Geopolitical Horizons
Geopolitical Horizons is a podcast that aims to make sense of the world by exploring geopolitical issues and international affairs. The show provides analysis and insights into global events, helping listeners understand complex political dynamics. It covers a wide range of topics related to international relations and strategic affairs.
Episodes
America at 250: Is the Empire Dying?
As America celebrates its semi-quincentennial, questions are growing about whether its best days are behind it. Rising debt, political polarisation, military overstretch, the emergence of China, and a shifting global balance of power have all raised doubts about the future of the American-led international order. As the United States reaches its 250th birthday, is it witnessing the beginning of a
Geopolitics 101
What is geopolitics, and how can understanding it help make sense of the world?In this Geopolity Podcast, we explore the foundations of geopolitics. From the rise of tribes and kingdoms to the invention of the modern nation-state, this episode examines the forces that shape global affairs and determine why some nations become powerful while others struggle.We discuss the importance of geography,
Three Geopolitical Faultlines
In this Geopolity podcast, we unpack three major geopolitical stories shaping the global order—and what they reveal about the deeper strategic forces driving global politics.First, Donald Trump’s visit to China. A trip rich in symbolism, but did it actually produce meaningful strategic gains? We examine what was achieved, why Taiwan remains the most dangerous flashpoint in US-China relations, and
Q&A: US-Israel Alliance War on Iran
In this episode of Geopolitical Horizons, we take your questions as the US-Israel alliance war on Iran passes 10 weeks. We break down the reality behind the headlines. Why hasn’t Iran collapsed? Has the US strategy failed? And what does this war reveal about the future of global power? We explore the questions we have received from the failed decapitation strategy to the closure of the Strait of H
Iran, Europe & Space
The world is shifting — from the Straits of Hormuz to Brussels to orbit.In this episode of geopolitical horizons, we break down three stories impacting global geopolitics:
Rising tensions in the Middle East and the future of the US–Israel alliance
The political shockwaves of Viktor Orbán’s defeat and what it means for European populism
The return of great power competition — this time in space
3 Wars Reshaping 2026
Three wars. Three regions. One rapidly shifting global order. In this episode of Geopolitical Horizons, we break down three escalating conflicts that are reshaping 2026 in real time—from Lebanon to Iran to Afghanistan
Iran Edition: How Superpowers Lose Wars
The conflict between Iran and the United States–Israel alliance is entering a dangerous new phase — and things are not going according to plan.In this Geopolity podcast, we break down how Iran has managed to resist a global superpower, the strategic mistakes shaping the conflict, and why regime change in Tehran is far less likely than many in Washington assume.From the closure of the Strait of Ho
Four Years On: Who’s Really Winning the Ukraine War?
February 24th 2026, marks four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — a war many expected to last days, not years. Instead, Europe has witnessed one of the most destructive conflicts since 1945. Entire cities have been flattened. Hundreds of thousands have been killed, millions displaced. What began with a failed dash on Kyiv has hardened into an 800-mile fortified front line defined by attrit
Bangladesh: From Protest to the Polls
Bangladesh goes to the polls on 12th February, 18 months after the overthrow of the long term leader Sheikh Hasina. Her Awami League government was brought to an abrupt end when a popular uprising toppled the long term leader. For the last 18 months an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammed Yunus navigated the country and now elections will see a permanent government try to navigate the
Is Iran on the Brink?
What began as demonstrations due to a falling currency has now turned into calls for the end of the regime. After 3 weeks, protests have now spread across Iran as the regime gears up to celebrate its 47th anniversary. With its regional proxies in retreat and Iranians on the streets demanding regime change this has now become the biggest test of the clerical regime. Is this the beginning of the end
The World in 2026
It’s that time of the year where we look at what 2026 has in store for the world. In this podcast we explore the shifting global landscape as we approach 2026. Is the global order over? Has the role of ideology in foreign policy ended? Will 2026 see a new nuclear and arms race and a new space race? Will the Gen Z protests succeed in 2026 and will Trumps tariff strategy succeed in 2026. Will MAGA,
PREVIEW: Strategic Estimate 2026
Geopolity will soon be publishing its annual report, Strategic Estimate 2026. Our analysts have worked hard following the key events in the past year, pursuing trends and patterns, in order to give you their analysis and insight. In this podcast we preview the upcoming report.
