Geopolitics & Defense
Geopolitics, conflicts and defense: Ukraine and Russia, the Middle East, China and Taiwan, NATO, military industry, sanctions, trade and energy security.
About this list
This reading list brings together items from the sources selected for Geopolitics & Defense. Open each item at its original source for the complete article, episode or video. This is a selection of current coverage, not a complete archive.
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Lebanon PM meets Rubio as Israel talks stall: What to know
The visit comes as US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel have made little headway, with Israeli elections looming.
The Diesel Shortage Hits America || Peter Zeihan
With Ukrainian attacks limiting Russian refining capacity and the Persian Gulf conflict restricting exports through Hormuz and the Red Sea, a diesel shortage is imminent. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4ybp1Mr
The UN at a crossroads, with Secretary-General António Guterres
This week on the GZERO World Podcast, Ian Bremmer sits down with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the General Assembly for the final time in his official capacity as UN chief. After a decade as the UN’s top diplomat, the former Portuguese Prime Minister is leaving his position at a moment of great global instability. Wars grind on in Ukraine and Iran with no end in sight.
Maria Ressa on Fighting Back Against Big Tech
Maria Ressa is one of the most inspiring journalists of our age, a media leader whose bravery against authoritarianism earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021. Now, she’s focusing her energy on artificial intelligence and Big Tech and how ordinary citizens can reclaim their attention, their time, and their democracies. She’s also a co-chair of the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. Ressa joined Ravi Agrawal on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly this week at FP’s Tech and AI Forum.
Despite fanfare, Xi shows Trump no sign of breaking with Iran
Beijing has significant leverage over Tehran, but little incentive to use it for Washington’s benefit, given its reliance on Iranian oil.
How Syrian Air is braving regional turbulence to rise from the ashes
In an interview with Al-Monitor, CEO Anwar Akkad lays out his ambitious plans to expand the carrier’s fleet, destinations and role in reconnecting Syria to the world.
Trump-Xi Meet Again: A Summit Without Substance?
In the latest episode of the Asia Geopolitics podcast, hosts Katie Putz and Ankit Panda are joined by Shannon Tiezzi, The Diplomat’s editor-in-chief, to discuss the outcomes – as we know them so far – from the latest Xi-Trump meeting, this time in Washington, DC. Xi’s state visit was heavy on vibes, as Tiezzi wrote in the aftermath, but light on substance. All the same, the meeting has implications for trade, tech, Taiwan and more. You can subscribe to The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitics podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify;
The Venezuela Oil Deal Is Just the Start || Peter Zeihan
The recent series of U.S.-Venezuela oil deals is not quite as significant as it was made out to be. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4hfb6PL
UN Drama, Russian Bluffs, and the Trump-Xi Summit Preview
It’s a high-stakes week for global geopolitics and diplomacy. On this episode of Talking Geopolitics, GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith for a broad discussion on the real-world impact of fiery UN debates, the future of European security and Russian provocation, and how global trade hangs in the balance ahead of the US-China summit in Washington. Also: Iran War impacts and flashpoint Taiwan.
Can AI Be Regulated?
Frontier AI labs are calling for government oversight.
Iran threatens to expand war to Indian Ocean: What to know
An adviser to Iran’s supreme leader has threatened to open a new front in the Indian Ocean if the US resumes its strikes against Iran.
Caught in the Middle of the Iran War: A Conversation With Anwar Gargash
By all accounts, Iran’s neighbors, even those long at odds with the Islamic Republic, opposed the U.S.-Israeli war that began on February 28. Yet it is those Middle Eastern states that have paid some of the highest costs in the months since. As their governments grapple with the consequences of a war that is still far from settled, they are also struggling to shape a new Middle Eastern order.
My Two Cents on the AI Debate || Peter Zeihan
Hear me out...everyone has been yelling about AI the past few days, and the reality is that everyone is probably right, but it probably doesn't really matter anyways. Let me explain. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4rqwO6K
How to Create a Billion Jobs
Ajay Banga has a simple north star as he runs the World Bank: jobs, jobs, jobs. And for good reason. The World Bank estimates that developing countries are on track to create only a third of the approximately 1.2 billion jobs they will need to keep up with demand. How can countries and companies bridge this gap? Banga sat down with FP’s Ravi Agrawal to detail how the bank is mobilizing private capital and working with governments to create sustainable jobs.
Banned from Britain: One Man's Migration Story
Garth St Clair is a military veteran, former drug addict and - for the past few decades - a tireless worker and campaigner in the field of drug demand reduction. In his native Trinidad and Tobago he is a well-known figure and in more recent years he has worked extensively with law enforcement from a variety of countries, notably the UK. All this came to an end when he was banned from entering the UK under new, stricter immigration rules. A man who has dedicated much of his life to supporting our laws and institutions is now targeted by them.
The Geography of… Bear Attacks || Peter Zeihan
Everyone is always so worked up about bear attacks while I'm out backpacking. The problem is that people are referencing the rise in bear attacks in Japan, as if it's the same here in the U.S. The reality is that unless you come across a grizzly without your bear spray, you'll probably be just fine. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter:
Trump tells Middle East leaders US-Iran talks have ‘momentum’
Trump hosted top officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council states, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq on the sidelines of UN General Assembly.
Turkey, US sign $2M grant deal for small nuclear reactors: What to know
The new cooperation deal comes as Ankara seeks to expand nuclear power and reduce reliance on Russia.
Iran seizes assets of 394 people accused of spying for ‘hostile enemy’
The crackdown comes amid heightened tensions in the region as the US and Iran trade threats.
China's Hold on Congolese Cobalt || Peter Zeihan
Cobalt is critical for modern batteries, but with over half of global production coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo, it represents one of the great geopolitical vulnerabilities.
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