Welcome to The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series! Geopolitical Strategist Peter Zeihan is a global energy, demographic and security expert. If you want to stay informed on the realities of geography and populations, you've come to the right place. Zeihan's worldview offers insights into how global politics impact markets and economic trends, helping industry leaders navigate today’s complex mix of geopolitical risks and opportunities. Expect a forward-looking approach to what will drive tomorrow’s headlines, delivered in digestible, accessible and relevant takeaways for audiences of all types. For more info or to subscribe to the newsletter, visit: zeihan.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel @zeihanongeopolitics Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe!
Collapsing fuel supplies have left Cuba with a severe energy and humanitarian crisis. While a single Russian fuel shipment bought them some time, with the lack of Venezuelan oil imports and the U.S. Navy restricting access, things aren't looking good.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4tJpbI1
With the U.S. distracted (and depleted) by the Iran War, should China seize this opportunity to invade Taiwan?Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4uLwQ9x
Trade relations between the U.S. and Europe are on the fritz. The latest in all the noise is the suggestion that the U.S. could restrict LNG exports to the EU if trade negotiations break down. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:
The U.S. is relatively insulated from the conflict in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, since it's a net exporter of nearly every major energy source. Most other countries aren't so lucky...Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3PtkG6d
The administration's centralized and personalized approach to foreign relations has collapsed U.S. diplomacy across multiple fronts, including stalled Iran talks, poor relations with allies, and uncertainty ahead of future negotiations with China. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/432Ubrs
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has forced Iran to get creative with its oil storage. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4dfET7q
On June 14, Switzerland will vote on a referendum to cap its population at 10 million. Current projections don't put the Swiss population crossing that number until 2035 or 2040. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:
No, the U.S. can't escort tankers in the Persian Gulf today as it did during the 1980s Tanker War. Back in the 80s, the U.S. swooped into a regional conflict where attacks on shipping were limited, and the Strait remained open.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/49xcDvU
Captain Phillips is shaking in his boots because piracy is returning to the high seas, specifically in the Red Sea and off the Horn of Africa. Somali pirates have already attacked multiple ships.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4ut7lcV
Relations between the U.S. and Germany are quickly deteriorating. German Chancellor Merz has criticized the U.S. for lacking a coherent negotiation strategy. President Trump responded by floating the idea of reducing U.S. troop deployments in Germany. It's one big mess.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3P7uYZw
Before you get too excited, NO, I'm not giving away any financial advice. However, whatever the global markets are doing right now doesn't match the physical reality of the Iran war.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:
Mexican authorities have arrested Audias Flores Silva (aka El Jardinero...not the scariest nickname I've heard), a senior figure in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4cJfPa6
The Russians are getting the boot from the Sahel, and it's all thanks to an unusual alliance between Tuareg separatists and a local branch of Al-Qaeda.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4t6erDe
Japan has lifted its long-standing restriction on exporting weapons. This will bring some fresh dynamism to the global defense industry, specifically in naval manufacturing and drones. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:
The Iran war is approaching a painful tipping point this week. Global energy flows remain in a chokehold, and economic conditions are worsening worldwide. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4eL93Sj
Drones have been all the rage in the Ukraine War, and they will continue to be one of the primary topics of warfare in the near future, but do underwater drones have any place in this conversation? Note: This video was recorded last year during one of Peter's backpacking trips. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4cIBvlr
The Iran War has caused a massive disruption in global petrochemical production. Since most of the world relies on oil-derived naptha, the ~12 million barrels/day shortage is taking a toll. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4sQt6Cg
During the Cold War, Soviet intelligence agencies actively sponsored or even created terror cells throughout Europe. A recent mass shooting event in Ukraine suggest a return to old habits could well be happening. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/48K69JS
Trump's chaotic and isolated approach to the Iran War has caused rifts between the U.S. and many of its closest European allies. Topping that list is the Italians. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4cH3gLa
The fallout from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is reaching California, triggering a serious energy crunch. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:
As Persian Gulf and Russian exports collapse, global prices will rise, which should benefit the U.S. and Canada. However, if exports are halted to keep gasoline prices down, then North America would become oversupplied. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/489rNHd
I normally do not attempt to link climate change to local events, but current storms in the central Pacific demand we take a fresh look. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4dXN5LP
A new era is beginning in Hungary. A blowout in the latest election has removed Viktor Orbán from power and ushered in a new government led by Péter Magyar. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4sAQK5z
Even if the Iran ceasefire holds, the world already has a months-long jet fuel shortage baked in. So, start saving for those summer vacation flights. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4cbWE8C
