Geopolitics & Defense
Geopolitics, conflicts and defense: Ukraine and Russia, the Middle East, China and Taiwan, NATO, military industry, sanctions, trade and energy security.
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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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What’s Next for Iraq? || Peter Zeihan
U.S. troops have withdrawn from Iraq, putting an end to American military presence that began following 9/11. So, what's next for Iraq? Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3W3qRkh Where to find more? Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3NyQu4l Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3Ny9UXb Listen to the Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3iJyNEe Zeihan on Geopolitics website: https://zeihan.com/ Purchase the Webinars Here: https://zeihan-on-geopolitics.myshopify.com/collections/all Where to find me on Social Media? Patreon: https://bit.ly/3ZKMm9D Twitter: https://bit.ly/3E1E95D LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3zJAW8b Instagram: http://bit.ly/3IW2mgp Facebook: http://bit.ly/3ZIAjHk #iraq #military #usmilitary #militarystrategy #geopolitics #peterzeihan
Roberto Velasco on Mexico as a Middle Power
“From the Mexican perspective we don't view ourselves as a middle power,” says Roberto Velasco, secretary of foreign affairs of Mexico. “We don't view the world in terms of powers, but what we agree on is that it's a moment where it's important to make sure that we have relations with all the countries in the world, that we engage with all the different regions in the world, and that we diversify our trade and our relations as much as possible.” Subscribe to our channel: https://goo.gl/WCYsH7 This work represents the views and opinions solely of the author. The Council on Foreign Relations is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher, and takes no institutional positions on matters of policy. Visit the CFR website: http://www.cfr.org Follow CFR on X: http://www.twitter.com/cfr_org Follow CFR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/councilonforeignrelations/
C.V. Starr & Co. Annual Lecture on China with Dan Wang
Dan Wang, author of Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future, and research fellow at the Hoover Institution, discusses long-term competition between the United States and China. The C.V. Starr & Co. Lecture on China was established in 2018 to honor the trailblazing career of C.V. Starr and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of C.V. Starr & Co., Maurice R. Greenberg. This meeting is presented in partnership with CFR's China Strategy Initiative. Speaker Dan Wang Research Fellow, Hoover Institution; Author, Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future Presider Rush Doshi CFR Expert, C.V. Starr Senior Fellow for Asia Studies and Director of the China Strategy Initiative, Council on Foreign Relations Subscribe to our channel: https://goo.gl/WCYsH7 This work represents the views and opinions solely of the author. The Council on Foreign Relations is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher, and takes no institutional positions on matters of policy. Visit the CFR website: http://www.cfr.org Follow CFR on X: http://www.twitter.com/cfr_org Follow CFR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/councilonforeignrelations/
Israel’s election: What will it mean for neighbours and allies?
Israel’s upcoming election follows three years of war and a marked decline in international support. Leading candidates to be prime minister offer little in terms of rethinking Israeli foreign policy and all reject Palestinian statehood. The election outcome could have profound consequences for the Palestinians and Israel’s relations with neighbouring states and international partners. This event discusses: What is at stake for Palestinians and regional states in Israel’s election? Would a change of government alter relations with the UK, US and Europe? How do leading candidates view relations with Lebanon, Syria and Turkey? How might Israel’s next government approach Iran? Could a new government change Israel’s approach to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict? Can Israel’s next government rebuild international public support?
Can the U.S. Economy Prioritize Young People Over Boomers?
