Shows / The Global Gambit
The Global Gambit
Geopolitics, war and the global economy, decoded by an insider. The Global Gambit is the podcast on Russia, Ukraine, China, Iran, the US, sanctions and foreign policy that tells you what’s really happening: who is winning, who is bluffing, and what comes next, before it hits the headlines.
Hosted by geostrategist and economist Pyotr Kurzin, The Global Gambit now pulls in more than 10 million views a month across YouTube, podcasts and Substack. It’s where generals, spy chiefs, senators and the…
Episodes
- The Global Gambit
The Old West Is Dead. Europe Must Decide What Comes Next | Mark Leonard
“The old West is dead.” Mark Leonard argues that Europe must prepare for a lasting change in its relationship with America — and recognise that it has more…
- The Global Gambit
Israel Has Been Trying to Bait Iran Back into War | Trita Parsi
Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani officials have arrived in Tehran together, and the symbolism is hard to ignore. As the war between Riyadh and the Houthis spills…
- The Global Gambit
Trump’s Fight for Survival Is Becoming America’s Greatest Danger | Robert Pape
Donald Trump’s war with Iran is colliding with a growing political struggle at home. With the midterms approaching, the prospect of electoral defeat could…
- The Global Gambit
Trump’s Ego Is Putin’s Strongest Asset | Tina Fordham
Weeks after signing a sweeping sanctions law against Russia’s energy revenues, Donald Trump has struck a deal to buy Russian diesel, announced while his envoys…
- The Global Gambit
Putin Has Trapped Himself in a War He Cannot Win | Lawrence Freedman
Ukraine has transformed Russia’s vast geography from a source of strategic depth into a growing vulnerability. Its long-range drones are striking oil…
- The Global Gambit
Turkey Could Be Entering the Nuclear Arms Race | Gönül Tol
Russia’s war in Ukraine has done more than redraw Europe’s security map. It has exposed the limits of military alliances—and triggered a potentially dangerous…
- The Global Gambit
Putin Is Already at War With Europe | General Ben Hodges
General Ben Hodges says Russia is already at war with Europe. Not with missiles striking NATO cities, but through drones, sabotage and attacks designed to…
- The Global Gambit
Iran and Ukraine Have Changed Everything We Know About War | David Petraeus
Iran has been militarily devastated — and yet, six months on, it may be winning. General David Petraeus argues that Tehran's control of the Strait of Hormuz…
- The Global Gambit
Secrets, Mysteries, and Spies: A Former CIA Officer on Predicting Russia
Description: Intelligence failures make headlines. Intelligence successes rarely do — which is exactly the problem when trying to understand how the West…
- The Global Gambit
Trump's Iran War Was Meant to Break the Regime. It Broke America's Middle East Instead
Summary Iran's regime survives. The Strait of Hormuz is under threat. Gulf allies are furious. And the United States, further from its goals than when the war…
- The Global Gambit
Will China Annex Siberia? General H.R. McMaster on the Real Threat to Russia
Description: Former US National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster joins The Global Gambit to examine why China, Russia and Iran have become the…
- The Global Gambit
What Everyone Gets Wrong About NATO, Ukraine & European Defence
In this episode, Pyotr Kurzin hosts Dr. Bence Nemeth to explore Europe's strategic autonomy, defense capabilities, and the evolving landscape of NATO and EU…
- The Global Gambit
The Real Reason Trump's Iran Deal Feels So Strange | Ian Bremmer
Trump says he has secured a major breakthrough with Iran, but is the deal even worse than many are already claiming? And are details taking so long to release?…
- The Global Gambit
Something Big is Happening Over Crimea | Mark Kelly
Senator Mark Kelly just returned from Odessa. His verdict: Ukraine has effectively shut down the Russian Navy in the Black Sea — Russia can't operate there…
- The Global Gambit
Why the Ukraine War Won't End the Way You Think
Ukraine just struck Putin's hometown during the St Petersburg Economic Forum. Is this a genuine shift in momentum or another false dawn in a war that keeps…
- The Global Gambit
America Doesn't Know What It Is Anymore | Tom Nichols
America is in a moment of self-inflicted crisis — and the man responsible may not be able to find a way out. Trump has started a war he promised he wouldn't…
- The Global Gambit
What Everyone Gets Wrong About Iran's Negotiating Strategy
The ceasefire may have slowed the fighting - but according to former JCPOA adviser Alan Eyre, the underlying dynamics between the United States, Iran, and…
- The Global Gambit
General Mick Ryan on What Trump's Iran War Tells Us About America’s Future
Donald Trump's war with Iran is the reflection of something much bigger, perhaps much worse, happening with the USA, its foreign policy and its standing in the…
- The Global Gambit
The Real Hormuz Crisis Is Still Coming
The US-Iran ceasefire may still technically be holding — but experts worry and warn that it is already beginning to rot. In this conversation, we break down…
- The Global Gambit
Something Huge is Happening to Global Democracy
Global democracy is changing and Hungary’s election may signal more than just a political shift — it could mark the beginning of a broader democratic rebound…
- The Global Gambit
What Trump’s Blockade Really Means for the Iran War
The collapse of US–Iran negotiations highlights a deeper structural problem: escalation is now outpacing diplomacy. Following a high-level meeting in Islamabad…
- The Global Gambit
How Israel is Threatening Iran and US to Restart War
While Trump's fragile ceasefire with Iran continues to hold, Israel is now going after Hezbollah in Lebanon, putting the entire Middle East on edge. We are…
- The Global Gambit
What Really Comes Next for Putin’s War in Ukraine
Russia’s apparent momentum in Ukraine is misleading. As David Petraeus argues, it reflects adaptation and external support rather than lasting strength, while…
- The Global Gambit
What Everyone Gets Wrong About a US-China War
China’s partnerships are not alliances — they are transactions built on leverage, not loyalty. Beijing’s relationship with Russia is pragmatic and asymmetric…
- The Global Gambit
Why the Iran War is Creating Something Even Worse
The conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel is entering a far more complex and dangerous phase than many expected. In this conversation, I’m…
- The Global Gambit
Something Doesn't Make Sense in the US-Iran Escalation
The United States has deployed one of its largest military buildups in the Middle East in decades — and yet, nothing has happened. So why assemble overwhelming…
- The Global Gambit
The Biggest Weakness in Britain’s Defence Strategy
Summary In this episode I engage Larissa Brown, the defence editor at The Times, to discuss the current state of geopolitics, defence dynamics, and the…
- The Global Gambit
How Europe is Going After Russia's Shadow Fleet
Summary In this conversation, Edward Lucas discusses the ongoing war in Ukraine, the influence of Donald Trump on NATO and European defense, and the shifting…
- The Global Gambit
Iran’s Protests and the New Middle East Balance of Power
Summary In this episode, Pyotr Kurzin engages with Trita Parsi, the Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute, to discuss the evolving geopolitical…
- The Global Gambit
Is the global economy as we know it over?