When Marjorie Taylor Greene, Tucker Carlson, and Alex Jones all turn on Trump on the same day...it's worth looking into. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/424e5Ss
China is out building sand castles again in the South China Sea, and I bet you can guess how it's going to end.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4ekeF5W
The blockade of Iran has officially begun. The first day was a bit slow, but this remains a monumental move by the U.S. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4sH96SF
The global energy crisis has moved from theoretical to very real. As the last shipments sent before the war begin to arrive, we are now hitting a turning point in the energy crisis. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4sodi9N
Just because Trump is finally purging some of his administration doesn't mean that the problems are going away. The core issue still exists: Trump prioritizes loyalty and praise over competency and experience. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4bWT41Z
The Iran war has slashed oil exports from the Persian Gulf, creating a global supply shortage that's just starting to hit markets. As prices are driven up and broader economic impacts unfold, winners and losers will begin to emerge. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4meB4U1
A cornerstone of modern globalization, the World Trade Organization (WTO), is collapsing. Following the Cold War, the post-WWII system needed a legal system to enforce trade rules, so the WTO was born. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4vaKeoS
Trump's latest statement telling countries to secure their own oil dismantles the very fabric of the global order. We'd be stepping away from the post-WWII system where the U.S. provided security for everyone, so economic growth could be the priority. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4c4puXe
Taking Iran's Oil is far more complicated and dangerous than Trump has made it out to be. We're talking about a humanitarian crisis and a full-blown ground invasion to actually control Iranian production. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4dtlF05
Iran was able to successfully strike Prince Sultan Air Base, which is a U.S. base in Saudi Arabia. And guess who supplied Iran with the targeting data necessary to carry out the strike? The Russians. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4lZB2PS
The British-led effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by forming a coalition without U.S. involvement is just unrealistic. Most countries lack the naval power to do this, and even if the coalition could assemble the ships needed, countering Iran's drones and missiles would be extremely difficult. Protecting shipping and reopening the strait would require naval escorts and control of vast stretches of the Iranian coastline...not something this coalition could achieve.
European efforts to build trade systems that exclude the U.S. are inherently flawed. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/413Yzpe
Despite the ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz remains open...sort of. The Iranians have taken control, requiring ships to get clearance for safe passage. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/40XWUl6
The U.S. is preparing for a potential ground operation in Iran. Marines from the USS Tripoli and Boxer, as well as elements from the 82nd Airborne, could be looped in. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/40RY3L0
Buying your first home is one of those major milestones that your parents and grandparents probably didn't even think twice about. Now, that milestone is slipping further out of reach for the average American.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4dPbkeK
The global energy trade has been taking hit after hit, and things might be getting worse. Ukraine launched a large drone attack on oil export facilities in the Baltic, proving they can disrupt Russian exports.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4c4bHRw
If the U.S. wants to force a meaningful change in Iran's government, there's only one path forward. They have to destabilize the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4sB6eYq
Aluminum production in the Persian Gulf is going bye-bye. As Iran ramps up strikes on gas fields, pipelines, and power plants, the countries that depend upon cheap natural gas will no longer be able to run their smelters.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4byhxKT
Now that the Strait of Hormuz is shut down due to the Iran war, the impact is beginning to hit global food systems. This is coming in the form of fertilizer production disruptions in the Persian Gulf.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3NEtJk2
Claims that the U.S. will end the war by seizing Iranian assets make no strategic sense. Targeting Kharg Island or removing the uranium from Isfahan with ground operations is just too risky.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/477h7IL
The Supreme Court ruled Trump's tariffs were illegal, forcing the administration to do things...the right way. Welcome to Section 301 investigations. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4lCaOCU
The U.S. has kicked off renegotiating NAFTA, but Canada was left out of the first round between Mexico and the U.S. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4seVsGP
Russia is taking what they've learned on the battlefield in the Ukraine War and sharing that with Iran. This is not a new strategy for the Russians, but it is already spelling trouble for the US. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:
Before anybody asks, no, the following is NOT financial advice. The U.S. dollar is constantly in the spotlight, so where is it heading? Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter:
Trump has launched a new regional security initiative called the Shield of the Americas. This partners with several Latin American leaders that Trump likes to target drug cartels throughout LATAM.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4sMNEfD
Sweden has seized its first shadow fleet vessel. They even went after a bulk carrier rather than a tanker. As more countries join in on the crackdown on Russia's shadow fleet, the dominoes are beginning to fall.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:
There have been two major developments involving India, Russia, and the Iran war being conflated. These are two separate issues altogether. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:
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