The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series

Globalization led to the rise of China as a manufacturing powerhouse, since finding the lowest cost producer was the priority. However, deglobalization, coupled with China's demographic decline and aging workforce, has both eroded that competitive advantage and changed everyone’s priorities about cost. So, what happens next? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/china-will-soon-lose-the-title-of-worlds-manufacturer

Globalization has allowed us (meaning humans as a species) to make some of the worst lands farmable, inhabitable, and even prosperous. But what happens to global food exports when globalization ends? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/deglobalizations-impact-on-global-food-exports

Although climate change models are still evolving, historical climate data shows a clear warming trend. So, let's discuss the impacts of climate change, specifically who will be affected the most and who might even benefit from it. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/will-climate-change-be-the-death-of-wheat

If the green transition is ever going to work, it needs to happen everywhere. So, don't get your drawers in a bunch when you see green energy funds from the Inflation Reduction Act being invested in Red States. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/why-should-red-states-get-greentech-investments

*This video was recorded prior to Peter departing on his backpacking trip in July. Guyana is a country we don't hear about too often, but its rise as an oil producer has earned it some air time. In particular, we'll be looking at the implications this carries for global oil markets. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/a-new-player-in-global-oil-markets-guyana

*This video was recorded in May of 2024. If you've read my book "The End of the World Is Just the Beginning" then you're well aware of the US stepping away from the Global Order. But what does life look for other countries once that happens? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/what-is-the-united-states-role-in-the-new-global-order

As a result of the power struggle between the two governments in Libya, roughly 70% oil production in the country has been shut down. This could significantly impact global oil supplies and is a glimpse at the instability within Libya. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/libyan-oil-gets-shut-down-over-government-duel

The Houthis attacked an oil tanker that had been previously abandoned in the Red Sea. They denotated charges, but only managed to start some fires (as of now). This lackluster attack isn't the scariest thing, but it does highlight the growing dangers of commercial shipping in the region. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-houthis-are-still-attacking-ships-in-the-red-sea

Sure, the Cubans and the Americans have some history, but who doesn't? If both sides can let that water pass under the bridge, what will Cuba's role in the North American system look like moving forward? *This video was recorded during my backpacking trip through Yosemite in the end of July. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/should-cuba-integrate-with-north-america

There are lots of moving parts in the Ukraine War right now, so let's do a little recap of everything that's going on. There are four big ones... Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/a-new-war-in-ukraine

*This video was recorded during my backpacking trip through Yosemite in the end of July. China and Russia seemingly enjoy having their fingers in the African pie, but what are they doing there? And should we be worried? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/what-are-china-and-russia-doing-in-africa

Ukraine has made a significant push into Russian territory, capturing roughly 1,000 square kilometers within the Kursk province. The Ukrainians also destroyed a handful of bridges that will hinder Russia's logistical support for Belgorod and complicate Russian reinforcement efforts. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/ukraine-pushes-into-russia-yet-nukes-didnt-fly

We're going to group therapy today, and on the docket for discussion is what makes Americans so difficult to understand? Not in a weird accent kind of way, but in a "why are we the way that we are" kind of way. *This video was recorded during my backpacking trip through Yosemite in the end of July. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/lifes-greatest-mystery-understanding-americans

*This video was recorded during my backpacking trip through Yosemite in the end of July. The Baltic states - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - are taking one step closer to the Europeans with their upcoming electrical system swap. This switch from Russian to European electrical standards marks a significant shift for these nations. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-baltics-ditch-russia-for-european-integration

*This video was recorded during my backpacking trip through Yosemite in the end of July. The US Navy and its fleet of carriers (and super-carriers) haven't had much of a challenge on the seas since WWII. But of all things, it might be some low-tech jet ski bombs that change the way the world's navies operate. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/could-jet-ski-bombs-change-the-way-navies-operate

*This video was recorded during my backpacking trip through Yosemite in the end of July. Unless you want to start buying your guacamole in dime bags, the US better start looking for some new avocado "dealers". Yes, we're talking about the cartels’ involvement in the avocado supply chains in Mexico. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-mexican-cartels-are-double-dipping-in-the-guacamole

