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
Dec 15, 2025 • 5min
Uh Oh for Space || Peter Zeihan
The Russians had an oopsie with the launch pad at their main heavy-lift launch site following the launch of their Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft heading for the ISS. The unintended destruction of this launch pad cripples Russia's space capabilities.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4iHrUOa
13 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 6min
Israel Is Defending...Germany?!? || Peter Zeihan
In a surprising turn of events, Israel is now defending Germany with a massive $4.2 billion anti-missile system. The discussion dives into the complex historical relationship between the two nations, shaped by post-WWII dynamics. Germany's military has significantly declined since the Cold War, but recent threats from Kaliningrad's missiles have sparked a rearmament. The podcast explains how Israeli technology can enhance NATO defenses and the urgency for Germany to prepare for potential conflicts, especially with changing global alliances.
12 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 5min
What's The Deal in Canada? || Peter Zeihan
A surprising political breakthrough in Canada sees Prime Minister Carney and Alberta's Premier Smith reach a compromise on a new pipeline route for heavy crude. The discussion dives into Alberta's bitumen market, the challenges of processing, and historic discounting into the U.S. The federal government's commitment to a BC pipeline faces headwinds with local bans. Insights on Alberta's carbon pricing strategy reveal attempts for net-zero emissions by 2050, highlighting longstanding tensions and the complexities of First Nations and regional objections.
6 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 6min
War Crimes, Drugs, Venezuela, Pardons...and Dancing? || Peter Zeihan
The podcast delves into the troubling intersection of U.S. military actions and potential war crimes related to cocaine smuggling in Venezuela. It discusses the implications of congressional oversight on military strikes and the lack of clear objectives. Peter critiques Trump's controversial pardon of Juan Orlando Hernandez, highlighting inconsistencies in U.S. drug policy. Interesting insights into Maduro's unlikely rise to power, and his unexpected charisma, add a unique twist. The episode wraps up with suggestions for more effective anti-drug efforts.
4 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 5min
Ukraine Targets the CPC in Recent Drone Strikes || Peter Zeihan
Ukraine ramps up its drone strikes on Russian energy targets, including the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's loading buoy. This strategy aims to disrupt not only the CPC's role in Kazakh oil exports but also the shadow fleet of tankers dodging sanctions. The targeted attacks raise concerns about the future of crude flows from both CPC and Russia. Additionally, European involvement could significantly affect Baltic exports, compounding the instability in energy markets leading into 2026.
15 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 10min
Where Would I Put a US Semiconductor Fab? || Peter Zeihan
What factors should influence the location of a US semiconductor fabrication facility? The discussion reveals that fabs are part of a massive supply chain with crucial design work staying in the U.S. However, challenges arise with foreign subsidies impacting local fabs. Peter highlights the need for a skilled, adaptable workforce for downstream processes. He evaluates unsuitable cities, and points to Arizona's struggles with TSMC. Ultimately, he suggests the Midwest as the prime location due to its workforce and infrastructure, while warning of cost challenges.
35 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 4min
Global Depression Is Coming Sooner Than Expected || Peter Zeihan
The conversation dives into how current tariff policies are fast-tracking an impending global depression, not causing it outright. Demographic shifts, like declining birth rates, are causing a shortage of consumers and producers. The U.S. role in global trade is examined, along with the inevitability of deglobalization from 2025 to 2035. Trump's policies are highlighted as accelerators of this shift, while suggestions for rebuilding domestic industrial capacity are discussed, emphasizing the challenges posed by current trade policies.
20 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 6min
Kessler Syndrome and the Future of Space || Peter Zeihan
Recent debris strikes at China's Tiangong station highlight the dangers of low Earth orbit. The area is cluttered with Cold War remnants and faces growing congestion from Starlink's expanding satellite fleet. China's past anti-satellite tests have contributed to a mounting debris problem. Kessler Syndrome poses a risk of cascading collisions, threatening to make this region unusable. Geopolitical tensions between Russia and China add another layer of complexity to the already precarious situation in space.
12 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 4min
South Korea and the US Make a Nuclear Deal || Peter Zeihan
The recent deal between the US and South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines is a significant development, marking a rare sharing of nuclear technology. The operational advantages of nuclear subs over conventional ones allow for extended missions and stealthy strikes. With only a few nations operating nuclear submarines, this move has broader implications, particularly concerning regional security dynamics. Peter discusses how South Korea's latent nuclear capabilities could lead to a sea-based arsenal, potentially sparking an arms race in East Asia.
20 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 8min
Trump's 28-Point Peace Plan to End the Ukraine War || Peter Zeihan
A controversial 28-point plan to end the Ukraine war is dissected, sparking disdain from both Ukrainians and Russians alike. Geographic defenses are central to the strategic dilemma, as Ukraine's existence threatens Russia's depth. The plan’s demands, like NATO refusal and army cuts for Ukraine, make it unacceptable. Meanwhile, Russia is burdened by post-Cold War border clauses. With over $100 billion in frozen assets on the line, the plan's merits lie in its clarity, but it faces rejection from both sides and hits a wall of U.S. political fatigue.
