Best Pyotr S Kurzin Podcasts (2025)

1
Is a Nuclear Iran Inevitable Now? 27:12

4d ago27:12

27:12

Summary In this conversation, Dmitri Alperovitch discusses the intricate geopolitical dynamics involving Russia, Iran, and China, focusing on Iran's nuclear ambitions and the implications of recent Israeli military actions. The dialogue explores the vulnerabilities of Iran's leadership, the reactions of global powers, and the potential future of ne…

1
Is Trump Triggering Gold to Replace the Dollar? 32:12

25d ago32:12

32:12

Summary In this episode, Pyotr Kurzin speaks with Frank Giustra about the spiralling U.S. debt crisis, the fragility of dollar dominance, and how rivals like China and the BRICS bloc are accelerating moves away from the post-war financial order. From unfunded liabilities to currency alternatives, we unpack whether the U.S. is facing a market correc…

1
Why Didn't Oil Prices React to the Middle East Crisis? 32:19

1M ago32:19

32:19

Summary This conversation delves into the intricate relationship between energy geopolitics and conflict, particularly focusing on the Iran-Israel tensions and the implications for global oil markets. Anas Al-Hajji provides insights into the strategic importance of the Hormuz Strait, the dynamics of oil pricing, and the roles of major players like …

1
Are Russia's Tactical Gains Offsetting Its Strategic Setbacks? 31:22

2M ago31:22

31:22

Ukraine’s frontline is holding, but the real battle may be behind closed doors. As peace talks falter, Russian forces regroup, and Western support for Kyiv begins to fray. In this episode, former UK Defence Attaché John Foreman joins me to unpack the fragile diplomacy, shifting battlefield tactics, and the deeper power struggles shaping the war’s n…

1
How Close Were India & Pakistan to Nuclear War Really? 33:38

2M ago33:38

33:38

In this episode l am rejoined by Ankit Panda as we delve into the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly focusing on the recent military clashes and the implications of their nuclear doctrines. Ankit provides insights into the current crisis, comparing it to past conflicts and discussing the role of the United States in de-esc…

1
How Close Was Wagner Group To Actually Toppling Putin? 36:14

3M ago36:14

36:14

In this podcast, I was joined by Candace Rondeaux to discuss her new book, Putin's Sledgehammer, on the rise and fall of Russia’s Wagner Group, particularly the aftermath of its 2023 mutiny. Candace explores the historical origins of the Wagner Group, its ties to Russia's mafia, and its key role in Russia's global operations. She delves into the ev…

1
Will Trump Actually Try to Retake Panama? 27:52

4M ago27:52

27:52

Summary The conversation delves into the strategic significance of the Panama Canal amidst rising US-China tensions, exploring the implications of recent US military agreements and the Panamanian government's response to pressure from the Trump administration. Experts discuss the historical context of US-Panama relations, public sentiment in Panama…

1
As Trump Destroys The US-Led Order, Has BRICS Time Finally Come? 41:06

4M ago41:06

41:06

In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin and Mihaela Pappa discuss the evolving role of BRICS in the context of global politics, particularly in relation to US foreign policy under the Trump administration. They explore the implications of BRICS as a symbol of a multipolar world, its initiatives in development and health, and the challenges it faces in t…

1
Are Trump's Tariffs Exposing Limits of the BRICS Alliance? 32:14

5M ago32:14

32:14

Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin and Rohit Goel discuss the current state of the global economy, focusing on the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on economic policies, particularly regarding China and emerging markets. They explore the challenges facing China, the dynamics of U.S.-China relations, and the implications of de-dollarizati…

1
Is Europe’s Uncertainty Over Russia Worsening Its Vulnerability? 44:53

5M ago44:53

44:53

In this conversation, I am rejoined by Dmitri Alperovitch to delve into the latest of the Ukraine War, focusing on the diplomatic engagements between the US and Russia, the strategic decisions made by Ukraine, and implications of Trump's foreign policy. We discuss the limited leverage the US has in influencing both Russia and Ukraine, the challenge…