The Battle for Syria Isn’t Over
On the 8th December 2024 Bashar al-Assad boarded a Russian bound plane as rebel forces overran Damascus. After 13 years of civil war and 5 decades of brutal rule, the house of al-Assad had come to an inglorious end. The Jihadi now turned statesman, Ahmed al-Sharaa has since faced immense challenges from unifying a fractured Syria, dealing with constant Israeli incursions and attracting foreign inv
PODCAST: Israel’s Reckoning: From Victim to Villain
The 7th October 2025 will mark the 2-year anniversary since armed groups from the Gaza Strip carried out their assault on Israel. It seems a long time ago now as so much has happened from displacement, destruction, slaughter and genocide. Where do things currently stand, what do we know now that we didn't know two years ago? In this podcast we explore Israel's strategy, the push for Palestinian st
The Geopolitics of Technology
The microchip, the internet, the Iphone as well as railways are technologies that changed the world. Technology is a key pillar of geopolitics and has always shaped global power dynamics. The US lead in tech is now being challenged by China. But how does anyone become a tech power? Is it about SME’s, Patents and Venture Capital. What impact will emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing
The Agent-Ruler Paradox
It's common to hear about agent rulers, client nations and vassal states. It's common to hear about leaders who are not independent or who are dictated to by Washington, London or Paris. Why would anyone want to be an agent? It seems like the life of a slave? How do we make sense of agency? Where does this all fit into geopolitics.
PODCAST: Where Now for South Asia
On the morning of Saturday May 10th, US president Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that a ceasefire had been agreed between India and Pakistan after weeks of rising tensions and military strikes. The two South Asian powers faced-off against each other, raising concerns this could turn into an all out war between the nuclear nations. Pakistan’s use of Chinese platforms, India’s loss
Q&A With the Geopolity
We’re now into month 4 of 2025 and so much is taking place. From Trumps imposition of global tariffs to his ripping up of the global rules-based order. In this podcast we go through the questions you sent us.
The Geopolitics of the Americas
In this final part of the series looking at the geopolitics of the different regions of the world we look at the Americas, both North America and Latin America. The America’s is probably the least known of all the regions in the world.
Syria: In the Shadow of War and Revolution
In December 2024 when everyone thought the Arab spring in Syria was over, in just a week the long-term regime of the al-Assad dynasty collapsed and today we have a new regime in Damascus. The world and the regional powers have been extremely busy falling over themselves and meeting the new leadership. They are all demanding an inclusive government that respects the rights of minorities. Ahmed al-S
Is the US Abandoning Ukraine?
3 years ago on 24 February 2022, Russian forces invaded Ukraine, in Europe's first interstate war since WW2. The western world all got behind Ukraine and said they would back the Ukrainians for as long as it takes. But today, 3 years on, much of the world has lost the appetite for supporting Ukraine as Russia continues to swallow up its territory. ‘As long as it takes,’ has now been replaced with
Will Trump Make America Great Again?
Donald J Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States and whilst much of the world has been recalibrating since his electoral victory back in November, he comes to power with the US facing significant challenges. US credibility, America’s global order, America’s tech lead and national unity are all facing major ruptures and the American people have turned to the former rea
The World in 2025
2024 was a busy year for geopolitics, in this podcast we look at the top issues to look out for in 2025
PREVIEW: Strategic Estimate 2025
In this podcast we preview the forthcoming annual geopolity report, Strategic Estimate 2024
Has Syria Won the Arab Spring?
Across Syria and the Middle East scenes of jubilation are beaming across the world as people celebrate the fall of the long-term dictator Bshar al-Assad. What couldn’t be achieved in 13 years, has now happened in just two weeks. Bashar al-Assad took a flight and fled as rebel forces reached Damascus. The end of the tyrannical rule of the al-Assad dynasty now opens a new chapter in the strategic co
1,000 Days of War
On 19 November the Ukraine war passed 1,000 days and the Ukrainian position is looking as precarious as ever. Since the U.S. presidential election, there has been significant speculation about what Donald Trump's victory means for the war in Ukraine. Trump's campaign pledge to end the war quickly, combined with his veiled threats of suspending US financial and military aid for Ukraine to force Kyi
Countdown to War
Things are hotting up in the Middle East with Israel about to imminently launch a strike on Iran due to its missile strikes on Israeli targets. Talk of a major escalation are now reaching fever pitch with WW3 now considered a likely outcome. Iran and Israel have been enemies for decades and now their enmity has spilled out into public view with devastating consequences. Are we really on the brink?
October 7th: One Year On
October 7th, 2023, is considered the biggest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. The Israeli response to October 7th has seen much of the world turn against it with the country taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over a likely genocide. In this podcast we look at what drove groups from Gaza to launch the assault, the Israeli response and where things stand after 12 months.