“We spend $9 on every senior for every $1 we spend on kids in this country. A big chunk of what people are telling you when they say they’re worried about affordability is they’re worried about big things like the cost of housing or the cost of health care or the cost of childcare. . . . And that is why people are increasingly not having kids,” says Natasha Sarin, professor of law at Yale Law School. She wonders whether there will be “a bit of a push towards thinking seriously about the fact that investing in one generation inherently means taking from younger generations.” Subscribe to our channel: https://goo.gl/WCYsH7 This work represents the views and opinions solely of the author. The Council on Foreign Relations is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher, and takes no institutional positions on matters of policy. Visit the CFR website: http://www.cfr.org Follow CFR on X: http://www.twitter.com/cfr_org Follow CFR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/councilonforeignrelations/
What’s Inside a Shahed Drone? | The High Top
Iran’s drones and missiles are full of U.S.-branded chips that Iran cannot make on its own. Kate Koren explains that these are cheap, basic components, far less sophisticated than what is in a laptop or iPhone, and that Iran can still find them on the open market. --------------------------------------------- A nonpartisan institution, CSIS is the top national security think tank in the world. Visit https://www.csis.org to find more of our work as we bring bipartisan solutions to the world's greatest challenges. Want to see more videos and virtual events? Subscribe to this channel and turn on notifications: https://cs.is/2dCfTve Follow CSIS on: • Twitter: https://twitter.com/csis • Facebook: https://facebook.com/CSIS.org • Instagram: https://instagram.com/csis/
Houthis are holding on in the Strait? The US is facing a complicated situation
This video explores Saudi and US military options against Houthis, if they want to secure the Red Sea passage; estimating the size and composition of forces needed for such operations. 00:00 Intro 03:11 Saudi forces 07:42 Unwilling Saudis? 10:37 Saudi air/sea assaults 13:26 US capabilities Music by Matija Malatestinic http://www.malatestinic.com Get your Binkov mugs here: https://binkov-wants-you.creator-spring.com/ If you want to watch our videos without ads, if you want quick replies to any questions you might have, if you want early access scripts and videos, monthly release schedules - become our Patron. More here: https://www.patreon.com/Binkov You can also browse for other Binkov merch, like T-Shirts, via the store at our website, https://binkov.com Subscribe to Binkov's channel for more videos! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPdk3JuQGxOCMlZLLt4drhw Follow Binkov's news on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/binkovsbattlegrounds/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CommissarBinkov #yemen #houthi #military
What I've been working on all year
Coming November 7. Watch at https://newpress.com/humanelement. Join Newpress, our community-driven hub for creator journalism: https://newpress.com/go Trailer by Skymography MORE CHANNELS: Check out my new channel with Max Fisher - The Bigger Picture: https://www.youtube.com/@maxfisher Check out my channel with Christophe Haubursin - Tunnel Vision https://www.youtube.com/@christophe Check out my channel with Sam Ellis - https://www.youtube.com/@samellis Do you have an insider tip or unique information on a story? Do you have a suggestion for a story you want us to cover? Submit to the Tip Line: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpNs1ykIwd7KNkwntN897X_SX9hJ8WiTH_erlLU_bQp2GGLg/viewform?usp=sharing About: Johnny Harris is an Emmy-winning independent journalist and contributor to the New York Times. Based in Washington, DC, Harris reports on interesting trends and stories domestically and around the globe, publishing to his audience of over 5 million on Youtube. Harris produced and hosted the twice Emmy-nominated series Borders for Vox Media. His visual style blends motion graphics with cinematic videography to create content that explains complex issues in relatable ways. - press - NYTimes: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/09/opinion/democrats-blue-states-legislation.html NYTimes: https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000007358968/covid-pandemic-us-response.html Vox Borders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLrFyjGZ9NU NPR Planet Money: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1072164745 - where to find me - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnny.harris/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnny.harris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyHarrisVox
Brewing Korea Crisis? Mines, Missiles, & POWs | The Impossible State