Summary In this conversation, Martin Wolf discusses the current state of the global economy, emphasizing the importance of demographic changes, economic…
- The Global Gambit
Has America declared a 'culture war' on Europe?
Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin and Dmitri Alperovitch delve into the intricate relationship between geoeconomics and geopolitics, particularly in…
- The Global Gambit
Is this newest Ukraine Peace Plan the actual one?
Summary In this episode of Global Gambit, host Pyotr Kurzin engages with Lawrence Freedman, a prominent figure in military strategy, to dissect the recent…
- The Global Gambit
What Is Really Driving Tensions Between Pakistan and Afghanistan?
Summary This conversation delves into the complex and evolving tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, focusing on the recent ceasefire, the role of the…
- The Global Gambit
Will Emerging Markets Lead the Next Financial Revolution?
Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin and Mitch Mechigian discuss the evolving landscape of geopolitics and finance, particularly focusing on the role of…
- The Global Gambit
What Happens to the Global Economy After US Hegemony?
Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin and Martin Wolfe discuss the evolving landscape of global economics, focusing on the return to regionalism, the…
- The Global Gambit
Is a Nuclear Iran Inevitable Now?
Summary In this conversation, Dmitri Alperovitch discusses the intricate geopolitical dynamics involving Russia, Iran, and China, focusing on Iran's nuclear…
- The Global Gambit
Is Trump Triggering Gold to Replace the Dollar?
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…
- The Global Gambit
Why Didn't Oil Prices React to the Middle East Crisis?
Summary This conversation delves into the intricate relationship between energy geopolitics and conflict, particularly focusing on the Iran-Israel tensions and…
- The Global Gambit
Are Russia's Tactical Gains Offsetting Its Strategic Setbacks?
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…
- The Global Gambit
How Close Were India & Pakistan to Nuclear War Really?
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…
- The Global Gambit
How Close Was Wagner Group To Actually Toppling Putin?
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 Global Gambit
Will Trump Actually Try to Retake Panama?
Summary The conversation delves into the strategic significance of the Panama Canal amidst rising US-China tensions, exploring the implications of recent US…
- The Global Gambit
As Trump Destroys The US-Led Order, Has BRICS Time Finally Come?
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…
- The Global Gambit
Are Trump's Tariffs Exposing Limits of the BRICS Alliance?
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…
- The Global Gambit
Is Europe’s Uncertainty Over Russia Worsening Its Vulnerability?
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…
- The Global Gambit
Is Trump Putting the Global Economy at Risk to AI?
Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin and Chris Fenton discuss the emergence of DeepSeek, an AI technology developed in China, and its implications for…
- The Global Gambit
You Think Trump's Tariffs Are Bad Now? They Will Get Much Worse
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…
- The Global Gambit
My Biggest Geopolitical Risks In 2025
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 Global Gambit
How Critical Is North Korea to Putin's War in Ukraine?
Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin speaks with Ankit Panda, about the deepening political crisis in South Korea and its wider regional implications…
- The Global Gambit
What Does Assad's Fall Mean For Syria?
Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin speaks with Wladimir van Wilgenburg, journalist at the Kurdish Chronicle, about the dramatic collapse of the Assad…
- The Global Gambit
What is Putin's Real Vision for Russia?
Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin speaks with Marlene Laruelle about the ideological foundations of Vladimir Putin’s regime and Russia’s evolving…
- The Global Gambit
Can Ukraine Keep Up with Russia's Military Development?
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…
- The Global Gambit
Is the UN in a Permanent State of Paralysis?
Summary In this conversation, Pyotr Kurzin speaks with Richard Gowan, UN Director at the International Crisis Group, about the growing challenges facing the…
- The Global Gambit
How is the Ukraine War Transforming Modern Warfare?
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…
- The Global Gambit
Could Cyprus Become Two Separate Nations?
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…
- The Global Gambit
Could Israel & Hezbollah Actually Go to War?
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…
- The Global Gambit
If we're in a New Cold War, does the USA need a new grand strategy for China?
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…
- The Global Gambit
What has the Russia-Ukraine War Done to Human Rights, War Crimes & the Law of War?
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…
- The Global Gambit
Have the Iran-Israel Clashes put the Middle East in a New Permacrisis?
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 Global Gambit
Are the Houthis in Yemen permanently reshaping global commercial shipping?
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…