Is a Region Wide War Inching Closer?
Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and dozens of drones toward numerous Israeli military targets in August after Israel's assassination of Faud Shukr, a Hezbollah commander and Hamas political leader, Ismail Hanaya. With the US ceasefire proposal stalling and Israel’s assassination strategy expanding, it seems events are spiralling out of control and a region wide war is inching closer. In thi
Bangladesh Crisis
Just 6 months ago Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League secured a fourth consecutive term in office, but now the ruling party faces its biggest challenge yet as hundreds and thousands have taken to the streets in protest against the quota system that reserves government jobs for regime supporters. The regime has responded in brutal fashion, cutting the internet and instituting a curfew. Bangladesh has for
Petrodollar Politics
In the last week social media blew up with news regarding the unwritten petrodollar deal between the US and Saudi Arabia, which has been the bedrock of the dollar's dominance, coming to an end. The demise of the dollar has been a regular feature of discussion in geopolitics in the last decade. On the one hand we have China and Russia calling for alternatives and on the other hand you have US comme
Q&A with the Geopolity
In this podcast we cover the questions you had for us at the geopolity. From the Gaza war to the war in Ukraine, as well as the UK elections and who the deep state are in the US.
Democracy in Decline
In a recent report by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, they concluded the bedrocks of democracy are under threat across the globe. They found democracy is in decline around the world, including Europe, where it was born. The report comes alongside a long line of similar reports, research and analysis that show democracy is in retreat. Democracy was for long prese
76 Years of Nakba
The 15th May will see many commemorating “Nakba Day”, marking the catastrophe of the Palestinians with the creation of the Zionist nation. The Nakba has stood as a grim marker of the Zionist's criminality for 76 years. But these last 6 months have surpassed anything that came previously. Israel is now assaulting the last area of Gaza in Rafah, and the numbers injured and killed continue to grow. I
The Geopolitics of South Asia
South Asia is one of the fastest growing regions in the world. It is also one of the most populated parts of the world that has two nuclear powers. Russia, China and the US are all looking to win the support of the region for their respective strategic interests which makes the region all the more important to understand.
India Elections
The world's largest democracy goes to the polls from the 19th April to the 1st June to elect the Indian parliament. The election will be held in several stages and see’s the incumbent Narendra Modi looking to secure a third term in office. The BJP has now been in power for a decade and is looking to cement its legacy and leave its mark on India. Whoever wins the elections faces some major challen
The Geopolitics of Central Asia
Central Asia was once the prize in the so-called Great Game, a centre of competition for the Russians, British, Persians, Mongols and Turks at various times. The region sits at the intersection of the Russian steppes, the western Chinese frontier, the mountain passes into the Indian subcontinent, and the modern Middle East. The region is at once a barrier and a bridge between the powers in its per
PODCAST: The Geopolitics of the Far East
With global power shifting to the East it become even more important to understand this region, its history, geopolitics and future role.
Khilafah: 100 Years
The 3rd March 2024 marks the 100 year anniversary of the demise of the Khilafah. The decades leading up to the 3rd March 1924, was a difficult period for the global leadership of the Muslims, as various European powers were competing with each other over Arabia, North Africa, the Balkans and the Black sea. Today, 100 years on Capitalism's supremacy is running out of steam. As we fast approach the
Russia on Top After Two Years of War
Russia spectacular failure to conquer the Ukrainian capital two years ago is now a distant memory. On the two year anniversary since Russia’s invasion, Ukraine is running out of troops as well as western support and calls for negotiations are only growing. US and European attempts to sanction, isolate and cripple Russia have failed to succeed. The broad support from the West that promised ‘as long
Q&A
With so much going on currently in the world in this podcast we can look at multiple geopolitical issues.
The World in 2024
Elections, wars, coups, tech wars and trade wars are just some of the trends that will likely shape the new year. In this podcast we look at the key issues that will likely shape the geopolitical landscape in 2024.
Preview: Strategic Estimate 2024
In this podcast we preview the forthcoming annual geopolity report, Strategic Estimate 2024
2024: The Biggest Election Year in History
2024 will be a bumper year for elections. There are scheduled to be 76 national elections, across the world, with over 4 billion people going to the polls. Some of the world's most powerful nations will have elections next year as well as a number of strategic nations. The outcome of many of these will have global repercussions and will shape relations into the 2030s.
