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
23 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 8min
Japan's Debt Crisis Is Just the Beginning || Peter Zeihan
A dive into how some countries mask true deficits through unconventional accounting. A look at swollen public obligations like pensions and local debts that rarely appear on balance sheets. Discussion of rising global bond issuance and the stress on markets. Exploration of demographic pressures and how shifting defense needs will push budgets higher.
10 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 3min
Trump Announces $12B Rare Earth Stockpile || Peter Zeihan
Discussion of a new $12 billion plan to stockpile rare earths as a buffer against supply shocks. Examination of U.S. reliance on foreign refining and why simply buying reserves is only a short-term fix. Exploration of the lengthy, acid-intensive extraction and the environmental, spatial, and capital hurdles to rebuild domestic processing capacity.
5 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 6min
The End of Nuclear Arms Control || Peter Zeihan
Discussion of the expiration of the last US‑Russia arms control pact and why no replacement exists. Examination of Russia’s actions, historical motives for treaties, and how inspections and trust have broken down. Exploration of how the war in Ukraine blocks negotiations and the countries most likely to pursue new nuclear arsenals. A forecast of a coming wave of proliferation.
15 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 8min
The Two-Speed EU of the Future || Peter Zeihan
Discussion of why 29-member unanimity cripples EU foreign and security decisions while the US acts swiftly. Debate over expanding membership versus deepening integration and who would cede veto power. A proposed two-speed Europe where some states pool sovereignty for coordinated action. The political, legal, and cultural hurdles that make deep federalization unlikely without a major crisis.
10 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 5min
Is Venezuela Ready to Move On? || Peter Zeihan
A look at Venezuela’s recent political shift and a proposed blanket amnesty that could reset decades of abuse. Discussion of possible post-authoritarian paths, from chaos to reconciliation. Comparison to South Africa’s truth and reconciliation approach and what practical steps are needed to make reform stick.
Feb 9, 2026 • 4min
The Real Winners After a Chinese Collapse || Peter Zeihan
A breakdown of why taking yuan-denominated loans to profit from a Chinese collapse is risky. A look at how currency collapses wipe out value almost overnight. Analysis of what could happen to overseas Chinese assets and foreign investment. Practical argument for who benefits: countries and companies that can build replacement production and infrastructure.
11 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 7min
India: Overhyped or Global Player || Peter Zeihan
A lively breakdown of whether India is overhyped or poised to matter on the world stage. Topics include geographic and linguistic fragmentation, tricky neighborhood dynamics, and river-based fragmentation versus Europe. Demographics and late urbanization get attention as long-term demand drivers. Discussion also covers industrialization challenges without trade partners and India’s emerging leverage over regional energy routes.
6 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 5min
Electronic Warfare Innovations and Exports || Peter Zeihan
A technical tour of modern electronic warfare in Ukraine, Russia, and Iran. Short breakdowns of drone types and why FPV drones are jam-vulnerable while fiber-tethered models resist RF attacks. A look at Russia’s Kalinka detector and its use against Starlink and phones. A thread on how battlefield tech spreads globally and shows up in civilian settings.
4 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 5min
What's Wrong with the EU-India Trade Deal?
Discussion challenges the significance of the EU‑India trade deal and why headline numbers overstate its impact. Protectionism in both Europe and India, especially agricultural subsidies, gets called out. The limits of tariff cuts versus remaining non-tariff barriers and security exemptions are examined. Domestic politics and enforcement realities that will hinder real integration are highlighted.
Feb 3, 2026 • 2min
Purging China's Central Military Commission || Peter Zeihan
A rapid breakdown of Xi Jinping’s latest removal from China’s military leadership. A historical comparison claims modern purges dwarf past dictatorships. Discussion centers on a hollowed military command and how loyalty-driven purges undermine institutions. Political control and institutional collapse are examined through current Chinese leadership moves.
