chairman George Friedman examined the different types of intelligence and why they’re important, applying the various intelligence strategies to the current geopolitical struggles in the world, including the Israel-Gaza conflict and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.   To learn more about ClubGPF and to join the next live discussion, visit www.geopoliticalfutures.com/clubgpf.

Geopolitics in the 21st Century | The Emerging World Order Bonus with George Friedman

December 01, 2023 15:47 - 2 minutes - 3.27 MB

Chairman George Friedman and host Christian Smith recently sat down to focus in on the big picture of geopolitics. There is a new order coming, but unlike the reordering that took place after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. In this bonus clip, Dr. Friedman examines the patterns emerging between today's global crises.  For the full episode and much more including our first two episodes on Tensions in Eurasia and The Rise of Geoeconomics, go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast and c...

Geopolitics in the 21st Century | The Rise of Geoeconomics Bonus

November 30, 2023 16:50 - 2 minutes - 3.41 MB

The pandemic in many ways caused shifts in the global economic system. Are we still living in pandemic economics? GPF's Antonia Colibasanu broke down the concept of geoeconomics and where we are at now for our podcast series on Geopolitics in the 21st Century. For the full episode and much more including our final installment with GPF Chairman George Friedman, go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast and click 'Subscribe'.

Special Edition: Israel at War | George Friedman on Where the Conflict Goes from Here

October 11, 2023 13:35 - 19 minutes - 16 MB

As the world reels from the shocking violence in Israel and Palestine, Geopolitical Futures brings you a special edition of Talking Geopolitics. GPF Chairman George Friedman joins Christian Smith to discuss why the attacks took place, why Israel’s intelligence failed, and how the conflict will put pressure on Arab nations - and not in the way you may think. For more analysis from George and the GPF team, go to geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast.

Geopolitics in the 21st Century | Tensions Across Eurasia Bonus Clip 2

August 18, 2023 13:47 - 2 minutes - 3.42 MB

Talking Geopolitics host Christian Smith recently sat down with GPF Chairman George Friedman for a deeper look at the current movements, motives and potential outcomes of the Russo-Ukrainian War and the ongoing friction between the US and China. In today’s bonus clip, Dr. Friedman explains how US- China relations and US-Russia relations are in many ways interconnected. For the full episode and much more, go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast and click 'Subscribe'.

Geopolitics in the 21st Century | Tensions Across Eurasia

August 14, 2023 21:40 - 2 minutes - 3.3 MB

Talking Geopolitics is back with a subscriber-only limited series on some of the key issues in geopolitics today. Today we're sharing a clip of this month's episode where Chairman George Friedman joined host Christian Smith for a deeper look at the current movements, motives and potential outcomes of the Russo-Ukrainian War and the ongoing friction between the US and China. For the full episode and much more, go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast and click 'Subscribe'.

The Geopolitics of Natural Disasters

April 03, 2023 16:13 - 43 minutes - 59.1 MB

What are the geopolitical impacts of natural disasters? On this free preview of our ClubGPF podcast+, Dir. of Analysis Allison Fedirka and COO Antonia Colibasanu join host Christian Smith to discuss the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, last year’s flooding in Pakistan, and the ongoing drought in Argentina. Go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com to join ClubGPF for more exclusive podcast episodes like this one.

Listen Again: Understanding China

August 18, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 27.9 MB

This week we are revisiting one of our most popular episodes to date. Chairman George Friedman explores China’s relationship with both the United States and Russia, as well as its tendency towards isolation. East Asia Expert Phillip Orchard breaks down the geopolitical imperatives that drive China’s behavior. Director of Analysis Allison Fedirka gives us an update on the tension at the Colombia–Venezuela border. Hosted by Christian Smith. Go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast for more. 

Lebanon’s Bleak Future; Midterm Forecast Report Card

August 04, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 27.5 MB

A year removed from a massive explosion in Beirut, Middle East expert Hilal Khashan discusses the dire situation in Lebanon and its larger impact on the region’s geopolitics. Analysts Allison Fedirka and Phillip Orchard share insight into the forecasting process here at Geopolitical Futures and lay out a midterm report card on this year’s forecasts for Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast for more.

The Importance of Cuba; A Central Asian Shuffle

July 21, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 30.8 MB

Chairman George Friedman discusses the recent protests in Cuba and dives into the past, present, and future of its geopolitical importance. Analyst Ekaterina Zolotova takes us on a tour of Central Asia and explores its potential for destabilization. Also, East Asia expert Phillip Orchard explains why the Chinese foreign minister’s visit to the Middle East is on his radar. To read George’s recent article on Cuba go to: http://ow.ly/37Jl50FAczC. 

Money Talks in the EU; Giants Set Up Camp in the Himalayas; The Great Game Returns?

July 07, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 26 MB

Chairman George Friedman analyzes the debate surrounding the future of the European Central Bank’s emergency coronavirus bonds program and how it strikes at the core of the EU. East Asia expert Phillip Orchard explains the tensions between India and China in the Himalayas. Head of Analysis Allison Fedirka explores how NATO’s withdrawal from Afghanistan has teed up a new round of the Great Game in Central Asia. To read George’s free weekly articles go to http://ow.ly/wrIk50FqqCz. 

Curiosity in the Middle East; Africa’s Shifting Geopolitics

June 23, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 31.1 MB

How secure is the new Middle East power balance ushered in by the Abraham Accords? How much does the U.S. care? Chairman George Friedman explains how two recent events can help us find answers. Head of Analysis Allison Fedirka explores Africa‘s increasing importance in today’s multipolar geopolitics. To read George’s article mentioned in this episode go to http://ow.ly/ttwD50FgHqb. 

Echoes of the Congress of Vienna; Implications of a Unified European Army

June 09, 2021 10:00 - 36 minutes - 29.7 MB

Chairman George Friedman explains how, following the defeat of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna shaped an entire continent and why its reflection can still be seen in European geopolitics today. Editor Ryan Bridges explores US attitudes towards an integrated EU army. Dir. of Analysis Allison Fedirka discusses the implications of extensive government programs and support packages brought on by the global COVID-19 crisis. Go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast for more.

Belarus Takes a Risk; Alliances in the Western Pacific; The Future of South American Trade

May 26, 2021 10:00 - 35 minutes - 28.9 MB

Chairman George Friedman explains why necessity is the mother of alliances for the US, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines in the Pacific. Eurasia expert Ekaterina Zolotova helps us understand the commandeering of a plane over Belarus. Head of Analysis Allison Fedirka explores the future of Mercosur. Go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast for more.

Special Episode | The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Past, Present and Future

May 18, 2021 20:06 - 33 minutes - 26.6 MB

Chairman George Friedman and Senior Analyst Hilal Khashan explore the geopolitics behind the violence in Gaza and its potential strain on the region. To read George’s recent analysis go to http://ow.ly/eZXn50EPLj0.

Germany Then and Now; Nuclear Deals and Iran’s Proxies

May 12, 2021 10:00 - 36 minutes - 29.3 MB

To mark the anniversary of VE Day, Chairman George Friedman discusses his recent article on Germany and explains why the nation’s desire to fly under the radar cannot last forever. Senior Analyst Hilal Khashan tells us why the ongoing US-Iran nuclear talks in Vienna are less about nuclear weapons and more about Iran’s proxies in the Middle East. To read the article discussed in this episode go to http://ow.ly/eyFd50EMY3a.

Russia - Bully, Trickster or Victim?

April 28, 2021 10:00 - 35 minutes - 28 MB

Talking Geopolitics dives deep into Russia’s geopolitics. Chairman George Friedman explains modern Russian foreign policy and the historic attitudes still driving it. Russia expert Ekaterina Zolotova lays out the building blocks of Russian geopolitics. Also, analyst Phillip Orchard explores the future of US-Turkish relations in the wake of President Joe Biden’s acknowledgment of the Armenian genocide. Hosted by Christian Smith. Go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast for more.

