
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

Mar 5, 2025 • 35min
George Friedman: Why Putin Has Lost the War in Ukraine
After Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Oval Office bust up, you might think the war in Ukraine is going rather well for Vladimir Putin. But, according to Geopolitical Futures Chairman George Friedman, the Russian president has already lost the war. Tune in to this new podcast from Geopolitical Futures as Friedman explains Russia’s failure, why he thinks Trump is buttering up Putin, and what he thinks of the press conference heard round the world and the decision to pause U.S. military aid for Ukraine. Visit http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.

7 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 32min
George Friedman: Trump is Just Reacting to Changing Global Realities
George Friedman, founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures, dives into the tumultuous changes in global politics during Donald Trump's second term. He discusses the evolving nature of U.S. leadership amid Russia's challenges in Ukraine and the implications for American foreign policy. The conversation highlights Saudi Arabia's crucial role in regional stability and the shifting dynamics with China. Friedman argues that U.S. negotiations with Russia signify a pragmatic shift away from Cold War mentalities, reflecting a world grappling with new geopolitical realities.

Jan 31, 2025 • 5min
George Friedman: World Without an Anchor
Historically, nations did not conduct themselves without aligning with or getting their bearings in relation to a power system that drove the world; an anchor. This was the case, for example, in the world wars of the last century, and the Cold War. But as Chairman George Friedman explained in our recent ClubGPF live discussion, things have changed, and various nations are testing each other. To learn more about ClubGPF, including more free audio and video clips, visit http://ow.ly/qHIP50JUPW2.

Dec 19, 2024 • 5min
Poland’s Emerging Power | ClubGPF Podcast+ Bonus with Antonia Colibasanu
Over the past few decades, Poland has seen its economy grow and its military expand. With Donald Trump returning to the White House next month and the former president having made his feelings about European security contributions clear, the Eastern European nation is set to become one of the most important players in Europe. Senior Analyst Antonia Colibasanu joined host Christian Smith in our recent Podcast+ episode for ClubGPF members to discuss the current state and potential future of the Polish nation. To learn more about ClubGPF, including more free audio and video clips, visit http://ow.ly/qHIP50JUPW2.

Nov 15, 2024 • 8min
What's Next for Iran? ClubGPF Bonus with Kamran Bokhari
Israel’s decimation of Hezbollah’s leadership and war-making capabilities has paved the way for a massive altering of the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. After decades on the offensive, Iran has suffered a major setback in its strategy for the region. GPF contributor Kamran Bokhari joined host Christian Smith on our recent Podcast+ episode for ClubGPF members to discuss what’s next for Iran, its proxies, and the Middle East at large. To learn more about ClubGPF, including more free audio and video clips, visit http://ow.ly/qHIP50JUPW2.

Nov 12, 2024 • 25min
George Friedman on Trump, Europe, and the Shifting World Order
George Friedman, Chairman and Founder of Geopolitical Futures, discusses the seismic impact of Donald Trump's election on Europe and its defense dynamics. He highlights the urgency for European nations to bolster their own military responsibilities, especially concerning Ukraine amidst rising tensions with Russia. Friedman critiques the Russian military's failures and emphasizes the need for reassessment of historical alliances. He also addresses the growing security concerns of Baltic states and the broader implications for NATO and transatlantic relations in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Oct 25, 2024 • 5min
Shadows of Power: George Friedman on Russia, the Middle East, and the Rise of Non-State Actors
At GPF we have a distinct method for looking at the world, and every day we see this model play out in real time, like in the current conflicts in the Middle East. In this ClubGPF live discussion, Chairman George Friedman discusses the relationship between current conflicts and the dangers of non-state actors like Hezbollah and Hamas. To learn more about ClubGPF, including more free audio and video clips or to save your seat for our next live discussion, visit http://ow.ly/qHIP50JUPW2.

Oct 15, 2024 • 9min
Beyond Borders: Migration and Europe’s Far Right Surge | ClubGPF Bonus with Ronan Wordsworth
The European far right has had one of their best electoral years since the Second World War. What could it mean for European geopolitics, and how does migration play a part? GPF Analyst Ronan Wordsworth joined host Christian Smith from Prague on our recent Podcast+ episode for ClubGPF members to understand the moment and plot what comes next. To learn more about ClubGPF, including more free audio and video clips, visit http://ow.ly/qHIP50JUPW2.

Sep 4, 2024 • 8min
Fragile Alliances: America, Hungary, and a History of European Conflict
George Friedman, a prominent geopolitical strategist and Chairman, dives into the unique balancing act Hungary has maintained throughout history. He explores the deep-rooted perceptions shaped by past wars that influence American and Hungarian worldviews today. The discussion highlights the intricacies of historical alliances and the ongoing complexities of trust in U.S.-European relations, particularly in the context of current conflicts in Central Europe.

Aug 2, 2024 • 7min
Israel and Hezbollah Escalation | ClubGPF Podcast+ Bonus with Hilal Khashan
Will the Israel-Hamas War spread across the region? After months of Hezbollah and the IDF exchanging fire, attacks have escalated in recent weeks. Middle East Analyst Hilal Khashan joined host Christian Smith on our recent Podcast+ episode for ClubGPF members to discuss the conflict at the border, and how realistic a full-scale war might be. To learn more about ClubGPF, including more free audio and video clips, visit http://ow.ly/qHIP50JUPW2.