1
Is Trump Putting the Global Economy at Risk to AI? 33:57

6M ago33:57

33:57

Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin and Chris Fenton discuss the emergence of DeepSeek, an AI technology developed in China, and its implications for US-China relations, national security, and the influence of technology on global narratives. They explore the role of open-source technology, the impact of platforms like TikTok, and the comple…

1
You Think Trump's Tariffs Are Bad Now? They Will Get Much Worse 13:19

6M ago13:19

13:19

In this episode, I react to and explain the implications of Trump's tariffs from both an economic and geopolitical perspective. I highlight the historical context of tariffs, their intended purpose, and the potential consequences for international relations and the US economy. I also argue that while tariffs may seem beneficial in the short term, t…

1
My Biggest Geopolitical Risks In 2025 13:19

7M ago13:19

13:19

Welcome to the Global Gambit 2025 - after some minor time off, we're back with more conversations and content, including more from me. This time starting with the 5 biggest geopolitical risks and themes in 2025! This time Pyotr discusses the major geopolitical risks and themes that could shape 2025, including the implications of Donald Trump's retu…

1
How Critical Is North Korea to Putin's War in Ukraine? 28:51

8M ago28:51

28:51

Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin speaks with Ankit Panda, about the deepening political crisis in South Korea and its wider regional implications. They discuss the impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk-yeol, the potential rise of progressive opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, and the resilience of South Korea’s democratic insti…

1
What Does Assad's Fall Mean For Syria? 27:14

8M ago27:14

27:14

Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin speaks with Wladimir van Wilgenburg, journalist at the Kurdish Chronicle, about the dramatic collapse of the Assad regime in Syria and the shifting power dynamics across the region. They discuss the rapid advances by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and other rebel groups, the fall of key cities including Aleppo, Hom…

1
What is Putin's Real Vision for Russia? 33:38

9M ago33:38

33:38

Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin speaks with Marlene Laruelle about the ideological foundations of Vladimir Putin’s regime and Russia’s evolving identity under his leadership. They discuss the tension between restoring the Soviet Union versus the Russian Empire, the influence of strongman politics, and how Russia’s future may unfold amid …

1
Can Ukraine Keep Up with Russia's Military Development? 54:11

9M ago54:11

54:11

In this conversation, Pyotr is joined by (ret) Colonel Bob Hamilton and now Head of Eurasia Research at FPRI to discuss the current situation in Ukraine, focusing on Zelensky's victory plan, public sentiment regarding the war, military strategies, and the implications of foreign support. We explore the complexities of defining victory, the role of …

1
Is the UN in a Permanent State of Paralysis? 34:09

10M ago34:09

34:09

Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin speaks with Richard Gowan, UN Director at the International Crisis Group, about the growing challenges facing the United Nations and the leadership of Secretary-General António Guterres. They discuss the contrasting messages delivered by world leaders at the UN General Assembly, including those from Presid…

1
How is the Ukraine War Transforming Modern Warfare? 1:01:17

11M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

Pyotr is joined by the esteemed Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King's College London. We focus on the war in Ukraine and the conditions for a negotiated settlement and the challenges in reaching any such agreement. We debate motivations behind Putin's actions and the implications for the use of military force in internati…

1
Could Cyprus Become Two Separate Nations? 33:40

12M ago33:40

33:40

Cyprus marked the 50th anniversary of Turkey's invasion to the north of the island on July 20th 1974. Since Cyprus and the Cypriot people have remained divided by a United Nations buffer zone to prevent further conflict, including the only remaining split capital city Nicosia. Despite diplomatic efforts between Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and even the U…

1
Could Israel & Hezbollah Actually Go to War? 38:39

1y ago38:39

38:39

Israel and Hezbollah are on the brink of full-scale as the President Benjamin Netanyahu seriously considers sending the IDF into Lebanon. However, Hezbollah is not Hamas, being far more powerful and the flagship proxy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which could threaten escalating the war across the Middle East as the Ayatollah's don't want to los…

