Talking Geopolitics

Will a Russian energy crisis finally lead to a negotiated settlement, or are we headed towards nuclear war?

On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss Ukrainian target shifts toward energy infrastructure and their impact on Russia's already fragile economy, the impending political crisis inside the Kremlin, and the viability of Russia's potential next steps, including "tactical" nukes, Belarusian involvement, and fully mobilizing reserve forces.

Episode recorded on June 29, 2026.

Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/.

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Is the US-Iran agreement a real move toward peace or just a fragile memorandum?

On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the "deal" and pause in hostilities, the shifting regional dynamics and military forces at play, and how each nation's internal political pressures could lead us straight back to war. Also: the advantage of defense; the US-Israel divide.

Episode recorded on June 17, 2026.

Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/.

Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.

The US is divided at home and gridlocked abroad. Is the chaos a sign of decline or just the normal process of American progress?

On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss how underestimating the US led to D-Day, the myth of American decline, and how historical cycles can predict the process of US reinvention. Also: foreign policy shifts and competition with China.

Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/.

Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.

Does Trump's tirade to Netanyahu signal the fracture of the historic alliance between the United States and Israel?

On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss the evolution of US-Israeli relations, their diverging interests in the Middle East, and how Israel's strategic burden spells trouble for regional accommodation. Also: Netanyahu's political future.

Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/.

Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.

History echoes as the US increases pressure on Cuba once again.

On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss Cuba's unique place in American geopolitics, the cause and potential outcome of the current crisis, and how Cuba fits into the US's new Western Hemisphere strategy. Also: Cuban parallels to other island nations.

Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/.

Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter.