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Talking Geopolitics

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Rating
★★★★★
4.5
from
172 reviews
Categories
Country
United States
This podcast has
100 episodes
Language
English
Date created
2017/01/06
Latest episode
2026/10/22
Average duration
36 min.
Release period
10 days

Description

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.

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Check latest episodes from Talking Geopolitics podcast


Trump, Zelenskyy, and the Inescapable Ukraine Stalemate
2026/10/22
Is the US-Ukraine relationship at a breaking point, or is this just the next page in Trump's negotiation playbook? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the recent developments in US-Ukraine diplomacy and Trump's economic-first strategy, the unlikelihood of a military victory after five years of stalemate, and the rhetoric versus action of the European response. Also: External influence on European unrest? Episode recorded on October 21, 2026. Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive Special Report: Reviving NATO's Eastern Line by Antonia Colibasanu at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter. Questions provided by paid GPF subscribers. Subscribe today at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/subscribe/.
Middle East Security, Long-Term US Strategy, and the Big Picture | Q&A with George Friedman
2026/10/09
Are we living through an unprecedented collapse of the global order, or is this just another turbulent chapter in the geopolitical cycle? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to answer subscriber questions on the state of the world. Topics include the future of the Middle East and US strategy, the value of "ineffective" diplomatic maneuvers, and a big-picture evaluation of global economic vulnerabilities. Episode recorded on October 8, 2026. Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive our Special Report: Reviving NATO's Eastern Line by Antonia Colibasanu at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter. Questions provided by paid GPF subscribers. Subscribe today at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/subscribe/.
Russia's Failure, Poland's Rise, and the End of an Era
2026/10/07
Is Eastern Europe finally free from the crushing dominance of foreign powers? In this recent ClubGPF Live Discussion, GPF analyst Ridvan Bari Urcosta joins GPF Chairman George Friedman to discuss the diminished power of Russia, the obsolescence of Cold War geopolitical frameworks, and what this shift means for Poland and the rest of Eastern Europe. This ClubGPF Live Discussion was recorded on September 15, 2026. To learn more about ClubGPF, including more free audio and video clips, go to https://geopoliticalfutures.com/join-clubgpf-bundle/.
The UK Airbase Puzzle and Inside the Trump-Xi Summit
2026/09/29
On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the unfolding security incident at RAF Fairford, the fallout from the US-China summit and Xi's letter to Trump, and the overblown risks of AI in geopolitics and related technology. Information on the RAF base plot is changing rapidly. Episode recorded on September 28, 2026. Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive Special Report: Reviving NATO's Eastern Line by Antonia Colibasanu at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.
UN Drama, Russian Bluffs, and the Trump-Xi Summit Preview
2026/09/24
It's a high-stakes week for global geopolitics and diplomacy. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith for a broad discussion on the real-world impact of fiery UN debates, the future of European security and Russian provocation, and how global trade hangs in the balance ahead of the US-China summit in Washington. Also: Iran War impacts and flashpoint Taiwan. Episode recorded on September 23, 2026. Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive Special Report: Reviving NATO's Eastern Line by Antonia Colibasanu at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.
Germany's AfD and the Return of European Nationalism
2026/09/11
Eighty years after World War II, the far right is rising again in Europe. Is their recent success a sign of a geopolitical shift? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the AfD's regional victory in Germany, how fading historical guilt and tensions over cultural identity serve as unifying populist forces, and how similar movements in France and Britain call back to pre-WWI national posturing. Also: NATO obsolescence, Eastern Europe, and Russia. Episode recorded on September 10, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/. Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.
CIA in Moscow, Hybrid Threats, and the Limits of Russian Escalation
2026/09/04
It's been an interesting few days for US-Russia relations. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the CIA Director's trip to Moscow, the drone plot in Germany, and reports of Russia's help in an Iranian advanced weapons program. What does a threat assessment of Russia reveal about these tactical and diplomatic shifts? What are the impacts on European security, US-Russia relations, and future peace in Ukraine? Also: Nuclear deterrence and Cold War lessons. Episode recorded on September 2, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/. Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.
Xi Jinping's Military Gamble and a "Critical Moment" for US-China Relations
2026/08/20
What does the transformation of the PLA mean for China's global position and strategy? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman and GPF analyst and China expert Victoria Herczegh join host Christian Smith to discuss how Xi Jinping's supreme desire for loyalty impacts the PLA's effectiveness, the operational risks of rapid technological modernization without critical evaluation, and what's next for US-China relations as signals of de-escalation appear ahead of next month's summit. Also: Taiwan's symbolic role. Episode recorded on August 18, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/. Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.
How the "Islamic NATO" Shifts Global Geopolitics
2026/08/13
Is last week's signing of a landmark mutual defense agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan a further signal of global geopolitical realignment? On this special extended episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman and Middle East expert and GPF contributor Kamran Bokhari join host Christian Smith for a deep dive into the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement and how it shifts the balance of power across the Middle East and beyond. Also: GPF Chief Geoeconomist Antonia Colibasanu discusses this month's Geoeconomic Lens, and the future of sanctions and the war in Ukraine. Dr. Bokhari is a Senior Resident Fellow with the Middle East Policy Council and a Senior Director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy & Policy in Washington, DC. Episode recorded on August 11, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/.
Information Warfare in the Age of AI and Anonymity
2026/08/07
Is modern technology leading us toward a new geopolitical weapon? In this recent ClubGPF Live Discussion, Retired USCG Rear Admiral Doug Fears joins GPF Chairman George Friedman to discuss the evolution of information warfare, how state actors can exacerbate social fractures using AI, and why cyberspace as a whole must evolve or become a threat to national security. This ClubGPF Live Discussion was recorded on July 16, 2026. To learn more about ClubGPF video discussions and to save your seat for our next session, go to https://geopoliticalfutures.com/clubgpf/video-discussions/.
Iran's Nuclear Gamble and Trump's Midterm Countdown
2026/07/30
Will Iran's long-game strategy and the United States' limited military options lead to capitulation or the crumbling of Trump's presidency? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the historical scope of the Iran conflict and its "existential" threat, the limits of US force amid mounting political pressure at home, and Iran's negotiation strategy and leverage in the nuclear stalemate. Episode recorded on July 28, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/. Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.
India & The New Anti-China Coalition
2026/07/16
What does Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia mean for India, China, and the rest of the Indo-Pacific? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss how Modi's tour signals a strategic pivot for India, how geography and common security interests can be leveraged to buffer China, and what this loose anti-China framework means for the broader geopolitical system. Also: Chinese countermoves. Pakistan looks west. Episode recorded on July 14, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/. Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.
The US-Iran "Gut Check" and the Future of European Defense
2026/07/10
This week's NATO summit in Turkey left big questions about the war in Iran and America's role in European defense. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the US-Iran ceasefire breakdown, NATO and the European collective defense dilemma, and Turkey's geopolitical rise and impact on the shifting realities in the region. Episode recorded on July 9, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/. Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.
The Russians Must Decide
2026/06/30
Will a Russian energy crisis finally lead to a negotiated settlement, or are we headed towards nuclear war? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss Ukrainian target shifts toward energy infrastructure and their impact on Russia's already fragile economy, the impending political crisis inside the Kremlin, and the viability of Russia's potential next steps, including "tactical" nukes, Belarusian involvement, and fully mobilizing reserve forces. Episode recorded on June 29, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/. Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.
Why the US-Iran Deal Could End in Crisis
2026/06/18
Is the US-Iran agreement a real move toward peace or just a fragile memorandum? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the "deal" and pause in hostilities, the shifting regional dynamics and military forces at play, and how each nation's internal political pressures could lead us straight back to war. Also: the advantage of defense; the US-Israel divide. Episode recorded on June 17, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/. Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.

Podcast reviews

Read Talking Geopolitics podcast reviews


4.5 out of 5
172 reviews
★★☆☆☆
mijg86 2026/08/05
Descriptor or determinist
Friedman either says “everything is rational so the reason is X” or, when there are events he fails to explain he only describes them. This last year ...
★★★★☆
another RJF 2026/07/30
Iran’s 47yr Existential War of Choice
We may not believe it, but the Iranian Theocracy believes that they have been at war with the US and Israel since 1979. Iran & their proxies have ki...
★☆☆☆☆
A.R.T.A. 2026/04/09
.
Time to retire, Mr Friedman. The world has outgrown your ways of thinking.
★★★☆☆
Da61ve 2026/03/19
So arrogant
Mr. Friedman seems to think he has some real insight, his assumptions that no one else thought of the obvious is quite amusing. He makes some bold st...
★★★★★
benni942 2026/02/10
Best geopolitics pod out there
George, Christian and the team are top notch.
★★★★★
W. Greg Webb 2025/04/24
Awesome!
I love George Friedman’s geopolitical analyses! He really helps me understand what is going on in the world and why. The key word is the “why.” He ...
★★★★★
Project Pratt 2021/10/21
I need more Friedman
Please put out more episodes. Just let George freestyle. The man is brilliant!
★★★★★
circuit_spec 2021/10/01
Any new episodes coming?
Any plans to record more episodes?
★★★★★
the forbidden candy 2021/05/18
The opposite of click-bait news
The one star reviews seem like they’re from people who love the click bait, if-it-bleeds-it-leads 24 hour news cycle. It’s not elitist ramblings... I ...
★☆☆☆☆
Sidecar2 2021/02/26
Waste of time; really disappointed
Cast as “above the fray” political analysis, but it’s simply an uninteresting elitist faculty lounge musing. Waste of my time. Friedman’s comments are...
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