0:00 Introduction 2:43 North Korean POW transfer to South Korea 10:09 President Lee’s new North Korea initiative 18:34 Prospects for a Trump-Kim summit 26:05 The DMZ landmine incident 31:10 Two-track approach to Inter-Korean relations In this episode of The Impossible State, we will discuss President Lee’s new North Korea initiative, unveiled at the UN General Assembly in late September, amid renewed tensions on the Korean Peninsula, including the recent DMZ mine blast, the transfer of two North Korean POWs to South Korea, and more. Dr. Victor Cha will be joined by Mr. Wonchul Kim of The Hankyoreh and Ms. Jeehye Yoo of JoongAng Ilbo to unpack these developments and what they mean for the future of inter-Korean relations. --------------------------------------------- A nonpartisan institution, CSIS is the top national security think tank in the world. Visit https://www.csis.org to find more of our work as we bring bipartisan solutions to the world's greatest challenges. Want to see more videos and virtual events? Subscribe to this channel and turn on notifications: https://cs.is/2dCfTve Follow CSIS on: • Twitter: https://twitter.com/csis • Facebook: https://facebook.com/CSIS.org • Instagram: https://instagram.com/csis/
Putin’s Army Is Getting Worse: It’s Now Losing More Soldiers Than It Recruits | VisualPolitik EN
🔐 Learn about finance with us in a simple, free, and straight-to-the-point way: https://www.visualfaktory.com/free-gift/ Four years after the 2022 mobilization, Russians are getting ready to flee again. On Yandex, searches for "moving out of Russia" have more than doubled in a year, and Kovcheg, an organization that helps Russians leave the country, received nearly eight times as many requests in August as in May. The signs of a new general mobilization keep piling up: the army is losing more soldiers than it recruits, volunteers are harder to find, and companies are being forced to sign agreements on mobilization tasks. But this time the Kremlin has prepared too. Draft notices now arrive on Gosuslugi, the government's online portal, and after seven days you can no longer leave the country. FSB guards check every traveler at the border, and the Rosgvardia and the FSB have more money, more men, more weapons and more power than in 2022. In this video we answer three questions: is a new mobilization really coming, will Russians be able to escape this time, and what impact could it have on Putin's Russia? Join the VisualPolitik community and support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/VisualPolitik
Unpacking the Data Center Backlash with Jasmine Sun | The AI Policy Podcast
This week on the AI Policy Podcast, Wadhwani AI Center director Aalok Mehta sits down with writer Jasmine Sun for a conversation about the AI data center backlash. They discuss what's driving the opposition movement, where Washington and Silicon Valley diverge from the rest of the country, and how the AI infrastructure buildout might influence midterm elections. 0:00 Jasmine Sun's Data Center Surprise 1:16 Jasmine's journalism background 4:23 Lack of on-the-ground reporting on data centers 6:18 Concerns driving the data center backlash 19:15 Where D.C. and Silicon Valley diverge from the rest of the country 38:11 Anticipating impacts on midterm elections 41:55 Trump Administration's stance on data centers 46:12 How AI factors into the backlash Additional Reading: "No Data Centers In My Backyard" by Jasmine Sun: https://jasmi.news/p/no-data-centers-in-my-backyard "Silicon Valley Is Bracing for a Permanent Underclass" by Jasmine Sun for NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/30/opinion/ai-labor-work-force-silicon-valley.html --------------------------------------------- A nonpartisan institution, CSIS is the top national security think tank in the world. Visit https://www.csis.org to find more of our work as we bring bipartisan solutions to the world's greatest challenges. Want to see more videos and virtual events? Subscribe to this channel and turn on notifications: https://cs.is/2dCfTve Follow CSIS on: • Twitter: https://twitter.com/csis • Facebook: https://facebook.com/CSIS.org • Instagram: https://instagram.com/csis/
Will Putin Join the Miami G20 Summit? || Peter Zeihan
The Trump administration has extended an invitation to Putin to attend the G20 summit in Miami. There are several things to watch for, so let's break it down. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3U1mhCA Where to find more? Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3NyQu4l Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3Ny9UXb Listen to the Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3iJyNEe Zeihan on Geopolitics website: https://zeihan.com/ Purchase the Webinars Here: https://zeihan-on-geopolitics.myshopify.com/collections/all Where to find me on Social Media? Patreon: https://bit.ly/3ZKMm9D Twitter: https://bit.ly/3E1E95D LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3zJAW8b Instagram: http://bit.ly/3IW2mgp Facebook: http://bit.ly/3ZIAjHk #g20 #g20summit #miami #trump #donaldtrump #putin #russia #geopolitics #peterzeihan
What are financial markets telling us?
