The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series

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

The Netherlands has recently undergone an election of its own, so let's look at the incoming coalition and how it will impact Dutch politics. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/dutch-politics

The big news out of South America is that Argentina has elected a new “libertarian” president, Javier Milei. So, what will this political shift mean for Argentina? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/argentina-elects-a-new-president-javier-milei

What was once a platform where you could access open-source information that was reliable and free...has now been laid to rest by Elon Musk. Yes, I'm talking about that little blue bird we've known and loved for years. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/why-im-done-with-twitter

A while back, I talked about a few technologies I was most hopeful for - small modular nuclear reactors being one of those. Unfortunately, we'll be drawing a line through it (for now). Donate to MedShare HERE: https://www.medshare.org/zukraine/ Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/modular-nuclear-reactors-are-not-the-future-of-energy

Thorium is a potential substitute for uranium-based nuclear power, but will it solve our nuclear problems? If thorium could help with the proliferation of plutonium and make it harder to create weapons on the backend, adoption of more nuclear power might be easier....but thorium isn't our knight in shining armor. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/ask-peter-can-thorium-solve-the-nuclear-problem

As industries like manufacturing ramp up between Mexico and the US, how will the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels factor into that equation? Donate to MedShare HERE: https://www.medshare.org/zukraine/ Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/what-role-do-the-cartels-play-in-us-mexico-trade

Today we're talking about Ireland's raw deal. It's on the far northwestern extreme of Europe, has a crummy climate and limited cultural development - hence the need for Guinness and Jameson. Donate to MedShare HERE: https://www.medshare.org/zukraine/ Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/ireland-needs-a-new-game-plan

Since I stumbled upon a snow field on my hike today, I figured we should take the next question in the 'Ask Peter' series: are we approaching a new era of exploration, exploitation and development in the Arctic?Donate to MedShare HERE: https://www.medshare.org/zukraine/Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/ask-peter-is-the-next-arctic-breakthrough-here

Savannah is awesome! Not only is it home to my favorite bar and one of my favorite food scenes, but it is also the site of the largest containerport in North America. Donate to MedShare HERE: https://www.medshare.org/zukraine/ Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/why-the-port-of-savannah-is-poised-for-success

Lithium has played an important role in the green transition and remains a crucial resource for the future of electricity; however, it's not going to be all sunshine and rainbows for lithium... Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/lithium-the-false-profit-of-electrification

This week at the APEC summit in San Francisco, President Joe Biden and Chairman Xi Jinping sat down for a long overdue meeting. Donate to MedShare HERE: https://www.medshare.org/zukraine/Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/china-us-relations-what-did-xi-and-biden-discuss

As the situation unfolds in Gaza, many of you have asked who we might see getting involved in the conflict. So, let's break down the key regional players and how this is playing out. Donate to MedShare HERE: https://www.medshare.org/zukraine/Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/no-regional-powers-will-provide-aid-to-hamas

President Biden and Chairman Xi Jinping will have a private meeting at the APEC Summit in San Francisco. I'm not overly optimistic about getting any meaningful information out of this hospice meetup, but it's better than nothing.Donate to MedShare HERE: https://www.medshare.org/zukraine/Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/biden-and-xi-meet-at-the-apec-summit

Donate to MedShare HERE: https://www.medshare.org/zukraine/ Water levels in the Panama Canal are critically low, and the effects could be devastating. The canal represents one of the world's most important trade routes and plays an essential role in the US trade system. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/critical-water-levels-in-the-panama-canal-medshare-match

Naval challenges are nothing new for the former Soviets, but the Ukraine War has introduced some added stressors in the Black Sea. Russia's inability to unify its naval presence across the four major seas in the region is a bad sign for Putin.Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/the-collapse-of-russias-navy-the-four-seas-problem