A Month of War in Gaza
It's been over a month since the events of 7th October where a number of Palestinian resistance groups launched an assault into Southern Israel. Israel responded with a broad invasion of the Gaza Strip and the images that continue to beam out have led to much criticism of Israel, due to the mounting civilian casualties. What is Israel's end game? Is the two state solution dead? Has public opinio
Palestine in Crisis
It has been over a week since the events of 7 Oct, where various groups from the Gaza Strip carried out an audacious operation into Southern Israel. Hamas and various other groups captured army bases, hostages and soldiers. Israel is still shocked and they have called it there 9/11 and a ground invasion of the Gaza strip is imminent. This will have major implications for the region and beyond and
The Geopolitics of the Middle East
The Middle East seems to always be in the news. From monarchies, to oil, to war to terrorism. Very rarely does a day go by without the Middle East being in the news. On amazon.com the Middle East is the most written about topic. How do we make sense of this complex region? Who are the key players? What are the long-term trends?
The Geopolitics of Africa
With its countless ethnic groups, tribes, languages and nations, Africa is not just a huge continent but a very diverse one. The countries in Africa share a history of foreign exploitation and a legacy of poverty and corruption as well as stifled political development that has prevented the African people from capitalising on their economic potential. In this podcast we look at the geopolitics of
Semiconductors: The New Oil
Semiconductors are fast becoming the oil of the 21st century. They are what allow us to get all the power and speed in things like smartphones, tablets, digital TVs, wireless communications infrastructure, network hardware, computers and many more devices which have smart capabilities. The supply chain for semiconductors is critical, similar to how the supply chain for oil was in the 20th century.
18 Months of War in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has just passed its 18-month anniversary. It was on 24 February 2022 when Russian troops crossed into Ukraine beginning Europe's first interstate war since WW2. Since then, the west has provided military and economic support to Ukraine whilst Russia has been trying to conquer territory and grind out a victory.
2 Years of Taliban 2.0
It was two years ago on August 15th, when the Afghan people prevailed against another empire as the US got up and left the mountainous country after a disastrous two decade occupation. The Taliban have been busy trying to rule over the nation and trying to solve the myriad of challenges. How have they fared 2 years on?
The Geopolitics of Europe
The ancient Greeks, Romans, the place of the reformation and the enlightenment. The region that found the new world and colonised the world, for the last 500 years Europe defined the world. In this podcast we begin by looking at the regions of the world, beginning with Europe
The Demise of American Economic Hegemony?
There is lots of chatter about the demise of the dollar, especially since the US placed unprecedented sanctions on Russia. Many US commentators are talking about the end of the dollar's dominance as a number of US allies trade with China in currencies that do not include the dollar. It seems not a day goes by without China's currency, the Yuan being in the news. The recent gathering of the BRICS o
Do French Protests Reveal depth of Social Tensions?
The killing of Nahel Mehzuk, a 17-year-old French-Algerian delivery driver during a traffic stop by French police has led to widespread protests in France. For many, taking to the streets is an expression of frustration and anger over injustices such as racism and inequality. Whilst for others it's a case of immigrants not adopting French values. In this podcast we sit down with Al-Ameer who was b
Q&A - Your Questions Answered
We asked you on a number of platforms for your questions on geopolitics. We gathered these together and put them to geopolity founder Adnan Khan.0.52 - Why are relations being normalised with Al-Assad4:18 - What does Erdogan's recent electoral victory mean for Turkey's future 7:01 - What is the current status in Pakistan between the army and Imran Khan9:12 - Tensions have broken out between the Ta
The Coup is Over: Is Putin in Trouble?
The events of the weekend in Russia could have been a plot from a Russian drama. A rogue soldier withdraws his units and leaves the battlefront in order to carry out a coup. He takes over a key base in Southern Russia which is essential for the war in Ukraine and whilst this is all going on, Moscow is put under high alert for a potential coup. And as we approached the climax of the plot an agreeme
Turkey Elections
On May 14, Turkish voters will go to the polls to elect a new president and parliament in what is one of the most important elections of 2023. According to the latest polling, Turkey’s united opposition poses an unprecedented challenge to Erdogan’s rule. Is this the end of Erdogan or will he pull out another ace card?
20th Anniversary of the Iraq War
20 years ago in March 2003, the US launched an invasion of Iraq, promising to end the rule of President Saddam Hussein and destroy alleged weapons of mass destruction in the oil-rich country. Today, 20 years on, Saddam Hussain is gone, 200,000 Iraqis lost their lives and the country remains deeply scarred, the economy is devastated and the government is marred with sectarian battles. America's re
The Geopolitics of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has recently been in the headlines with its normalisation with Iran. Named after the tribe that came to dominate the Hijaz. Successive Saudi Kings have navigated the Kingdom through the discovery of oil, the Cold War and 9/11. Saudi faces many challenges going forward much like its history
Making Sense of the World
How do we make sense of the world? There is so much going on at any given time, what are the building blocks of geopolitics and how do we make sense of them. In this series of podcasts, we begin with looking at the how to do this.