Global bond yields have risen sharply this year thanks to a variety of forces, including war-fuelled inflation, AI-driven growth, loose fiscal policy and geopolitical risk. Recent interventions have struggled to contain market pressure, sharpening questions about where we may be headed. Is a new financial crisis possible? This event discusses: What are rising yields signalling about inflation, global growth and government debt burdens? Why have recent interventions struggled to contain pressure in bond markets? How is conflict in the Middle East affecting inflation expectations and borrowing costs? What does AI-driven economic activity mean for interest rates and asset prices? How are loose fiscal policies changing sovereign debt risks? Could weaker demand for AI compute trigger a wider market correction?
Peter Zeihan's First Fiction Novel || Pre-Order Acceptable Range Now
The release of my first fiction novel, Acceptable Range, is fast approaching. Pre-order today and receive one free month of Patreon access! Preorder here ➡️ https://bit.ly/47J8fIV Where to find more? Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3NyQu4l Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3Ny9UXb Listen to the Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3iJyNEe Zeihan on Geopolitics website: https://zeihan.com/ Purchase the Webinars Here: https://zeihan-on-geopolitics.myshopify.com/collections/all Where to find me on Social Media? Patreon: https://bit.ly/3ZKMm9D Twitter: https://bit.ly/3E1E95D LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3zJAW8b Instagram: http://bit.ly/3IW2mgp Facebook: http://bit.ly/3ZIAjHk #geopolitics #thriller #novel #booktube #booktok #book #books #acceptablerange #peterzeihan
The Iran War: How Does This End? | HTK
Eight months after the United States launched Operation Epic Fury, Iran’s nuclear status remains a hurdle for bringing the war to an end. Despite strikes on Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure and a blockade of Iranian oil exports, the regime has survived, contested the Strait of Hormuz, and attacked U.S. bases and partners across the region. While President Trump has suggested that fighting could end soon after the November midterm elections, both sides appear willing to sustain the conflict indefinitely. Have the war's original aims been met? What lessons should U.S. military leaders and policymakers draw from the conflict? And what would an endgame in Iran look like? To discuss these questions and more, please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department's HTK Series for a conversation featuring Heather Williams, director of the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues, Kari Bingen, director of the CSIS Aerospace Security Project, and Tom Karako, director of the CSIS Missile Defense Project. This event is made possible by general support to CSIS. --------------------------------------------- A nonpartisan institution, CSIS is the top national security think tank in the world. Visit https://www.csis.org to find more of our work as we bring bipartisan solutions to the world's greatest challenges. Want to see more videos and virtual events? Subscribe to this channel and turn on notifications: https://cs.is/2dCfTve Follow CSIS on: • Twitter: https://twitter.com/csis • Facebook: https://facebook.com/CSIS.org • Instagram: https://instagram.com/csis/
Ukraine Finally Pushes the Frontline Back || Peter Zeihan
Ukraine's new memory drones are beginning to reshape battlefield tactics. For the first time in this war, we're seeing the frontline consistently move in the other direction. Since the Russians can't easily jam these new drones, they have to rely on physical interception...which isn't nearly as effective. This has enabled the Ukrainians to cut off supplies to sections of the front before attacking them. We'll see how long this lasts before Russia develops its own adaptations. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Where to find more? Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3NyQu4l Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3Ny9UXb Listen to the Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3iJyNEe Zeihan on Geopolitics website: https://zeihan.com/ Purchase the Webinars Here: https://zeihan-on-geopolitics.myshopify.com/collections/all Where to find me on Social Media? Patreon: https://bit.ly/3ZKMm9D Twitter: https://bit.ly/3E1E95D LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3zJAW8b Instagram: http://bit.ly/3IW2mgp Facebook: http://bit.ly/3ZIAjHk #ukraine #ukrainewar #drone #drones #dronewarfare #russia #frontline #geopolitics #peterzeihan
US at 250: Interest vs. principle – the debate about America’s values
To what extent do America’s values shape its foreign policy? Join this expert discussion, and final in the US at 250 mini-series, about the principles that should underpin US global leadership - and how they are perceived around the world. For 250 years, the United States has balanced its commitment to universal principles with the pursuit of national interests. But changing global conditions and domestic priorities have renewed debate about the relationship between these goals. This discussion raises questions about America’s future role in the world, the nature of its alliances, and its commitment to global institutions. This event discusses: Can American principles and national interests be pursued together? How have ideas about liberty, justice and self-government shaped US policy? What are the US’s vital interests in a changing international environment? How should Washington balance military power, diplomacy and economic influence? How is public scepticism affecting support for US global leadership? What do evolving attitudes mean for the future of alliances and international institutions?
