Why US-China Relations Will Define the Next Generation (2026 Forecast Preview)
Talking Geopolitics
Earlier this month, Geopolitical Futures released its annual Forecast, which focuses on the most critical changes to the international order in the year to come. One of the featured predictions in this year's Forecast was on the shifting relationship between the United States and China. It is a relationship that GPF Chairman George Friedman believes will define the next generation of international relations. This week on Talking Geopolitics, George joined host Christian Smith to give a preview of this forecast, and we'll even dive into the perplexing logic of Donald Trump's will-he, won't-he...
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Unrest in Iran: A Tipping Point for the Middle East?
Talking Geopolitics
Widespread anti-government protests in Iran have been growing for weeks now in Iran, and the government crackdown has turned deadly. While protests here are not a new phenomenon, many are saying this time things are much different. With the US poised to intervene and the future of the Iranian regime hanging in the balance, this week on the podcast we're taking a look at how the situation is evolving and how it is perceived by the wider region. Talking Geopolitics host Christian Smith is joined by GPF Chairman George Friedman as well as Geopolitical Futures contributing analyst Kamran Bokhari...
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George Friedman on Why the US Cares About Venezuela, Cuba and Greenland
Talking Geopolitics
With the new U.S. National Security Strategy published by the White House only a month ago, we're already seeing what America's vision for prioritizing the Western Hemisphere looks like. Following America's seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, the world is now questioning just how far the US might go to achieve its goal. What are its intentions with Cuba, and how far is it willing to push NATO allies in the issue of Greenland? GPF Chairman George Friedman joins Talking Geopolitics host Christian Smith for our first podcast of the new year, as we dive into what is...
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Venezuela, Cuba, and the New Western Hemisphere Strategy
Talking Geopolitics
America's new National Security Strategy reflects a fundamental change in U.S. policy. It prioritizes America maintaining its preeminence in the Western Hemisphere, while avoiding military competition with China as well as European conflicts. At the same time the White House has taken pen to paper on its new policy, military pressure on Venezuela is ramping up as the Trump administration sanctions oil tankers in the region. This week on Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss these escalations and what it all has to do with Cuba. And for more...
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George Friedman on Why Trump's New National Security Strategy is Here to Stay
Talking Geopolitics
America's new National Security Strategy reflects a fundamental change in U.S. strategy. The policy, published at the end of last week, prioritizes America maintaining its preeminence in the Western Hemisphere, avoiding military competition with China and asking Europe to stand on its own feet. Many of these policies are not surprising. But the White House's decision to commit them to paper has given the world a more definitive view of American thinking. This week on Talking Geopolitics, host Christian Smith is again joined by GPF Chairman George Friedman to break down the strategy, what it...
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America's Next Crisis: George Friedman on Immigration, Technology and the Workforce
Talking Geopolitics
In his book, The Storm Before the Calm, Geopolitical Futures chairman and founder George Friedman explained the challenges that low birth rates and longer life expectancy will bring to America. As an aging population causes a shrinking workforce, this deepening demographic crisis could have long-term impacts across the globe. And the solutions come with their own set of challenges. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, George joins host Christian Smith to break it all down, from the use of immigration to stabilize labor markets, to artificial intelligence and much more. And for more...
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George Friedman on the Trump-Putin Peace Plan: Is It Now Or Never?
Talking Geopolitics
[REUPLOAD] If the peace proposal currently under negotiation to end the war in Ukraine feels like déjà vu, you're not alone. Throughout the year, hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough have repeatedly surged and faded. But with the surprising terms of the latest proposal now on the table—and U.S. President Donald Trump hinting that this may be a “now or never” moment—the world is asking whether a real path to peace finally exists. Is the deal workable? How are Europe’s leaders responding? And what fundamentals of the war risk being overlooked amid the political noise? Joining host...
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Ukraine Isn't the Only Frontline In Russia's War Against the West
Talking Geopolitics
Russia's war with Ukraine is about to enter yet another winter. Meanwhile in the US, Donald Trump is turning his attention to Russia's southern border in an effort to woo the nations of the South Caucasus with diplomacy. What are the US' goals and what does it hope to gain in pulling these nations closer while Russia is distracted in its fight against NATO to the West? Talking Geopolitics host Christian Smith is joined by GPF Chairman George Friedman to make sense of the latest developments. And for more analysis of the region, go to to get access to our free newsletter as well as our NEW...
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Defending the Pacific: George Friedman on Australia, Japan and the coalition against China
Talking Geopolitics
The Australian defense minister said this week that China’s military defense build up required a response. China’s defense spending has increased 13 fold in the past 30 years, while its Navy is projected to grow by nearly 50% by the end of the decade. That last statistic would be of particular concern to Australia’s defense minister, Richard Marles, who said that open sea lanes, including around China, are crucial to Australia’s national security. So how is great power competition playing out in the Asia-Pacific? What is the role of Australia, AUKUS and the Quad, and can America’s...
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The 'Great Game' of our Era: The US, China and Russia
Talking Geopolitics
The United States, China and Russia are the three main powers of the current era that are vying for dominance on the global stage, all with their own sets of imperatives and challenges. In our recent ClubGPF live discussion, GPF Chairman George Friedman examined the three nations and the main issues they currently face: culture wars and political division in the US, a declining economy in China, and a frozen war in Russia. Visit for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.
info_outlineCEO George Friedman joins the podcast to talk about whether democracy is failing in the United States and in Europe.