GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

Ruben Gallego, a U.S. Senator and former Marine, shares insights on the political landscape following Nicolás Maduro's capture, expressing concerns about the lack of a clear strategy from the White House. He advocates for a sustainable approach to Venezuela's future, emphasizing the need for elections and economic reforms. Joining him, Frank Fukuyama, a renowned political scientist, warns that eliminating Maduro does not resolve deeper systemic issues. He underscores the risks of U.S. involvement and the need for careful planning to avoid mission creep in the region.

Cliff Kupchan, Chairman of Eurasia Group and expert on geopolitical risks, joins a panel discussing the transformative year of 2026. They explore the implications of the Donroe Doctrine, describing a new, riskier style of U.S. intervention. Kupchan links rising geopolitical tensions to a populist backlash against globalism. With China grappling with economic challenges and the U.S. entangled in escalating conflicts, the panel warns of the destabilizing effects of artificial intelligence and a weakened international order. The conversation is a wake-up call about the interconnectedness of these risks.

Clarissa Ward, CNN's chief international correspondent, brings her frontline insights from war zones like Gaza and Ukraine, detailing the impact of reporting restrictions and the transformative role of drones in modern conflict. Comfort Ero, President of the International Crisis Group, analyzes overlooked crises in regions like the Sahel and Myanmar, emphasizing how weakening global institutions fuel ongoing strife. The duo discusses the complex interplay between pragmatic diplomacy and the challenges of achieving lasting peace in a world increasingly defined by conflict.

Jimmy Wales, cofounder of Wikipedia and champion of open information, discusses why Wikipedia remains a reliable source amid declining trust in media and government. He attributes this trust to its decentralized model, which describes debates rather than taking sides. However, Wales acknowledges challenges like recent partisanship, particularly in controversial topics like Gaza. They also cover how AI impacts information sharing and how Wikipedia maintains its integrity against manipulation—all while staying committed to transparency and community engagement.

Geoffrey Hinton, a renowned computer scientist and Nobel Prize winner, discusses the alarming pace of AI development and its societal implications. Once an AI evangelist, he now warns of job loss, inequality, and the potential existential threat posed by superintelligent systems. Hinton delves into the complexities of large language models, safety risks, and the need for AI to be designed with human 'maternal instincts.' He proposes training AIs to model good behavior to mitigate catastrophic outcomes while highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.

James Story, the former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela, dives into the complexities of a potential U.S. intervention in Venezuela. He discusses the precarious state of the country, noting its institutional failures and the challenges of rebuilding. Story emphasizes the importance of securing peace through military presence while strategizing long-term goals. He reveals the risks of regime change and how public support hinges on the execution method, warning that past negotiation attempts have often faltered. His insights on Venezuela’s future are both gripping and thought-provoking.

Chapin Flynn, Senior VP of Transit and Urban Mobility at Mastercard, and Mark Langmead, Director of Revenue at TransLink, dive into the future of urban mobility. They explore how contactless payment technologies are revolutionizing transit, reducing wait times, and enhancing rider experiences. The discussion reveals the economic boost to local businesses from improved transit systems and how neighborhoods thrive as foot traffic increases. They also touch on sustainable practices and innovative solutions for smaller communities, making transit accessible for everyone.

Andrew Ross Sorkin, a New York Times journalist and CNBC anchor known for his insights on financial crises, discusses ominous trends in today's economy. He warns that while we may not face another 1929, a 1999-style market correction seems inevitable due to unchecked speculation and soaring debt levels. Sorkin highlights the silence of corporate leaders about looming risks and underscores the need for transparency in financial markets. He draws unsettling parallels between the past and present, urging caution amid the AI boom and rising inequality.

Dan Wang, a technology analyst and author of "Breakneck," dives into the dynamics of China's transformation into an 'engineering state.' He discusses the rapid infrastructure growth that has reshaped the nation and how it underscores a belief in top-down societal engineering. Wang highlights the challenges faced by Chinese entrepreneurs under current policies and compares youth attitudes towards work in China and the U.S. He also explores lessons America could learn from China's industrial strategies while acknowledging the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship.

The discussion heats up as the hosts analyze Trump’s sanctions on major Russian oil firms and the geopolitical ripple effects. They delve into how Russia and Venezuela are responding amid concerns about global oil prices. The conversation touches on the impact of sanctions on Russia’s economy and explores the U.S. military's maneuvers near Venezuela. Speculations arise about the fate of Maduro and potential U.S. interventions, all while weaving in light moments about the Nobel Peace Prize and local political quirks.