Diesel Dilemma: Will Russia Invade Europe Because of the Supply Crunch?
With diesel prices skyrocketing, the United States and Europe are in a diplomatic war on how to increase global supply. Today, we examine the decision to open European diesel reserves, and whether this will put Europe's defense in a more dangerous position. 0:00 The Diesel Debate 1:45 Days of our Transatlanticism 3:41 Europe's General Strategic Problem 5:40 Will a Diesel Shortage Invite a Russian Invasion? 10:34 The Price Consideration 14:08 Why Did Europe Buckle? The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), EU, and NATO visual information does not imply or constitute an endorsement. Media licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/): By Kremlin.ru: http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20604 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/57786 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61802 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/68016 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/70159 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/71496 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/73995 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/78870 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/78998 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/79789 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/79802 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/79956 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/80222 http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/80355
The cost of a UK ‘Iron Dome’ missile defence system
Britain’s opposition Conservative Party has proposed building a new missile and drone defence system to protect the UK. On 6 October the party posted on X : ‘Conservatives will invest up to £10 billion in Britannia Shield, a British ‘Iron Dome’-style system to protect the UK, our territories and bases overseas.’ It said the country had done too little against the ‘threat from missiles and drones’. In July General Sir Richard Barrons, a Senior Consulting Fellow in Chatham House’s International Security Programme and one of the leaders of the UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review, gave evidence to the House of Commons Defence Committee about the likely cost of such a defence system. The cost of a UK ‘Iron Dome’ would be 'entry level, probably £80 billion over 10 years’ he said, adding that the UK’s Defence Investment Plan falls far short, allocating only about £1 billion for integrated air and missile defence. From a session titled ‘One-off session on the Defence Investment Plan' Watch the full session here: Parliamentlive.tv - Defence Committee Video courtesy of UK Parliament #IronDome #UKDefence #AirDefence #DefenceInvestmentPlan #NATO #ChathamHouse
SpaceX Deploys 26 Satellites with New Starship || Peter Zeihan
SpaceX has completed its first (mostly) successful Starship test. The ship was able to reach orbit, deploy 26 Starlink satellites, and return home. And while there were some hiccups (engine failure on launch and reentry, as well as a crash landing) along the way, this was a step in the right direction. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4hfVFXq Where to find more? Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3NyQu4l Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3Ny9UXb Listen to the Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3iJyNEe Zeihan on Geopolitics website: https://zeihan.com/ Purchase the Webinars Here: https://zeihan-on-geopolitics.myshopify.com/collections/all Where to find me on Social Media? Patreon: https://bit.ly/3ZKMm9D Twitter: https://bit.ly/3E1E95D LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3zJAW8b Instagram: http://bit.ly/3IW2mgp Facebook: http://bit.ly/3ZIAjHk #space #spacex #satellite #satellitechannel #starlink #starship #peterzeihan
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