1
If we're in a New Cold War, does the USA need a new grand strategy for China? 57:31

1y ago57:31

57:31

China thinks 'its their historical right to be' the world's foremost power, and the US 'doesn't have a moment to waste' in adequately preparing or responding to the flashpoint that could bring the 21st centuries largest powers to war: War over Taiwan. We truly are in a Cold War II and its time we stop kidding ourselves. That's according to Dmitri A…

1
What has the Russia-Ukraine War Done to Human Rights, War Crimes & the Law of War? 32:36

1y ago32:36

32:36

Thanks to all who support my work on Patreon - you make this possible If you'd like bonus content, your own questions put to guests, and appreciate my efforts to bring diverse, nuanced conversations consider joining as a patron too or buying me a one-off coffee. Due to being MIA for so long - here is another episode! Normal service of the show will…

1
Have the Iran-Israel Clashes put the Middle East in a New Permacrisis? 34:49

1+ y ago34:49

34:49

Israel and Iran’s clashes over April 2024 has left the Middle East in state of permacrisis. While immediate threat of war escalation seems to have subsided, the long term geopolitical implications are unprecedented. Many consider this to be a new reality for the region and how we interpret developments. To explain why, Bilal Saab - professor at Geo…

1
Are the Houthis in Yemen permanently reshaping global commercial shipping? 50:48

1+ y ago50:48

50:48

Since Oct 7th the world has been rocked by the Israel-Hamas War. That has caused a series if escalations, including the ongoing Houthi disruptions to maritime security and global commercial shipping. Its so severe, the US and UK have initiated airstrikes in Yemen, but has made little difference and if anything only emboldens the Houthis more and wh…

1
South Asia: A region in Good or Bad Condition? 51:02

1+ y ago51:02

51:02

South Asia - or the Indian subcontinent to others - is going through a concentrated set of shifts. Three of the main players - Bangladesh, Pakistan and India, all have major elections next year with each proposing potentially different directions - but which? Returning guest, Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Program at the Wilson Centre…

1
Can the UN's COP28 deliver on Climate Change? 22:30

1+ y ago22:30

22:30

The United Nations Climate Change Conference - known to most as COP - and in this case, COP28, is the highest-level of international engagement and gathering to find collective solutions to the globe's greatest collective challenge. Yet, COPs have poor reputations, with little tangible products or outcomes occurring - other than an agreement of ina…

1
Is the BRICS bloc Overhyped or Underestimated? 30:34

1+ y ago30:34

30:34

2023 was a big year for multinational, multi-forum events, ranging from the G20 to BRICS to the annual UN General Assembly. But of these, the concept and symbolism of BRICS is often the one that captures the minds of people, especially those who tend to have anti-Western sentiments and desire for a multipolar order. But why this fascination, arguab…

1
What is Israel's long-term military objective in Gaza? 58:01

2y ago58:01

58:01

Since the Oct 7th, the world has been rocked by events that many have always agonised and speculated - escalation and war between Israel and Gaza, specifically Hamas. From there, we have witnessed continued intensification, with a growing fear over the possibility of a regional war. Much of this rests on the near-inevitable ground operation the Isr…

1
Can the UK Salvage Brexit or is 'Bregret' Permanent? 37:38

2y ago37:38

37:38

Context Since June 24th 2016, the UK has had its entire economy, society and political environment largely defined by a singular issue - Brexit. The word itself, before diving into anything at all, is a source of contention. Yet, very little to many, including myself, has changed. Certainly not in terms of improvements. Merely a country that is suf…

1
How bad is the Niger Coup & Could it lead to Regional War? 48:01

2y ago48:01

48:01

In late-July 2023, the country of Niger - a critical Western ally in Africa, and against the threats of Islamic Jihadism, experienced its 7th coup since WWII. The democratically elected President Bazoum was ousted, and there have been many claiming the role of Wagner/Russia or that this is positive for greater independence, autonomy from former col…

