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The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series

Peter Zeihan·952 episodes

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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 t...

Episodes

6 min
Jul 22, 2026Episode 951
Why Space and Data Centers Don't Go Together || Peter Zeihan

We've all seen the headlines lately talking about the proposed data centers across the U.S. While nobody wants these things in their backyard, putting them in space isn't going to solve our problems.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4fd7yuR

4 min
Jul 21, 2026Episode 950
Defending Against Rising Sea Levels || Peter Zeihan

As sea levels rise, the infrastructure that protects shorelines and prevents coastal flooding will become essential, especially for low-lying countries with more coastal exposure.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4fAh3ph

3 min
Jul 20, 2026Episode 949
How to Solve the Cocaine Problem || Peter Zeihan

It would appear that my suggestion for everyone to stop doing cocaine hasn't solved the problem, so let's look at some of the solutions others have proposed. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3Td4mIj

5 min
Jul 17, 2026Episode 948
The Future of Drone Tech: Naval Strategies || Peter Zeihan

Ukraine can strike anywhere across the Black Sea thanks to its Sea Baby naval drones, and since jamming is less effective in open water, Ukraine can remotely guide them toward targets. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4aWOSOO

8 min
Jul 16, 2026Episode 947
South Korea Goes All-In on Drones || Peter Zeihan

The South Koreans are going all in on drone warfare, announcing that every soldier will be trained to operate drones. This is a relatively inexpensive way to offset the challenges facing South Korea.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4eSAVnt

7 min
Jul 14, 2026Episode 946
Lessons in Presidential Failures: Obama vs. Trump || Peter Zeihan

The Obama and Trump administrations have both made deals with Iran. There are some glaring differences between the two, so let's see which deal came out on top. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/44jpeAc

3 min
Jul 13, 2026Episode 945
A Canadian Pipe(line) Dream || Peter Zeihan

The Canadians are fed up with being dependent on U.S. markets for their oil exports. So, they're looking to diversify their export options. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4p9kQNL

4 min
Jul 10, 2026Episode 944
The U.S. and Ukraine Make a Drone Deal || Peter Zeihan

The U.S. has finally secured its first contract to manufacture Ukrainian-designed drones, but don't go celebrating quite yet. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4glafgg

5 min
Jul 9, 2026Episode 943
Korean Exports Skyrocket Thanks to AI || Peter Zeihan

Korean exports are up roughly 70% year over year, surpassing $100 billion in a single month. So, what's causing this extreme growth?Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4oW3cg4

3 min
Jul 7, 2026Episode 942
Status Update on the Persian Gulf || Peter Zeihan

Alright, time for a status update on Persian Gulf shipping. Tanker traffic is slowly resuming, and Gulf producers are gradually restarting exports...but let's not go counting chickens quite yet.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4fh62ZO

5 min
Jul 6, 2026Episode 941
U.S. Oil Export Restrictions Coming Soon || Peter Zeihan

U.S. Oil Export Restrictions Coming Soon || Peter ZeihanIf global energy supplies remain constrained, the U.S. government will prioritize U.S. consumers over international markets. This would take the form of export restrictions.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/44DVFsY

4 min
Jul 3, 2026Episode 940
Say Goodbye to Kazakhstan Oil || Peter Zeihan

The Ukrainian strike on the Orenburg natural gas processing complex could impact more than just Russia. Unfortunately, Kazakhstan's energy industry is highly dependent upon that facility.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4wdAytr

6 min
Jul 1, 2026Episode 938
Russia Gets Knocked Off Its Horse || Peter Zeihan

Ukraine has struck a key semiconductor facility in Voronezh that could significantly weaken the Russians' ability to produce advanced military equipment.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4v1arVE

4 min
Jun 30, 2026Episode 937
Ukraine Starts Cracking Open the Occupied Territories || Peter Zeihan

Russia's logistical nightmare in Crimea is just beginning. With Ukrainian strikes ramping up throughout Russian-held Crimea, Russian authorities have suspended civilian fuel sales since new shipments can't reach the peninsula.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/43SYNkt

3 min
Jun 29, 2026Episode 936
Nukes for All! (But Finland First) || Peter Zeihan

Finland knows all too well what a confrontation with Russia would mean. So, the Finns are preparing... Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4afjB9q

