Middle East Security, Long-Term US Strategy, and the Big Picture | Q&A with George Friedman
Talking Geopolitics
Are we living through an unprecedented collapse of the global order, or is this just another turbulent chapter in the geopolitical cycle? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to answer subscriber questions on the state of the world. Topics include the future of the Middle East and US strategy, the value of “ineffective” diplomatic maneuvers, and a big-picture evaluation of global economic vulnerabilities. Episode recorded on October 8, 2026. Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive our Special Report: Reviving NATO’s...
info_outline
Russia's Failure, Poland's Rise, and the End of an Era
Talking Geopolitics
Is Eastern Europe finally free from the crushing dominance of foreign powers? In this recent ClubGPF Live Discussion, GPF analyst Ridvan Bari Urcosta joins GPF Chairman George Friedman to discuss the diminished power of Russia, the obsolescence of Cold War geopolitical frameworks, and what this shift means for Poland and the rest of Eastern Europe. This ClubGPF Live Discussion was recorded on September 15, 2026. To learn more about ClubGPF, including more free audio and video clips, go to https://geopoliticalfutures.com/join-clubgpf-bundle/.
info_outline
The UK Airbase Puzzle and Inside the Trump-Xi Summit
Talking Geopolitics
On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the unfolding security incident at RAF Fairford, the fallout from the US-China summit and Xi's letter to Trump, and the overblown risks of AI in geopolitics and related technology. Information on the RAF base plot is changing rapidly. Episode recorded on September 28, 2026. Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive Special Report: Reviving NATO’s Eastern Line by Antonia Colibasanu at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.
info_outline
UN Drama, Russian Bluffs, and the Trump-Xi Summit Preview
Talking Geopolitics
It’s a high-stakes week for global geopolitics and diplomacy. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith for a broad discussion on the real-world impact of fiery UN debates, the future of European security and Russian provocation, and how global trade hangs in the balance ahead of the US-China summit in Washington. Also: Iran War impacts and flashpoint Taiwan. Episode recorded on September 23, 2026. Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive Special Report: Reviving NATO’s Eastern Line by Antonia Colibasanu at...
info_outline
Germany’s AfD and the Return of European Nationalism
Talking Geopolitics
Eighty years after World War II, the far right is rising again in Europe. Is their recent success a sign of a geopolitical shift? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the AfD’s regional victory in Germany, how fading historical guilt and tensions over cultural identity serve as unifying populist forces, and how similar movements in France and Britain call back to pre-WWI national posturing. Also: NATO obsolescence, Eastern Europe, and Russia. Episode recorded on September 10, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and...
info_outline
CIA in Moscow, Hybrid Threats, and the Limits of Russian Escalation
Talking Geopolitics
It’s been an interesting few days for US-Russia relations. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the CIA Director’s trip to Moscow, the drone plot in Germany, and reports of Russia’s help in an Iranian advanced weapons program. What does a threat assessment of Russia reveal about these tactical and diplomatic shifts? What are the impacts on European security, US-Russia relations, and future peace in Ukraine? Also: Nuclear deterrence and Cold War lessons. Episode recorded on September 2, 2026. Learn more...
info_outline
Xi Jinping’s Military Gamble and a “Critical Moment” for US-China Relations
Talking Geopolitics
What does the transformation of the PLA mean for China’s global position and strategy? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman and GPF analyst and China expert Victoria Herczegh join host Christian Smith to discuss how Xi Jinping’s supreme desire for loyalty impacts the PLA’s effectiveness, the operational risks of rapid technological modernization without critical evaluation, and what’s next for US-China relations as signals of de-escalation appear ahead of next month’s summit. Also: Taiwan’s symbolic role. Episode recorded on August 18, 2026. Learn...
info_outline
How the “Islamic NATO” Shifts Global Geopolitics
Talking Geopolitics
Is last week’s signing of a landmark mutual defense agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan a further signal of global geopolitical realignment? On this special extended episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman and Middle East expert and GPF contributor Kamran Bokhari join host Christian Smith for a deep dive into the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement and how it shifts the balance of power across the Middle East and beyond. Also: GPF Chief Geoeconomist Antonia Colibasanu discusses this month’s Geoeconomic Lens, and the future of sanctions and the war in...
info_outline
Information Warfare in the Age of AI and Anonymity
Talking Geopolitics
Is modern technology leading us toward a new geopolitical weapon? In this recent ClubGPF Live Discussion, Retired USCG Rear Admiral Doug Fears joins GPF Chairman George Friedman to discuss the evolution of information warfare, how state actors can exacerbate social fractures using AI, and why cyberspace as a whole must evolve or become a threat to national security. This ClubGPF Live Discussion was recorded on July 16, 2026. To learn more about ClubGPF video discussions and to save your seat for our next session, go to .
info_outline
Iran’s Nuclear Gamble and Trump’s Midterm Countdown
Talking Geopolitics
Will Iran's long-game strategy and the United States' limited military options lead to capitulation or the crumbling of Trump’s presidency? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the historical scope of the Iran conflict and its “existential” threat, the limits of US force amid mounting political pressure at home, and Iran’s negotiation strategy and leverage in the nuclear stalemate. Episode recorded on July 28, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at...
info_outlineThis 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.