Understanding China

April 14, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 27.6 MB

Chairman George Friedman explores China’s relationship with both the United States and Russia, as well as its tendency towards isolation. East Asia Expert Phillip Orchard breaks down the geopolitical imperatives that drive China’s behavior. Director of Analysis Allison Fedirka gives us an update on the tension at the Colombia–Venezuela border. Hosted by Christian Smith. Go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast for more.

The Ripple Effect of the Alhambra Decree; Cycles of American Society and Politics

March 31, 2021 10:00 - 36 minutes - 29.3 MB

Managing Editor Cole Altom and Director of Analysis Allison Fedirka discuss the Alhambra Decree and its ties to Colonialism. Chairman George Friedman discusses his book ‘The Storm Before the Calm’ and explains America’s socioeconomic and institutional cycles and the coronavirus’ negligible impact on them. East Asia expert Phillip Orchard tells us why Myanmar’s anti-coup protests have been on his radar. Hosted by Christian Smith. Go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast for more.

A Guide for Geopolitical Analysis; Consistency in Foreign Policy

March 17, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 26.1 MB

On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, host Christian Smith discusses Geopolitical Futures’ Chief Operating Officer Antonia Colibasanu’s new book, Contemporary Geopolitics and Geoeconomics 2.0, and how an update was in order after 2020; Director of Analysis Allison Fedirka and Eastern Europe expert Ekaterina Zolotova tell us what’s been on their radar in the world of geopolitics. Chairman George Friedman explores the consistency in U.S. foreign policy across party lines. Go to www.geopoliti...

The Rise and Fall of Nations; The Future of Rare Earths

March 03, 2021 11:00 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MB

On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, host Christian Smith discusses the geopolitics of rare earths with East Asia expert Phillip Orchard; Managing Editor Cole Altom, and Director of Analysis Allison Fedirka tell us what’s been grabbing their attention in the world of geopolitics. Chairman George Friedman ponders power and the rise and fall of nations. Go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast for more.

Cuba Back in the Spotlight; Fundamentals of Geopolitics

February 19, 2021 12:00 - 31 minutes - 43 MB

Geopolitics is our bread and butter. It's also a term easily thrown around without accurately conveying its meaning. On this first episode of the new Talking Geopolitics podcast, host Christian Smith talks with the founder of Geopolitical Futures, George Friedman, about the fundamentals behind the company's work. He also speaks with Director of Analysis, Allison Fedirka, on how Cuba's poor economic condition has helped propel the island back in to the spotlight. Go to https://geopoliticalfut...

Introducing Talking Geopolitics: Series Trailer

February 15, 2021 18:10 - 1 minute - 2.62 MB

Talking Geopolitics is a bi-monthly non-partisan podcast brought to you by Geopolitical Futures, an online publication founded by internationally recognized geopolitical forecaster George Friedman. Launching this week. For more information, go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast. 

Leighton Smith and George Friedman on The Storm Before the Calm

January 05, 2021 19:07 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

NewsTalk NZ's Leighton Smith talks with Geopolitical Futures Chairman George Friedman on his new book, The Storm Before the Calm: America's Discord, the Coming Crisis of the 2020s, and the Triumph Beyond.  Sign up for free updates on topics like this. Go here: https://bit.ly/2w9bCYd

The Precarious Germany-Russia Relationship

December 15, 2020 17:14 - 31 minutes - 57 MB

Since the end of the Cold War, Germany and Russia have tried to balance a robust economic relationship with contradicting political agendas in Europe. However, recent strains in Eastern Europe have put the relationship into question. On this free preview of Geopolitical Futures’ ClubGPF podcast+, we explain what lies ahead for the German-Russian relationship. Go to www.geopoliticalfutures.com to join ClubGPF for more exclusive podcast episodes like this one.

