The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series
Peter Zeihan
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 17, 2026 • 3min
Sweden Grabs Its First Shadow Fleet Vessel || Peter Zeihan
Sweden seized a Russian shadow-fleet ship, surprising observers by taking a bulker rather than a tanker. The crackdown is spreading as more countries join the effort. A vast number of aging vessels and limited port capacity create a looming logistics and scrapping challenge. Removing ships could squeeze global shipping and oil flows, adding market and geopolitical risk.
11 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 8min
The U.S. Helps India and Russia Helps Iran || Peter Zeihan
A breakdown of two separate international developments that many are mistakenly linking together. Discussion of U.S. waivers that let India import Russian oil and why that move made sense. A look at Russia’s long history of backing anti-U.S. groups and its implications for U.S. policy. Political pressure and market signals nudging possible shifts in strategy.
10 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 4min
Iraq, Oil, and a Break for Chevron || Peter Zeihan
A sharp look at why U.S. oil firms shunned postwar Iraq despite claims the war was about oil. Discussion of sanctions sidelining Lukoil and how Chevron may step in to operate West Qurna. Exploration of how simple infrastructure and existing pipelines could allow rapid output growth. Political ratification in Baghdad and U.S.-Iraq ties are flagged as decisive factors.
11 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 4min
Why Would Europe Trust France with ALL the Nukes? || Peter Zeihan
Discussion of Macron’s proposal for France to expand nuclear deterrence to protect the EU. Examination of Europe’s declining faith in US security guarantees and the Greenland incident’s fallout. Exploration of Europe’s defense options: bigger militaries, integrating Ukrainian forces, or shared nuclear protection. Consideration of nuclear proliferation risks and treaty erosion across the continent.
7 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 4min
The U.S. LUCAS Rivals Iran's Shahed || Peter Zeihan
A new U.S. drone called LUCAS is compared to Iran's Shahed and discussed as a low-cost, modular strike asset. The conversation covers range, production goals, and early uses against Shahed infrastructure. They explore guidance options, satellite-linked control, and how mass production could change future conflict math.
9 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 4min
Iceland and Norway Ponder EU Membership || Peter Zeihan
Discussion about how U.S. threats over Greenland are reshaping NATO ties and European security perceptions. Exploration of Iceland and Norway's strategic geography, Arctic resources, and importance for basing. Coverage of Iceland's defense dependence and renewed parliamentary talks about EU membership as a security calculus. Reflection on how long-standing alliances may be reconsidered amid shifting threats.
4 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 3min
Belgium Seizes Shadow Fleet Vessel || Peter Zeihan
A seized shadow tanker sparks a walk-through of how aging ships and fake documents keep sanctioned oil moving. Recent interdictions and legal fights are contrasted to show shifting enforcement. Discussion covers coordinated pressure from the U.S., Europe, and regional players closing in on the shadow fleet. Predictions about naval actions and a near-term shutdown of covert oil operations are sketched.
14 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 5min
Panama Boots China from the Canal || Peter Zeihan
Panama reclaimed port facilities formerly run by a Chinese company after courts found bribery. Denmark's Maersk stepped in to operate the ports temporarily while China lodged diplomatic complaints. The strategic importance of the Panama Canal for East Asia–U.S. trade is examined. Discussion turns to U.S. influence in the region and whether similar moves could spread to other Latin American countries.
8 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 6min
Strike Targeting Problems in Ukraine || Peter Zeihan
A deep look at Ukraine's growing long‑range drone strike capabilities and which Russian energy sites are now in range. Discussion of major oil projects like Tengiz and Kashagan and how pipeline routes shape strategic vulnerabilities. Examination of U.S. influence on targeting choices and the politics around shadow fleets and coordinated NATO actions.
10 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 4min
Buying Time With Drugs || Peter Zeihan
Discussion about whether current Alzheimer’s drugs can change global demographic trends. Examination of weight‑loss medications like Ozempic and their uncertain impact on population health. Argument that lasting longevity gains depend on lifelong lifestyle and social conditions, not quick pharmaceutical fixes.
