The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series

Some of you out there might grovel when the first snowflakes of the season fall, but I'd be willing to bet that the geopolitical significance of that snow hasn't crossed your mind. Today, we'll be exploring winters impact on agriculture and global food security. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-geopolitics-of-winter

This next country might surprise some of you, but deglobalization might give Poland its moment of fame. That's if they play their cards right, and even then, it will be a fleeting moment, but a moment in the spotlight nonetheless. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/poland-after-america

The Middle East has been a thorn in the side for the US since day one, so why haven't the Americans just abandoned ship? To understand why the US is still involved in the Middle East (and openly facing these potshot-esqe attacks), we need to breakdown this region... Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/why-the-middle-east-is-so-aggravating

Today, we're looking at another region that the US will continue to keep tabs on - East Asia. This is one of those regions that will be plenty exciting in coming years, so let's jump in. This video was recorded in the fall of 2023. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/east-asia-after-america

Today's discussion comes to you from Huron Peak. We'll discuss one of the middle powers that's been dealt a bad hand: Romania. At first glance, Romania's geographic situation looks alright - a nice chunk of land near some water bracketed by the Carpathian Mountains - but zoom in, and you'll find three very troubling access points. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/romania-after-america

No matter how much bubble wrap and caution tape we slap onto global maritime shipping, the industry has found itself in quite a predicament. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-collapse-of-global-maritime-shipping

Evergrande, formerly China’s largest property developer, has just declared bankruptcy and the fallout is going to be massive. Let’s look at how we got to this point and some potential paths forward. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-chinese-housing-crisis-evergrandes-bankruptcy

Three US soldiers were killed in a drone attack carried out by an Iranian militia near the Jordan-Syria border. I expect a timely retaliation by the US, but what will that look like? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-us-and-iran-deciding-what-to-bomb

We are taking a question from the 'Ask Peter' forum today - am I worried about Ukraine's dwindling weapon's supplies in light of what's going on with the US Congress? Yes, yes I am. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/us-congress-dysfunction-blocking-aid-to-ukraine

Finnish politics are not something that often make the headlines, but with a marked shift away from “Finlandization” (when a smaller country remains neutral to appease a larger and more powerful neighboring country) comes some unfamiliar coverage. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/finnish-presidential-elections-and-anti-russian-sentiment

Ukraine managed to sneak some drones by Russian air defenses and hit the Ust-Luga oil refinery and loading facility. The attack didn't cause significant damage, but it disrupted production and shipping operations. Ask Peter your question here: https://zeihan.com/ask-peter/ Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/ukraine-attacks-russian-energy-terminal

Today we're talking about the Indians and pirates - sorry sports fans, not those ones. India launched a successful counter-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia, which has helped reaffirm its global strategic importance, but raised some eyebrows in the process. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/indias-counter-piracy-operation-a-geopolitical-wormhole

Today, we're looking at the US natural gas market based on energy data from 2023. The US natural gas market was remarkably stable in 2023, so being the world's largest producer and exporter of natural gas has its perks. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/us-natural-gas-and-global-energy-supplies

The largest Greentech power generation system in the hemisphere is under construction in New Mexico. SunZia has raised $11 billion for this project and aims to generate 3.5 gigawatts of wind power for the NM, AZ, and CA energy markets. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/how-to-do-greentech-well-the-sunzia-wind-farm

We're talking about an area in northern Europe fractured by history - the Scandinavian region. What was once a series of powerful and interconnected Viking port cities has been a fairly sleepy backwater for the past 300 years...but it might be time for a family reunion.Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/scandinavia-after-america

With cold fronts rushing through much of the country, the Texas power grid had lots of eyes on it this past week. Thankfully, some "updates" over the past couple years have helped the Texans avoid catastrophe. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/texas-did-not-fall-down-energy-grid-updates

When one of your best options for securing an energy supply route is with the Pakistani Taliban, you know you've got some problems. So go ahead and add that one to China's ever-growing list of 'shit to figure out.' Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/chinas-energy-problem

We're back with part two of Russia's missile-sourcing escapade. Today we're looking at the specifics of these North Korean missiles and their significance. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/north-korean-missiles-heading-to-russia-part-two

The Russian military industrial complex can't keep up with the demands of the Ukraine War, so the Russians are sourcing large quantities of short-range ballistic missiles from North Korea and Iran. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/why-are-the-russians-shopping-for-missiles

Next on the list in our 'Post-American' series is Sub-Saharan Africa. This region is filled with geographical challenges, slow growth and development, and several other obstacles, but a handful of countries will be alright. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/sub-saharan-africa-after-america

Things in the Red Sea have ramped up yet again. The Houthis, who are an Iranian-backed Shiite group in Yemen, launched a series of missile and drone attacks on international shipping. Early today, the United States conducted a retaliatory air assault on Houthi targets. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/us-navy-strikes-houthi-forces-in-yemen

I had a handful of y'all point out that not everyone in the recent Chinese purges was targeted for political reasons; instead, many of these folks are facing corruption charges. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/how-extensive-is-the-corruption-in-the-chinese-military

Xi Jinping is doing his best Darth Vader impression and has the Chinese military in a force choke. After purging the system of anyone who can think, all that remains is the shell of a Defense Minister (now a press secretary for military diplomacy) and the "real" decision makers - the Central Military Commission - chaired by none other than Xi himself. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/chairman-xi-jinping-guts-the-chinese-military

