The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series

We're slipping closer and closer to a major oil supply crunch. With the Persian Gulf still shut in, global inventories almost depleted, and threats to other oil supplies, the world doesn't have enough oil to keep things running for much longer.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4dQAJoa

Armenia has long depended on Russia for just about everything, from energy to security, and even broader economic integration. However, the weekend election results in Armenia reflect a rejection of pro-Russian politics and a desire to find a new path forward. This was likely to happen anyway, as Moscow has its hands full with everything else going on, but the big question remains: who can fill Russia's shoes? Not many Armenians will like the answer... Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan

It looks like we have a new acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte. You may know his name as he's both a housing executive and the current head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:

Naval drone warfare is nothing new, but the Ukrainians are now finding ways to spice up the Sea Babies and MAGURA drones.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4g482W9

The battlefield of the Ukraine War continues to be transformed by drone innovations. The latest is the (affordable and scalable) modification of existing drones to travel farther and independently identify and strike moving targets.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4umWzEX

Just as Russia was kicking off its version of the Davos summit, Ukraine crashed the party with some long-range drone strikes on Saint Petersburg. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan

Ukraine has ramped up its long-range drone program, allowing it to strike targets up to 1,800 kilometers away. So, what does this mean for Russia and its oil?Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4uTg5d5

.Fiber-optic-controlled first-person drones are the star of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. As Hezbollah deploys more of these drones, holes in Israel's Iron Dome defense network are beginning to appear. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4o0YhdC

Enough signatures have been gathered to force an independence referendum and vote in Alberta. Just a reminder that secession is legally possible in Canada following a successful referendum. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4uzWuhT

Hungary's new Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, made his first foreign trip to Poland. This trip is not a reflection of ideological unity, but rather a rebuilding of regional cooperation within the Visegrád Group.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4dAVQLc

At least 50 are dead due to a new Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, and the U.S. was the last to hear about it. This is a glaring example of the breakdown in the U.S. public health and monitoring system.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4v4YvCs

We've previously discussed the vulnerabilities of global internet infrastructure, but today we'll focus on subsea data cables in the Persian Gulf.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4tVi9jB

Civita is living proof that places facing decline can adapt and overcome by drawing on their unique identity. This hilltop town-turned-tourist destination is a microcosm of Italy itself. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:

Trump is no stranger to helping out his cronies, but this new settlement that creates a $1.8 billion fund to compensate conservatives allegedly targeted by past Justice Department actions is a bit on the nose, even for him.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/43ka5xL

There were some recent tests in the Philippines involving the Japanese Type-88 anti-ship missile system and the U.S. Typhon launcher. These truck-mounted systems can move throughout the islands, rather than relying on fixed bases.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/43hKnKe

Latvia's government is in flux following the firing of the defense minister, his party leaving the coalition, and the prime minister resigning. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/42DU3yH

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.