

Talking Geopolitics
Geopolitical Futures - Geopolitics from George Friedman and his team at GPF
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 45min
George Friedman on Why Trump's New National Security Strategy is Here to Stay
George Friedman, Founder and Chairman of Geopolitical Futures, shares insights on America's transformative national security strategy. He discusses a departure from Cold War policies, emphasizing homeland security and economic relationships over military entanglements. Friedman highlights the focus on the Western Hemisphere, the evolving U.S.-China economic ties to reduce conflict, and the implications for Russia. He urges Europe to unite militarily or risk marginalization, while predicting a low chance of future administrations reversing this strategic shift.

14 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 33min
America's Next Crisis: George Friedman on Immigration, Technology and the Workforce
In a thought-provoking conversation, George Friedman, geopolitical analyst and founder of Geopolitical Futures, explores America's looming demographic crisis. He discusses how low birth rates and longer life expectancy impact the workforce and the economy. Friedman emphasizes the essential role of immigration in addressing labor shortages, showcasing the U.S.'s unique ability to integrate immigrants compared to Europe. He also highlights the importance of innovation in medicine and productivity while cautioning against the overhype of AI as a panacea.

Nov 25, 2025 • 42min
George Friedman on the Trump-Putin Peace Plan: Is It Now Or Never?
[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 Christian Smith to break down the proposal, assess the geopolitical dynamics shaping the negotiations, and explore the evolving economic relationship between the US and Russia and China is GPF Chairman George Friedman. And for more analysis of the region, go to https://geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter/ to get access to our free newsletter as well as our NEW special report: Reviving NATO's Eastern Line, by GPF Senior Analyst Antonia Colibasanu. This report is available for a limited time.

11 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 41min
Ukraine Isn't the Only Frontline In Russia's War Against the West
Join geopolitical analyst George Friedman, founder of Geopolitical Futures, as he unpacks the complex dynamics of Russia's war beyond Ukraine. He discusses Trump's engagement with Central Asian leaders, revealing the U.S. strategy to pull these nations away from Russia's influence. Friedman also explores the psychological implications of U.S. diplomacy and the significance of the South Caucasus. He highlights Russia's military economy, battlefield tactics, and potential diplomatic setbacks, offering a strategic perspective on evolving global alliances.

Nov 7, 2025 • 41min
Defending the Pacific: George Friedman on Australia, Japan and the coalition against China
George Friedman, founder of Geopolitical Futures and a leading expert on global strategy, dives into the escalating military dynamics in the Asia-Pacific. He explains China’s substantial naval expansion and its implications for Australia’s national security. Friedman highlights the significance of AUKUS and the Quad, emphasizing Australia’s strategic need for nuclear-powered submarines. He also discusses the complex relationship between economic interdependence and military risks, and the critical role of Taiwan in maintaining regional stability.

33 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 10min
The 'Great Game' of our Era: The US, China and Russia
George Friedman, chairman of Geopolitical Futures and a leading geopolitical analyst, delves into the power dynamics of the US, China, and Russia. He discusses the internal crises facing these nations, like America's political polarization and China's economic decline. Friedman analyzes how domestic issues influence international behavior and the implications of these crises for global predictability. The conversation also touches on military tensions, economic decoupling, and the shifting landscape of alliances, making for a captivating exploration of today's geopolitical challenges.

Oct 31, 2025 • 30min
Redefining the US-China Relationship: George Friedman on Geopolitical Shifts in East Asia
George Friedman, Chairman of Geopolitical Futures and author of The Next 100 Years, shares insights into the pivotal meeting between Trump and Xi. He discusses China's leverage over rare earths and the implications for U.S. supply chains. Friedman also analyses the risks of military confrontation due to economic dependence and highlights the internal tensions within China fueled by slower growth. He emphasizes Japan's growing military role and strategic importance in East Asia, shedding light on the shifting dynamics of U.S.–China relations.

Oct 23, 2025 • 35min
US Forces Off the Coast of Venezuela: What's Really Going On?
George Friedman, founder of Geopolitical Futures and a renowned geopolitical analyst, joins to discuss the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. He explores the implications of the Monroe Doctrine and why it remains relevant today. Friedman highlights the threats posed by cartels and Russian influence in the region, emphasizing how geography and sea power shape U.S. security. The conversation also touches on potential U.S. military actions and the psychological dynamic reminiscent of Cold War strategies.

16 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 33min
Why America's Crisis Is Predictable: George Friedman on US Cycles & Trump's Role
George Friedman, Chairman of Geopolitical Futures and a renowned geopolitical forecaster, shares his insights on America's current crises and the broader cycles shaping its future. He discusses the inevitable shift away from the Cold War-era global economy and the impact of the US-China trade tensions. Friedman examines the 80-year government cycle and the ongoing culture war, arguing that Trump's role reflects deeper societal changes. He emphasizes the need for the US to limit its global exposure while navigating the tumultuous landscape of domestic reinvention.

Oct 10, 2025 • 41min
Will Trump's Gaza Plan Work? George Friedman on Israel, Palestine and the Geopolitics of Peace
Two years ago this week, Hamas' October 7 attacks stunned Israel and the world. And now for the first time there is palpable excitement that the war in Gaza may be on the path to an end. The first part of Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan seems to have been agreed by Israel and Hamas, though the plan still faces many hurdles. Geopolitical Futures Chairman and Founder George Friedman has joined host Christian Smith on this week's episode of Talking Geopolitics to discuss how we got here, whether the plan will work and also why the Gulf states are so important to the plan's success. This interview was recorded on Thursday, October 9th 2025. Visit http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.