No proper discussion of American politics is complete without mentioning the Independents. While their voting patterns have been historically predictable, Trump has Independents shaking things up a bit. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/what-power-do-the-independents-have-over-trump

If you watched yesterday's video, then you already know that Donald Trump has no shot at winning the general election (assuming he's not DQ'd or in jail). Today, we're looking at WHY Trump can't get elected. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-breakdown-of-the-republican-coalition

As I recorded this video on January 6th - it was inevitable that we'd be talking about Trump's involvement in the insurrection. Specifically, we're breaking down the Colorado Supreme Court ruling disqualifying him from running for office. I'll try to keep my opinions on this situation to myself, but Trump's challenging of the state-level prerogatives is too ironic not to mention. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/trumps-disqualification-how-we-got-here

Arguably the most brutal battle of the Ukraine War is now in its fourth month: the battle of Avdiivka. Let’s take a deep look at its strategic importance for both sides. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-ukraine-war-the-battle-of-avdiivka

There's been a bombing in Iran that targeted the gathering for the four-year anniversary of Qasem Soleimani's death. The attack resulted in at least 100 deaths and another 100+ injuries. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/bombing-in-iran-at-soleimanis-death-anniversary

The Australians are one of the few countries that will stay under the United States' wing as the Order collapses, but they have a few things to figure out first. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/australia-after-america

Next up in our ‘Post-America’ series is Argentina. I'm pretty optimistic about Argentina's future...they just need to get out of their own way.Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/argentina-after-america

Countries across the globe have all benefited from the global order, but what happens when it comes crashing down? Thankfully for India, they are one of the few countries that will avoid much of the suffering. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/india-after-america

Today's country shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Sure, Turkey has been relatively silent over the past 70 years, but as American guardianship of the global seas declines, Turkey will reemerge as a dominant power.Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/turkey-after-america

For our next installment in the 'Post-American' series, we're looking at Northern Africa. This region only has a few countries that will turn out alright and a lot that will hurt for some time.Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/northern-africa-after-america

A US federal grand jury has voted to issue indictments against a handful of ethnic Indians (with alleged ties to the Indian government) who the US Department of Justices claims participated in an assassination program in North America. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/indias-assassination-program-in-north-america

We're diving a little deeper into Israel for the next video in our 'Post-American' series. We'll discuss their transition into a world without the US around and what domestic and international challenges they might face.Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/israel-after-america

Today, we're looking at the Great White North. While they're near the US, they still have plenty of issues to sort out before seeing a clear path to success in a deglobalized world.Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/canada-after-america

In a departure from its post-WWII stance, Germany plans to establish a permanent military deployment in Lithuania. Looks like it might be time to bust out the caution tape... Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/germany-becomes-terrifyingly-normal

Ahhh, Western Europe. A region with no shortage of history, but how will they move forward into a deglobalized world? Let's just say Germany will soon be replaced as the dominant regional power.Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/western-europe-after-america

If any of the gifts you ordered have to go through the Red Sea, it might be time to buy a backup. If you haven't heard, there has been a series of attacks carried out by Yemeni militants on commercial shipping. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/shipping-and-the-red-sea

To kick off our 'Post-American' series, we'll be looking at the Middle East. The best way to break this down is into three chunks: the role of the US as it leaves, the role of regional powers as they rise, and the role extra-regional powers might play. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-middle-east-after-america

The end of 2023 is approaching, and that means I owe you all a gift. Sorry to disappoint, but it's not an all-expenses-paid vacation to BoraBora. Instead, I've thrown together a 'Post-America' series that breaks down what the world looks like as the US steps back as global protector.Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/getting-ready-for-a-post-american-world

I've got some good news and some bad news on inflation in the US...one has to do with COVID, and the other is about the labor market. Which do you want first?Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/inflation-whats-causing-it-and-why

The new Argentine president, Javier Milei, is getting right down to business. It's only his first week on the job, and he's already cut government ministries in half, dismissed public officials, halted public works, and devalued the currency by 50%.Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/ailing-argentine-economy

There's been much discussion lately surrounding the changing power balances in the Pacific - specifically the dynamics between the US Navy and the Chinese navy.Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/naval-power-in-the-pacific

We all know Mother Nature saved Europe's behind last year, but that won't be the story this year. So, let's break down the potential impacts on energy supplies across Europe. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/europes-cold-winter-threatens-energy-supplies

We're checking in on Ukraine today, looking back at our MedShare donation/match from the month of November, and chatting about my new book...oh and maybe Cindy Crawford too!!! Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/ukraine-medshare-cindy-crawford-and-a-new-book

The schoolyard bullies are back at it again. Russia is funneling waves of migrants into the Finnish border, and China has wreaked havoc on the Gulf of Finland by dragging an anchor across the sea floor. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/russia-and-china-gang-up-on-finland

The Google-backed company, Fervo Energy, has launched two geothermal projects that use preexisting shale technology and infrastructure to generate electricity. Could this be a partial solution to the looming electricity shortage? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/generating-geothermal-energy-using-shale-technology

There's been a series of explosions along one of the main lines of the Trans-Siberian rail network. To fully understand the significance of these attacks, we must look at Russian exports, alternative options, and what maintenance looks like. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/economic-warfare-in-siberia

COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, is underway in Dubai. As with many of these foo-foo summits, I'm not expecting much to come out of it. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-problem-with-the-cop28-climate-change-conference