The State of the Middle East Amidst US-Iran Tensions

January 07, 2020 15:12 - 31 minutes - 58.2 MB

GPF founder George Friedman, Hezbollah expert Hilal Khashan and analyst Caroline Rose examine the ramifications of the US escalating tensions with Iran through the killing of former IRGC General Soleimani. Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: http://bit.ly/gpf2020

India and Iran’s Water Problem

July 04, 2019 14:59 - 43 minutes - 60.3 MB

Jacob Shapiro and Xander Snyder are back at it to talk climate change, water scarcity in India and Iran, and the future of the Arctic. Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: https://bit.ly/2w9bCYd

George Friedman on the Leighton Smith Podcast

June 12, 2019 16:57 - 27 minutes - 37.3 MB

Newstalk ZB’s Leighton Smith brings GPF Chairman George Friedman back on his podcast to discuss the latest geopolitical events in China as push comes to shove in the US-China trade war, updates on Brexit, and the future of the U.K. Does it even matter anymore whether Britain leaves or remains?

The Latest on North Korea and Iran

May 09, 2019 21:24 - 42 minutes - 57.8 MB

Jacob L. Shapiro welcomes Xander Snyder and Phillip Orchard onto the podcast to discuss the latest on U.S. relations with North Korea and Iran. Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: https://bit.ly/2Umma4v

Podcast test

April 24, 2019 12:54

https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=9512804

Podcast test

April 24, 2019 12:54

https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=9512804

The Geopolitics of Deadwood

April 01, 2019 15:11 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MB

Join Cole, Jacob, and Phillip on this auspicious April Fools' Day for a discussion of the Geopolitics of Deadwood. No unauthorized cinnamon.   To read the report, click here: https://geopoliticalfutures.com/geopolitics-deadwood-cold-war-black-hills/   Our previous April Fools' pieces on Game of Thrones and Dune are here: https://geopoliticalfutures.com/geopolitics-ice-fire/ https://geopoliticalfutures.com/the-geopolitics-of-dune/ Intro+Exit music by Jason Shaw, "Hoedown" and "S...

The Brexit That Never Ends

March 29, 2019 23:09 - 23 minutes - 32.1 MB

Cole hosts Phillip, Jacob, and Ryan to talk about the latest developments on the Brexit soap opera. Other exciting topics include Turkey's economy and everyone's favorite -- Chinese banking reform.  Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: https://goo.gl/zt6tzx

Is Democracy Failing?

March 22, 2019 15:38 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MB

CEO George Friedman joins the podcast to talk about whether democracy is failing in the United States and in Europe.

The New Silk Road Runs Through Italy?

March 15, 2019 22:54 - 38 minutes - 53.7 MB

This week, Jacob, Cole and Xander discuss why the Belt and Road Initiative isn’t China’s Marshall Plan, what is and is not boring about Brexit, and how the Caspian Sea could solve some of Iran’s economic problems. Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: https://goo.gl/zt6tzx

Leighton and George, Part II

February 25, 2019 19:44 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MB

After focusing on China in Part I, George and Leighton are at it again, this time talking about the US, Brexit, and a host of other important geopolitical issues. 

China's Failure

February 15, 2019 15:14 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MB

Part one of a conversation between GPF CEO George Friedman and Newstalk ZB's Leighton Smith. They discuss GPF's 2019 forecast, China's shortcomings, and New Zealand's place in the world. 

The Week Ahead: Intervention and Partition

February 05, 2019 17:26 - 26 minutes - 37.4 MB

Cole and Jacob discuss the latest on Venezuela, Brexit, and Afghanistan. 

Not Another Cold War -- China Edition

January 11, 2019 23:23 - 43 minutes - 60 MB

Jacob and Cole wrestle with whether or not the United States and China are fighting a new Cold War. Then, they take a look at events around the world, including the recent coup attempt in Gabon, a potential roadmap for peace in Afghanistan, and future prospects for Ukraine and Belarus.  Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: https://goo.gl/zt6tzx

George Friedman's Mailbag

January 03, 2019 20:30 - 25 minutes - 35.2 MB

George joins the podcast to answer your questions about geopolitics. What did he get wrong in "The Next Hundred Years"? How will China's economic woes affect the global economy? How is President Trump shaping US foreign policy compared to other US presidents? Tune in for answers to all these and more. Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: https://goo.gl/zt6tzx

What’s Next in Northern Syria

December 25, 2018 04:54 - 43 minutes - 60.7 MB

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of all troops from Syria, a move that has obvious implications for everyone involved in civil war, including the Kurds, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Israel, the Islamic State and Syria itself. Who benefits the most from the departure? Or, is that even the right question to ask? On this week’s podcast, Jacob, Cole and Xander discuss the situation, try to separate fact from fiction, and get lost in semantic arguments. Sign up for fre...