3 min
Jun 26, 2026Episode 935
The End of NATO || Peter Zeihan

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:

3 min
Jun 25, 2026Episode 934
The Reality of the Global Energy Situation || Peter Zeihan

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

4 min
Jun 24, 2026Episode 933
The Future of Drone Tech: Russian Scale || Peter Zeihan

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:

4 min
Jun 23, 2026Episode 932
France and Germany's Fighter Jet Program (FCAS) Is Dead || Peter Zeihan

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

6 min
Jun 22, 2026Episode 931
Will Ukraine Make a Play on Crimea? || Peter Zeihan

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

3 min
Jun 19, 2026Episode 932
The Long Awaited "Iran Deal" || Peter Zeihan

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

6 min
Jun 18, 2026Episode 929
DHS Gets Funding... A Lot of Funding || Peter Zeihan

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

7 min
Jun 17, 2026Episode 927
Screwworm Outbreak

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

15 min
Jun 16, 2026Episode 926
China No Longer Controls North Korea || Peter Zeihan

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

8 min
Jun 15, 2026Episode 925
The Future of Drone Tech: Hybrid Drones || Peter Zeihan

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

5 min
Jun 12, 2026Episode 924
A Massive Energy Break Coming Soon || Peter Zeihan

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

5 min
Jun 11, 2026Episode 928
Armenian Election Signals It's Done with Russia || Peter Zeihan

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

3 min
Jun 10, 2026Episode 922
Insulating the President with Loyalists || Peter Zeihan

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:

5 min
Jun 9, 2026Episode 921
The Future of Drone Tech: Naval Launch Platforms || Peter Zeihan

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

4 min
Jun 8, 2026Episode 920
The Future of Drone Tech: Mid-Range Drones || Peter Zeihan

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

4 min
Jun 5, 2026Episode 923
Ukrainian Strikes Disrupt the Russian Economic Summit || Peter Zeihan

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

6 min
Jun 5, 2026Episode 919
The Future of Drone Tech: Long-Range Strikes || Peter Zeihan

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

5 min
Jun 4, 2026Episode 918
The Future of Drone Tech: Israel's Iron Dome || Peter Zeihan

.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

3 min
Jun 3, 2026Episode 917
Should Alberta Secede from Canada? || Peter Zeihan

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

3 min
Jun 2, 2026Episode 916
Magyar Tries to Rebuild the Visegrád Group || Peter Zeihan

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

4 min
Jun 1, 2026Episode 915
Ebola Outbreak and Delayed Detection by the U.S. || Peter Zeihan

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

3 min
May 29, 2026Episode 914
Can Iran Control Internet Cables in the Gulf? || Peter Zeihan

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

3 min
May 28, 2026Episode 913
Civita di Bagnoregio: A Microcosm of Italy || Peter Zeihan

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:

3 min
May 27, 2026Episode 912
The U.S. Gets a Taste of Corruption || Peter Zeihan

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

4 min
May 26, 2026Episode 911
The U.S. Gets a Taste of Corruption || Peter Zeihan

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

7 min
May 25, 2026Episode 910
Latvia's Political Flux Caused by Drones || Peter Zeihan

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

4 min
May 22, 2026Episode 909
Cuba Faces a Humanitarian Crisis || Peter Zeihan

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

3 min
May 21, 2026Episode 908
Is Now a Good Time for China to Invade Taiwan? || Peter Zeihan

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

3 min
May 20, 2026Episode 907
Using U.S. Energy as Leverage || Peter Zeihan

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:

2 min
May 19, 2026Episode 906
Impacts on the U.S. Power Grid from the Iran War || Peter Zeihan

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

5 min
May 18, 2026Episode 905
Iran Diplomacy Has Yet to Begin || Peter Zeihan

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

3 min
May 15, 2026Episode 904
So You Want to Break Iran... || Peter Zeihan

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

5 min
May 14, 2026Episode 903
Will the Swiss Cap Their Population? || Peter Zeihan

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/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter:https://bit.ly/4np12EY

6 min
May 13, 2026Episode 902
This Ain't Your Father's Tanker War || Peter Zeihan

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

2 min
May 12, 2026Episode 901
Welcome to Captain Phillips' Nightmare || Peter Zeihan

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

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