The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series

The Trump administration has said that it is now policy to not send meaningful reinforcements to Europe in case of a military conflict. Most notably, super carriers, carrier aviation, extra fighter jets, aerial refueling, airlift capacity, air defense, and precision munitions. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:

We are still in the midst of a supply disruption of historical magnitude that will not reverse when the bullets stop. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan

While Ukraine has dominated drone innovation, Russia's been able to mass-produce proven drone systems at a scale that Ukraine cannot match. The Russians have also been incrementally improving their drone tech. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:

The joint French and German Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a next-generation fighter jet project, has collapsed. Between conflicting national priorities and countless disagreements, the two countries opted to abandon the project. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan

Crimea has become one of the most important fronts in the war in Ukraine. Both the Russians and Ukrainians see Crimea as strategically essential, and neither side is willing to let it go. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4vbW95d

The White House has shared the full tax of the long awaited Iran Deal. It's a doozy. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan

ICE and DHS just got approved for a new funding package that expands resources for immigration enforcement and border security. My primary concern is the economic impact of this new funding, rather than the politics of it all. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4xomte2

The return of the New World screwworm is threatening the U.S. cattle industry, especially in Texas. Typically, this would have been detected early on by agricultural monitoring and disease-detection programs, but those are now gone due to cuts made by the Trump Administration. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4vDUcyr

To simply call North Korea a Chinese puppet state doesn't capture the complexity of that relationship. To fully understand it, we must look back at three generations of the Kim dynasty, the current partnerships with other powers, and Kim Jong Un's aspirations. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3PQgjTd

A new drone has appeared on the scene in the Ukraine War. This hybrid drone blends the precision and control of FPV quadcopters with the range and payload of fixed-wing drones. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4xgXPMq

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