1
Could we see conflict between Serbia & Kosovo? 1:00:37

2y ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Over 2023 there has be an intensified number of clashes and tensions occurring within an area already heightened and swamped in tension: Serbia & Kosovo. Most notably, these led to rare and unsettling clashes between Serbia communities and members of KFOR - the NATO mission stationed to help address and ideally, prevent, these very scenarios. So wh…

1
Is France's Macron Undermining or Advancing Europe's Strategic Autonomy? 42:48

2y ago42:48

42:48

France has always been more strategically independent relative to other European such as the UK. But Macron's trip to China while important for French and European interests, caused a stir after he commented about the need for Europe to be more autonomous. Some, like Poland, took it as a snub to the US and transatlantic relations, while many other …

1
What does Turkey's election mean for the country and globe? 38:02

2y ago38:02

38:02

Its hard to overstate the importance of Turkey's election on May 14th. And as Gonul Tol, Founding Director of the Turkey Program at @MiddleEastInstitute , makes clear, its more than just about policies. It is about the very identity of Turkey; and whether it remains on the path towards democracy or authoritarianism. In this Part 1, of a mini-series…

1
Is Ukraine creating a new interpretation of international relations: Neo-Idealism? 33:11

2+ y ago33:11

33:11

Context Ukraine continues to fight for not merely for its sovereignty and freedom, but arguably and in the eyes of some, values of many democratic, more specifically Western, values. While not everyone views the war as a case of David vs Goliath, with some believing it to be a typical proxy war, my guest this episode, Benjamin Tallis, certainly isn…

1
Can the BRICS+ Really Challenge the West? 40:20

2+ y ago40:20

40:20

Context The globe is experiencing even more instability, unpredictability and more - even more than ever, as we arguably enter a multipolar world, with alternative forms of currency, balance of power and so on. Could the BRICS countries really create an alternative financial system to challenge or undermine the US-led order? I put this question, an…

1
Could China & the US engage in space conflict? 44:32

2+ y ago44:32

44:32

💥Global Gambit has a YOUTUBE!💥 If you find value you in the podcast, check out the new GG channel. You can join an ever-growing community and find YouTube-only content. I'd love to see you there! 👉 Do so here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg. Context Between Jan 28th-Feb 4th 2023, the world and especially the US were captiv…

1
What is on the UN Agenda in 2023 and can it do more for Ukraine? 50:32

2+ y ago50:32

50:32

💥Global Gambit has a YOUTUBE!💥 So be sure to SUBSCRIBE for free and additional content not shared on the podcast! Subscribing really helps supports my work and seriously helps my content to be discovered by more people. 👉 Do so here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg. Episode Outline More than ever, the UN has a lot on its pl…

1
How critical is the 2023 North American Summit (NALS) for the global economic outlook? 51:54

2+ y ago51:54

51:54

The Global Gambit has a YouTube! Some of these conversations won't make it as podcasts, so be sure to subscribe (its FREE!) and not miss out on more content. This is quick, similar action that REALLY supports my work and helps to open this content to new audiences who will like it as much as you do! Do so here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-T…

1
How pivotal has Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) been in the Ukraine War? 1:00:53

2+ y ago1:00:53

1:00:53

TGG has a Substack! In Dec, l started a Substack where l share reflections on interviews, produce explainers to emerging events, and write opinion pieces. Subscribe here: https://substack.com/profile/112732172-pyotr-s-kurzin?utm_source=user-menu. Episode Outline In the fall of 2022, l held a panel on the unprecedented role Open-Source-Intelligence …

1
What did the West get wrong about Russia and Ukraine? 1:15:11

2+ y ago1:15:11

1:15:11

TGG HAS A SUBSTACK! Since the last episode, Pyotr started a Substack where he shares his reflections on interviews and produces backgrounders to current or emerging events. Subscribe here: https://substack.com/profile/112732172-pyotr-s-kurzin?utm_source=user-menu. Episode Outline On Nov 28th, 2022, Pyotr met with Alex Vindman for an in-person inter…