*This video was recorded during my backpacking trip through Yosemite in the end of July. How would you feel if you had a beautiful view of the coastline, but could only ever get out by the beach once per week? Well, now that employers can mandate a six-day work week in Greece, many are faced with that exact problem. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/can-the-six-day-work-week-save-greece

Myanmar doesn't often catch my attention, but with the ongoing civil war, I figured it was time to throw it into the mix. After years of civil unrest, is there a clear path to stability? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/myanmars-bleak-future-civil-war-and-ethnic-strife

There's no shortage of news coming out of the Middle East, but today we're going to look at the rising tensions between Israel and Iran and Iranian proxy Hezbollah. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/tensions-rise-in-the-middle-east-but-dont-expect-war

The situation in Bangladesh has worsened, forcing the Prime Minister to flee the country. Let's recap what led us to this point and look at what the future might hold for Bangladesh and India. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/protests-cause-a-mass-exodus-of-bangladesh

It's time that we discuss the situation at the US - Mexico border. What's going on and how is it all going to shake out? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/us-border-crossings-is-mexico-the-solution

A forest fire near my home cut my backpacking trip short, but it did allow me to record some new videos. So, today we'll be looking at some recent developments in Ukraine. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/can-ukraine-claim-the-skies-and-destroy-russian-air-defenses

*This video was recorded before Peter’s backpacking trip in mid-July. Lesson of the day: if the Chinese government starts censoring a topic, it's probably time to start looking into that. Today, we'll be examining China's economy heading into 'garbage time'. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-garbage-time-of-history-chinas-economic-decline

*This video was recorded in May of 2024. We've all stared at the stars thinking about the different ways the Ukraine War could end, but could a coup or revolution in Russia be the way it goes down? It sounds great, but there's quite a few obstacles in the way. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/could-a-russian-revolution-end-the-ukraine-war

*This video was recorded in June of 2024. We're talking about a different kind of war today - Trade Wars. Specifically, we'll be looking at attempts by the US and EU to limit Chinese involvement in their electric vehicle markets. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/chinas-tariff-wars-the-eu-opens-a-new-front

I'm back home from Yosemite on a brief intermission to my summer backpacking trips, and wanted to issue an update on the Mexican Cartels. Specifically, we're talking about the arrest of Sinaloa leader, El Mayo. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/a-crack-in-the-north-american-drug-war

*This video was recorded in mid-July, prior to Peter departing on his backpacking trip. As the baby boomers age into retirement and Gen Z fails to satisfy the gaping hole left in the labor market, will artificial intelligence be able to help mitigate some of the fallout? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/can-ai-replace-those-retiring-boomers

*This video was recorded in mid-July, prior to Peter departing on his backpacking trip. I've been asked to address the claim that China has surpassed the US as a nuclear power. On paper, China might have the upper hand, but that doesn't always translate to real life. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/is-chinese-nuclear-tech-better-than-the-us

*This video was recorded last week, prior to Peter departing on his backpacking trip. There are reports coming out of Ukraine indicating that there has been a sharp uptick in Russian artillery losses. This data isn't confirmed, but it could be a good sign for Ukraine. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/ukraine-targets-russias-most-important-weapon-artillery

*This video was recorded in May of 2024. The potential of dragging the US into a major conflict is top of mind for a lot of Americans, but what would it actually take to get us there? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/is-the-us-looking-for-a-war

The conflict in Gaza has been raging on for nearly 300 days, and there is no end in sight. However, Israel is heavily reliant upon American tech and weapons and that relationship could be changing. *This video was recorded last week, prior to Peter departing on his backpacking trip. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-gaza-conflict-and-shifting-politics-in-israel

Today, we'll be looking at the recent European Commission presidential election and its broader implications for the Europeans. *This video was recorded last week, prior to Peter departing on his backpacking trip (and prior to Biden leaving the race). Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/yes-we-have-to-follow-elections-in-europe-too

