The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series
Peter Zeihan
Welcome to The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series! Geopolitical Strategist Peter Zeihan is a global energy, demographic and security expert. If you want to stay informed on the realities of geography and populations, you've come to the right place. Zeihan's worldview offers insights into how global politics impact markets and economic trends, helping industry leaders navigate today’s complex mix of geopolitical risks and opportunities. Expect a forward-looking approach to what will drive tomorrow’s headlines, delivered in digestible, accessible and relevant takeaways for audiences of all types. For more info or to subscribe to the newsletter, visit: zeihan.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel @zeihanongeopolitics Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe!
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 4min
U.S. Trade Talks with the UK || Peter Zeihan
A look at stalled trade talks and why most negotiations boiled down to tariff announcements. Discussion of why the UK urgently seeks a formal trade link with the U.S. Examination of U.S. regulatory leverage and likely demands on aerospace, agriculture, emissions, and finance. Exploration of Britain's difficult choice between aligning with Washington or remaining tied to Brussels.
9 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 4min
France Hits the Demographic Point of No Return || Peter Zeihan
A look at France crossing into sustained population decline and what that means for the future. Comparisons to other developed nations show only a few still growing. Discussion of how aging populations reshape consumption and export-driven economies. A look at timing differences in demographic collapses, from Germany to China, and why timing matters for economic disruption.
10 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 6min
Canada's China Option || Peter Zeihan
A look at Mark Carney's Beijing trip and what it really unlocked for Canadian trade. Discussion of reversed canola tariffs and scaled-back EV concessions from China. Analysis of why these wins are limited and will not upend Canada's deep economic ties to the United States. Examination of NAFTA renegotiation context and practical trade-policy constraints.
5 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 5min
Rolling Back Regulations in the U.S. || Peter Zeihan
A rundown of efforts to undo U.S. regulations and why the method matters. Contrasts in regulatory styles across recent administrations. How staffing changes and purges reshape rulemaking and enforcement. The legal and business risks when old rules stay on the books while enforcement is uneven.
6 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 5min
The Semiconductor Tariff Nightmare || Peter Zeihan
A newly announced tariff targets high-end semiconductors and the chaos that follows. The conversation breaks down why complex semiconductor supply chains make enforcement a paperwork and legal nightmare. The tariff’s end-use approach and liability rules create uncertainty for importers and manufacturers. The policy risks freezing advanced manufacturing and undermining reindustrialization efforts.
10 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 6min
Lessons From Japan's Demographic Collapse || Peter Zeihan
Japan's staggering birthrate of 1.15 births per woman highlights a critical demographic crisis. The discussion expands to global fertility declines, illustrating a worrying trend across various continents. With industries relocating to more prosperous allies, Japan's strategic shifts reveal how demographics shape defense capabilities. The interplay of deglobalization and aging populations raises alarms about potential food shortages and industrial collapse. These insights invite us to reconsider the broader implications of population decline.
14 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 10min
Latin American Militaries Can't Stop the U.S. || Peter Zeihan
The discussion highlights the U.S. military's logistical superiority and its ease in toppling Latin American governments. However, the podcast questions the aftermath of such actions and reveals how Latin militaries are unable to project power. Complicated geography and internal fragmentation hinder effective governance and post-conflict stability. Additionally, it draws parallels to historical dollar diplomacy, indicating the potential risks and moral dilemmas of U.S. involvement in the region.
12 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 11min
The End of U.S. Military Deployments? || Peter Zeihan
The discussion kicks off with insights on U.S. troop levels abroad, revealing they're at historic lows. Key bases in Japan, Germany, and Korea are explored, highlighting their strategic importance. Peter argues against the need for widespread military deployments, citing that the U.S. can rely on allied ports and territories. Potential consequences of withdrawing from Japan and Germany are examined, emphasizing the risk of power vacuums. The vulnerabilities of China's naval logistics and the declining capabilities of Russia are analyzed, illustrating the U.S.'s unique position in global defense.
17 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 11min
Venezuela's End: Peter Goes Squirrel Killin' || Peter Zeihan
The podcast dives into the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the implications of his arraignment on narco-terrorism charges. It explores the unrealistic threat of drone strikes from Venezuela to the U.S. and discusses Russia's lack of motive to engage directly in conflict over the situation. There's a look at whether other nations might escalate tensions in response and an analysis of how recent events impact China's approach to Taiwan. Lastly, it contrasts the strategic differences between Iran and Venezuela, suggesting that similar outcomes are unlikely.
7 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 5min
Why on Earth Would We Take Greenland? || Peter Zeihan
The idea of acquiring Greenland is dissected, revealing it as economically and strategically unwise. Peter explains Russia's naval capabilities in the Arctic are overstated, making the threat minimal. He highlights the harsh climate of Greenland, which makes militarization impractical. The potential of Arctic shipping routes is countered by exorbitant costs, while mining ambitions are deemed unrealistic. Denmark's willingness to collaborate is emphasized, warning that annexation could jeopardize critical U.S.-European alliances.