2019 Forecast Preview: Part 2

December 21, 2018 15:20 - 52 minutes - 73.1 MB

2018 is coming to an end, so there’s no better time to think about the future. Every year, GPF produces an Annual Forecast that lays out the trends that will shape the international system, and 2019 no different. The report, which publishes next week, will showcase predictions on the global economy, power politics in unlikely places, European disunion, developments in the Middle East and much more. In this week’s podcast, hosts Jacob and Cole will give you a sneak peek of what’s to come. S...

2019 Forecast Preview: Part 1

December 20, 2018 16:29 - 41 minutes - 56.8 MB

2018 is coming to an end, so there’s no better time to think about the future. Every year, GPF produces an Annual Forecast that lays out the trends that will shape the international system, and 2019 no different. The report, which publishes next week, will showcase predictions on the global economy, power politics in unlikely places, European disunion, developments in the Middle East and much more. In this week’s podcast, hosts Jacob and Cole will give you a sneak peek of what’s to come. S...

Countries That Confuse Us

November 22, 2018 00:48 - 56 minutes - 77.5 MB

Geopolitics is slow and largely predictable, but anyone who claims to have all the answers for an international system as strange and as volatile as ours isn’t paying enough attention. Some countries are just plain difficult to understand, whatever the reason. For some, it’s a lack of data. For others, it’s unrealized potential. For others still, it’s overachievement. With our annual forecast on the horizon, this is the time of year when we revisit our assumptions about what makes the world ...

Not Another Cold War: Part 2

October 11, 2018 13:00 - 42 minutes - 59 MB

Description: GPF Director of Analysis Jacob Shapiro welcomes Dr. Andrey Sushentsov, founder and head of Eurasian Strategies, to the show to discuss US-Russia relations and what Americans and Russians don't understand about each other. Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: https://goo.gl/zt6tzx

Around the World with George Friedman

September 26, 2018 15:00 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MB

GPF Chairman George Friedman joins Director of Analysis Jacob Shapiro to give thoughts on issues ranging from new alliances in the Middle East to US-China relations. Also: how bad is the societal divide in the United States? Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: https://goo.gl/zt6tzx

If Iran Went Nuclear, Would It Even Matter?

August 11, 2018 15:00 - 37 minutes - 51.5 MB

The heat is on Iran. Its economy is faltering. The currency is falling. The people are protesting. The government is threatening to close down the Strait of Hormuz. Renewed U.S. sanctions didn’t directly cause all these problems, of course, but they sure didn’t help. And they wouldn’t be an issue had U.S. stayed party to the Iran nuclear agreement. Is this the end of the reconciliation, or just a minor setback? If the deal is forever dead, will Iran now go nuclear? Would doing so achieve its...

Turkey and the US: An On-Again, Off-Again Relationship

August 02, 2018 16:00 - 26 minutes - 37.1 MB

The U.S. and Turkey have a lot of big mutual problems (Iran, the Islamic State, Bashar Assad) yet seem to be preoccupied by much smaller ones (pastors and alleged deep state operatives). To help explain why this is so, this week’s episode checks in on the status of U.S.-Turkey relations. Also, what’s with the stories about Rex Tillerson preventing a Saudi invasion of Qatar? Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: https://goo.gl/zt6tzx

The Problem with ‘Populism’

July 26, 2018 21:00 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MB

Is populism an ideology? Is it a political tool? A political weapon? The term has been bastardized over the years, so much so that it is nearly devoid of any meaning, and yet it is invoked nearly every day, levied against politicians of every political persuasion in every region of the world. In this week’s episode, the team digs into what it means to be populist and applies it to Mexico’s newly elected president. Sign up for free updates on topics like this! Go here: https://goo.gl/zt6tzx