1
Is President Xi's leadership at risk, especially after China's zero-covid protests? 53:34

2+ y ago53:34

53:34

ALERT! Since the last episode, Pyotr started a Substack where he shares his reflections on interviews and provides explainers to current or emerging events. Subscribe here: https://substack.com/profile/112732172-pyotr-s-kurzin?utm_source=user-menu. Episode Outline The last weekend of November 2022 saw protests across China, largely associated with …

1
Could drones change Russia's fortunes in the Ukraine War? 1:12:37

2+ y ago1:12:37

1:12:37

Episode Outline Over the autumn, the Ukraine War took a notable turn. Aside from Putin's renewed nuclear threats or Russian mobilization, the role of drones began to increase - especially on Russia's side. These 'kamikaze' drones are being supplied exclusively by the Iran regime, whose sales they leverage to help oppress the Iranian people - as spe…

1
Is the Ethiopian Civil War worsening 2 years on? 1:02:32

2+ y ago1:02:32

1:02:32

HOORAY! TGG has reached 20 episodes! Thank you to all who listen and support the show via methods like Patreon - without you this passion of mine would not be possible. If you want to support the show you can become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit and gain additional perks too! Episode Outline For TGG's 20th episode and after 2…

1
Will Russia resort to nuclear weapons in Ukraine? 1:28:09

3y ago1:28:09

1:28:09

Episode Outline As the Ukraine War worsens, the threat of nuclear weapons has remained present throughout. Yet, Putin hasn't followed through and so the question remains around the propensity for him to use them, alongside the narratives that emerge on nuclear use more broadly. Alongside scheduled guests, TGG had surprise expert appearances enrichi…

1
SPECIAL: The Fall of Kabul - 1 year on. With Mariam Wardak, Hasib Noor, and Graeme Smith & Timor Sharan (Crisis Group) 1:36:36

3y ago1:36:36

1:36:36

Episode Outline On August 15th, 2021, the globe witnessed one of the most redefining geopolitical events in a place that in itself reshaped 21st-century foreign and international policy. The fall of Kabul by the Taliban's rapid advance resulted in the US-supported government collapse and the Taliban's takeover, undoing 20 years of progress and righ…

1
What is it like being part of Ukraine's parliament during the Ukraine-Russia War? 53:57

3y ago53:57

53:57

Episode Outline The rapid and unexpected counteroffensive by Ukraine’s forces has redefined the shape of the war, with mass graves being found around Izyum, and Putin scrambling to mobilize 100,000s of troops which saw Russians fleeing in response. Not to mention the renewed threat of nuclear war. Lesia Vasylenko joined Pyotr to address these and q…

1
Is there too much reliance on humanitarian organizations in crisis and warzones? 1:22:32

3y ago1:22:32

1:22:32

Episode Outline With the war in Ukraine set to continue, the impact on humanitarian conditions will persist, especially as the weather worsens. Within all the chaos, humanitarian organizations, charities, and NGOs have been central in trying to support refugees, asylum seekers and IDPs, in states like Poland. Of these, the ICRC has been a leading g…

1
Is maximum pressure or diplomacy better for inducing change in Iran? 54:30

3y ago54:30

54:30

Episode Outline Ramifications from the Ukraine War are being felt globally. Not merely by intensifying the potential for conflict in other regions, but also by undermining peace and mediation efforts. This is the case with the Iran Nuclear Deal, or JCPOA, which has been at risk and remains controversial to many, including Jason Brodsky. Questions c…

1
Are we entering a new cold war or multipolar world order? 1:15:37

3y ago1:15:37

1:15:37

Episode Outline The parallels between Taiwan & Ukraine have been and are continually being made, despite the seemingly obvious differences, largely because of their symbolism in the fight for democracy vs autocracy. And one person, who's devoted a particular amount of focus to the themes of liberalism, democracy, and governance is Francis Fukuyama.…

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Pyotr S Kurzin Podcasts

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