
Talking Geopolitics
A non-partisan podcast brought to you by Geopolitical Futures, an online publication founded by internationally recognized geopolitical forecaster George Friedman. Geopolitical Futures tells you what matters in international affairs and what doesn’t. Go to https://geopoliticalfutures.com/podcast for details.
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2025 • 48min
Should Europe Fear Russia? George Friedman and Antonia Colibasanu from Romania
The U.S. decision to recuse itself from European security has created something of a crisis on the continent. America wants European countries to pick up their own defense spending and focus on their own region, following Vladimir Putin's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. So what’s the feeling in Europe about the risks countries there face from Russia? How are they navigating those threats? And do Americans and Europeans see them in the same way? Talking Geopolitics host Christian Smith was joined by Geopolitical Futures Chairman and Founder George Friedman and Antonia Colibasanu, GPF's Senior Analyst from on the ground in Romania to discuss. Visit http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.

May 29, 2025 • 9min
From Turkey to Israel: US Imperatives in the Middle East | ClubGPF Preview with George Friedman and Hilal Khashan
It’s hard to find a region facing as much widespread turmoil as the Middle East, both historically and in the modern world. As Geopolitical Futures’ contributing analyst Hilal Khashan predicts, the Middle East will continue to oscillate between established and rising regional powers, with more turbulent times ahead. Hilal joined George Friedman for our recent ClubGPF live discussion to focus on the Middle East, and to break down the US imperatives in the region, following Donald Trump’s historic visit. To learn more about ClubGPF and join our next session, visit http://ow.ly/qHIP50JUPW2. Visit http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.

May 23, 2025 • 34min
After the Tariffs: What's Next for US-China Security and Economic Relations?
Victoria Herczegh, a China analyst specializing in domestic and foreign policy, and Allison Fedirka, director of analysis at Geopolitical Futures, dive into the shifting dynamics between the US and China. They discuss the recent rollback of tariffs and its market impact. Both experts explore China's strategic hesitations and internal economic challenges, especially concerning Taiwan. They highlight the complexities of navigating security and economic relations, suggesting that cooperation is vital for a sustainable future between these two global powers.

10 snips
May 6, 2025 • 43min
George Friedman: What's Next for Russia, Ukraine and Europe?
George Friedman, chairman and founder of Geopolitical Futures, sheds light on the precarious nature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the waning role of U.S. mediation. He discusses Eastern Europe's emerging significance as a geopolitical buffer and the challenges of unity among European nations, marked by historical grievances. Exploring Russia's internal struggles and potential leadership changes, Friedman emphasizes the evolving European landscape and the urgent need for the West to recognize and support Eastern Europe's growing influence.

May 2, 2025 • 7min
Neighbors No More? The Shifting Ties of North America
Like much of the world, North American geopolitics looks very different to six months ago. Tariffs, border issues and suggestions of US troops in Mexico are creating concerns to America’s south. On a recent episode of our ClubGPF's Podcast+, GPF director of analysis Allison Fedirka joined host Christian Smith as we continued our series on Trump’s second term in office, looking at the geopolitics of North America. To learn more about ClubGPF, including more free audio and video clips, visit http://ow.ly/qHIP50JUPW2. Visit http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.

Apr 24, 2025 • 9min
Who's the Next Global Superpower? | ClubGPF Preview with George Friedman
The 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. To learn more about ClubGPF and join our next session, visit http://ow.ly/qHIP50JUPW2. Visit http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.

Apr 21, 2025 • 6min
America's Tariffs and Today's Global System | ClubGPF Preview with George Friedman
From the U.S., to Europe, China, the Middle East and Russia, relationships are being restructured due to changing geopolitical forces. As GPF Chairman George Friedman explained in our recent ClubGPF live discussion, we are now entering an age where America is taking on a pivotal role, and where economic warfare is the weapon of choice to maintain power. To learn more about ClubGPF and join our next session, visit http://ow.ly/qHIP50JUPW2. Visit http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.

8 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 39min
George Friedman on How Geopolitics Drives Trump's Tariffs
George Friedman, the Chairman and founder of Geopolitical Futures, and a renowned geopolitical forecaster, discusses the dramatic implications of Trump's newly announced tariffs. He delves into the departure from the Bretton Woods system and the potential reshaping of global trade dynamics. The conversation highlights the challenges in U.S.-China relations and how these tariffs could redefine international alliances. Friedman also reflects on historical context and the need for the U.S. to reassess its foreign policy moving forward.

12 snips
Mar 15, 2025 • 38min
America in Transition: Trump’s First 50 Days
George Friedman, founder of Geopolitical Futures and a leading geopolitical forecaster, joins host Christian Smith to dissect the pivotal first 50 days of Trump's second term. They debate whether these days herald America’s decline or rebirth, examining the complex U.S.-Ukraine relations amidst Russian aggression. The conversation highlights America's tariff wars with Canada and the cultural roots of Trump's negotiation style. They also reflect on cycles of disruption in politics and culture, revealing how personal experiences shape current political landscapes.

Mar 13, 2025 • 4min
China's Power Projection: A Message to Donald Trump
As the world watches the Transatlantic Alliance continue to strain, America’s allies to the West are wondering what it all means for them. Analysts Victoria Herczegh and Ronan Wordsworth joined host Christian Smith in our recent Podcast+ episode for ClubGPF members to discuss what Trump's second term means for Australia, AUKUS, and the Indo-Pacific at large. In this clip, the analysts share their thoughts on China's unusual military presence in the Tasman Sea off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. To learn more about ClubGPF, including more free audio and video clips, visit http://ow.ly/qHIP50JUPW2. Visit http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.