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
13 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 7min
China's Alleged Nuclear Test || Peter Zeihan
A deep dive into a 2020 seismic event in western China and whether it could be a nuclear test. Discussion of the tiny 2.75 magnitude signal and what that implies for yield and containment. Examination of why a very small nuclear device would be puzzling strategically. Consideration of alternative explanations and the political motives behind the accusation.
10 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 5min
U.S. Boots on the Ground in Nigeria || Peter Zeihan
A rapid deployment of U.S. advisors to Nigeria and the timing behind it. A Christmas Day airstrike in northern Nigeria and the local reactions. Nigeria’s demographic and energy importance for West Africa. The spread of Russian influence and militant networks across the Sahel. How on-the-ground fact finding could shape future policy.
5 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 3min
Ukraine Goes on the Offensive || Peter Zeihan
A major battlefield shift in Ukraine after a communications cutoff leaves Russian frontline units isolated. Discussion of how drone limits, jamming, and Ukrainian electronic warfare shaped local offensives. Reports on about 50 square miles reclaimed through isolating positions. Analysis of tactics favoring isolation over mass assault and why recent gains may be temporary.
27 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 9min
The Ukraine War, Drones, and Starlink || Peter Zeihan
Drones now cause the bulk of battlefield casualties and new designs evade jamming. Fiber‑optic spooled drones and Starlink‑equipped UAVs extend strike range dramatically. Legal and ethical questions swirl around using commercial satellites for targeting. The rise of private tech firms reshapes power, regulation, and future military architectures.
10 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 5min
Finding Rare Earths in Japanese Mud || Peter Zeihan
A deep dive into Japan's new Minamito-Orishima rare earth find and whether it alters global supply. Clear breakdown of how rare earths are produced today and why processing capacity, not ore, controls markets. Exploration of seabed mining challenges and the unusual light vs heavy element mix. Discussion of economic thresholds that would make development viable and why Japan pursues risky resource experiments.
7 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 5min
Cuba Is Running Out of Time || Peter Zeihan
A deep dive into Cuba's escalating energy emergency after losing discounted Venezuelan oil. Discussion of regional fuel limits and why importing refined product is hard. Aviation fuel shortages and a fragile power grid are highlighted. Examination of weak international backstops and the real risk of state collapse and mass migration to the U.S.
11 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 4min
I've Got This Bridge to Sell You… || Peter Zeihan
A tale of a Canadian-built Detroit–Ontario bridge and a sudden U.S. demand for ownership. Discussion of why a second crossing matters for Michigan–Ontario trade and traffic relief. Examination of monopoly interests and alleged political influence blocking competition. Exploration of historical patterns where U.S. leverage shapes cross-border infrastructure and leaves Canada with limited choices.
Feb 18, 2026 • 9min
India Takes on the Shadow Fleet || Bonus Episode
India's navy is seizing shadow-fleet tankers within its economic zone, a move that could trigger wider enforcement. The conversation explains what the shadow fleet is and how disguised ship-to-ship transfers feed India and China. It explores Russia's heavy reliance on shadow exports and how lost oil revenue could reshape regional geopolitics and military dynamics.
5 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 4min
The U.S. Navy Goes Down Under || Peter Zeihan
Discussion of stationing American submarines at Stirling near Perth and why its isolation offers strategic dispersal. Examination of Guam's vulnerability and the fallback to alternate bases. Consideration of limits to power projection and how choking maritime trade could pressure China. Concerns about escalation risks from submarine warfare and operational exposure without regional stepping stones.
17 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 6min
Japan Sees the Writing on the Wall || Peter Zeihan
A deep look at Japan's surprising two-thirds lower‑house victory and what a personal mandate means for national politics. A focus on how personality-driven leadership shapes policy decisions. A survey of Japan's demographic decline and its impact on consumption. Discussion of firms moving production overseas and questions about the U.S.–Japan security relationship.