There have been significant protests in Bangladesh over a law reserving a significant portion of government jobs for supporters of the 1971 independence revolution and their descendants. The job quota has been suspended, but protests continue. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/major-protests-break-out-in-bangladesh

Everyone wants to know if the assassination attempt on Donald Trump is going to impact the outcome of the election. I hate to break it to you, but no one knows. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/stop-obsessing-over-the-polls-and-take-a-hike-instead

The Republican Party is undergoing some evolutions at the moment, moving away from many of its traditional stances. This is part of a broader cycle in which American political parties shift and realign every few decades. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/americas-changing-republican-party

Well, it looks like the Germans are going to be celebrating Christmas in July. That's due to the US and Germany's decision made at the NATO conference to redeploy American mid-range weaponry to Germany. And yes, this hasn't happened since the Cold War for…historic reasons. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/americas-cold-war-missiles-return-to-germany-thanks-to-russia

The EU was established to promote unity and peace, but times have changed and priorities have shifted. So, what does the future of the European Union look like and how does France fit into the mix? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/can-the-french-lead-the-eu-into-the-future

On Saturday, July 13, there was an attempted assassination of Donald Trump. I'm not here to give you the play-by-play that you can get from the news, instead I want to put this incident into context of the broader political and economic shifts. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/assassination-attempt-and-a-changing-world

After the first round of European Parliament elections, the French far-right (represented by the National Rally) had a great showing. President Macron wasn't too happy with that outcome, so he called snap elections to give his party a second shot at capturing a majority. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/why-should-europe-worry-about-the-french-elections

Next up on our list of important elections around the globe is the Iranian presidential elections. We'll be looking at Iran's new President-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, and what his victory might mean for the country. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/irans-president-elect-sparks-change-but-how-much

In case you've been buried neck deep in US political news, there are some fairly important elections taking place across the globe. For the first country in our little global election coverage, we'll be looking at the United Kingdom. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/uk-elections-starting-over

I get a lot of "what if..." and "what happens next..." style questions and most of them suck, but today's question takes us down a fairly interesting rabbit hole - what happens to China if Chairman Xi Jinping dies or steps down? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/china-after-xi

While the Italians may have mastered the arts of pasta, wine and gelato, they should have been spending less time in the kitchen and more in...another room. That's right, we're looking at the demographic problems facing Italy, and Genoa will be our example. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/why-genoa-is-graying-italys-demographic-decline

For all the hungover Americans out there, I heard the best cure after a long day of drinking is to talk about inflation. Well, maybe it will just make your head hurt more, but you still have the weekend ahead of you to relax... Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-federal-reserve-and-its-inflation-target

If you watched the presidential debate last week, I'm sure you're really, really excited for the election this year! Since so many of you wanted me to talk about this fever dream we're living in, I figured we'd do it on Independence Day. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-senior-home-showdown-delusional-biden-vs-demented-trump

Despite most countries in the West wanting to rid themselves of any involvement with the Russians, the oil revenues continue to flow into Russian pockets. So why haven't Western countries dropped the hammer on Russian oil exports? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/why-the-west-cant-quit-russian-oil

The Israeli Supreme Court just ruled that the ultra-Orthodox community will no longer get exemption from military service. This addresses a number of long-standing issues, but it could spell trouble for Netanyahu's political career. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/no-more-military-exemption-for-israeli-ultra-orthodox

In the post-Cold War world, France, Germany and Poland concocted the Weimar Triangle as a way to foster cooperation amongst the three countries. The trio has weakened over the years - due to differing national priorities - but Russia's invasion of Ukraine might necessitate getting the gang back together. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/strengthen-the-weimar-triangle

In the post-Cold War world, France, Germany and Poland concocted the Weimar Triangle as a way to foster cooperation amongst the three countries. The trio has weakened over the years - due to differing national priorities - but Russia's invasion of Ukraine might necessitate getting the gang back together. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/strengthen-the-weimar-triangle

China has been the global manufacturing hub for decades, but what happens if that goes away? If and when China experiences a significant collapse, someone will have some big shoes to fill, but who can do it? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-future-of-manufacturing-where-and-why