Who's the Next Global Superpower? | ClubGPF Preview with George Friedman
Release Date: 04/24/2025
Crisis in Cuba: George Friedman on the Return of US Pressure
Talking Geopolitics
History echoes as the US increases pressure on Cuba once again. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss Cuba’s unique place in American geopolitics, the cause and potential outcome of the current crisis, and how Cuba fits into the US’s new Western Hemisphere strategy. Also: Cuban parallels to other island nations. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at . Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at .
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How These Economic Structures Shape World Power: Introducing GeoEconomic Lens
Talking Geopolitics
Is global power built on tanks and treaties, or trade and technology? Introducing your view of the global economy through the lens of geopolitics, GeoEconomic Lens. In this exclusive clip from ClubGPF’s Podcast+, Senior Analyst and Chief GeoEconomist Antonia Colibasanu joins host Christian Smith for a primer on geoeconomics and the new offering, the vulnerabilities of global economic interdependence, and the distinction between static and dynamic power. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and get access to our inaugural issue for FREE, available now:...
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The Week the New Global Reality Showed Itself
Talking Geopolitics
With the US, Russia, China, and Europe all at strategic crossroads, the new global geopolitical order is starting to show itself. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss Russia’s internal crises and strategic pivot, the upcoming summit and future of US-China rapprochement, and how Europe is critical not only to Russia’s future but to the entire global system. This episode of Talking Geopolitics was recorded on May 11, 2026. Visit for a free download from our Special Collection on the Middle East.
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Why Putin’s Call To Trump Signals Russia’s Existential Crisis
Talking Geopolitics
Is Putin looking to Trump for a lifeline? How does last week’s phone call between the leaders actually signal Russian weakness? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the geopolitical implications of the meeting, Russia’s economic deterioration and internal instability, and what a post-Putin Russia might look like. Also: US troop withdrawals and shifting global alliances. Visit for a free download from our Special Collection on the Middle East.
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George Friedman on Why Australia and Japan are the Future of the Pacific
Talking Geopolitics
What does the multi-billion-dollar warship deal between Japan and Australia say about the new geopolitical order forming in the Pacific? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the landmark defense cooperation, its impact on regional power dynamics, and how it may alter the posture of major players like China and the US. Also discussed: the future of oil dependency. Visit for a free download from our Special Collection on the Middle East.
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Who's Holding the Cards? George Friedman on Iran War Stalemate
Talking Geopolitics
A ceasefire is in place, but negotiations are once again breaking down over the conflict in Iran. Are we any closer to a long-term solution? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the stalled negotiations, the impacts of the US blockade on Iranian ports, and why this new strategy could be more about China than Iran for Donald Trump. Visit for a free download from our Special Collection on the Middle East.
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The Geopolitics of Space
Talking Geopolitics
The return of humans to space with the Artemis II's orbit around the moon has captured the hearts and minds of millions around the world. While exploratory space travel enthralls the public, the geopolitics of space and its implications for war are something much less understood. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss satellites, potential space warfare tactics, the strategic value of the moon, and why we went there in the first place. Visit for a free download from our Special Collection on the Middle East.
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Iran Update: The Strait of Hormuz Crisis and the Future of War
Talking Geopolitics
As we enter the second month of war in the Middle East, bombs continue to fly, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens a global crisis. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the military pressures facing Washington and Tehran, the expanding scope of the conflict, and what it can tell us about the future of war. Visit for a free download from our Special Collection on the Middle East.
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China, Iran and the Future of Taiwan
Talking Geopolitics
With the long-awaited meeting between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping delayed until May, all eyes are on the two giants and the long shadow they cast on the Iran war and the world at large. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss China’s strategic restraint in the Middle East, economic fragility and rapprochement with the US, and the importance of Taiwan. Visit for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.
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The Evolution of the Iran War
Talking Geopolitics
The US-Israeli war with Iran has no end in sight as strikes on both sides continue. With Iran’s capitulation failing to materialize and the IRGC’s true strength revealed, the conflict is in a state of evolution. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss shifting US war aims, the rising price of oil as the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint, and just how long this all might last. Visit for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion, and to access our full 2026 Forecast: Re-anchoring the World.
info_outlineThe next great power is in the making. Could the United States make room for the likes of China or even Iran as the next superpower? As GPF Chairman George Friedman explained in our recent ClubGPF live discussion, a great power not only has to have a great military, it also has to have a high level of technology and a strong geopolitical position.
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Visit http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.