The Geopolitics of Germany
Germany today is the industrial powerhouse of Europe, sitting at the centre of the continent. But its had difficult relations with many of its neighbours leading to devastating wars. In this podcast our Europe analyst Massihollah Rohparwar, who is based in Hamburg outlines the geopolitics of Germany.
The Ukraine War, One Year On
The 24th February marks the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The conflict looks very far from ending anytime soon and a Russian victory that everyone was expecting didn't come to pass. There hasn't been a nuclear war yet or WW3 but all the major powers are involved in different ways. In this podcast we asses where the war stands after one year
The Geopolitics of Nigeria
Nigeria goes to the polls on the 25th February 2023 to elect the President, Vice President, Senate and House representatives. The West African nation has for long been seen as a developing nation which led Goldman Sachs to label the African nation as one of the MINT nations in 2014 who along with Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey have the potential in the long term to move up the economic ladder and be
Pakistan Economy on the Edge of Collapse
Pakistan faces a perfect storm as numerous crises have all converged at the same time. From spiralling inflation to the national debt, Pakistan is fast approaching a national meltdown. Pakistan's rulers are busy trying to show the IMF they are worthy of a bailout as her usual lenders in the Gulf as well as China have had enough bailing out the South Asian nation. Is Pakistan about to become a fail
Tensions in the Balkans
Recently there was a standoff on the Kosovo-Serbia border. This was after Kosovo ordered drivers to surrender their Serbian-issued licence plates and replace them with Kosovo plates. Serbs living in northern Kosovo started erecting barricades and Kosovo residents confronted them. A traffic jam ensued, and so did a small shootout. The shooting has now died down but the threats have continued. A sho
The Geopolitics of France
The French emerged at the centre of Europe becoming the first nation to embrace liberal values on the continent. In time France become a global power establishing colonies and spreading French culture and values. But the French have struggled after two world wars with Germany to maintain a leading position in the world with many questioning the future of France as a power in the world.
2023
As 2023 fast approaches Geopolity looks at some of the key issues that are likely to take place as well as some of the major events that will shape the year.
Preview: Strategic Estimate 2023
Yusuf Chaudhry previews the forthcoming annual geopolity report, Strategic Estimate 2023.
Making Sense of Pakistan's Turbulent Politics
Pakistan’s turbulent politics recently saw former Prime Minister Imran Khan survive an assassination attempt. Khan is trying to force elections after being ousted in a vote of no confidence and after falling out with the nation's army chief. Pakistan has always been an enigma in South Asia, always teetering on the verge of collapse as its politics seesaws violently. With such an instable political
The Geopolitics of America
The United States began as 13 rebellious colonies on the Eastern edge of the North American continent and in time it would emerge the global superpower. Despite establishing a global order after WW2 and emerging victorious in the Cold War in the 21st century the US faces numerous challenges in maintaining its position at the top of the premier league of nations.
Iranian Rage Against the Regime
At least 35 people have been killed in the worst unrest in Iran for years. Protests have spread throughout the country after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was arrested by Iran's morality police for allegedly breaking headscarf rules. Masha Amini eventually died whilst in police custody. Her death resulted in a series of large-scale protests across the country and garnered international attention. The Cl
Germany at Geopolitical Crossroads
For a long time, Germany was able to outsource its security to the US. This allowed Germany to pursue economic and industrial development, not needing to invest in a large defence industry. With the fall of the Berlin wall unified Germany found a reliable and stable supply of energy from Russia and over the decades Germany became reliant on Russian gas and oil. Whilst this three-way marriage worke
Where Does the Ukraine War Stand After 6 Months?
Six months ago Russian forces began a full scale invasion of Ukraine. The world watched in horror as Russian forces bombed Ukraine’s cities and swallowed up territory. But the war didn't go according to Russian plans. Ukraine's Capital held out and Ukrainian forces caused significant problems for Russia. The economic war also expanded as Russia was kicked out of the global financial messaging ser
One Year After the Fall of Kabul
On 15th of August 2022, it will be one year since the fall of the Kabul government and America's departure from Afghanistan. We all remember the images from the airport as western nations abandoned Afghanistan. The Taliban inherited a country suffering from the scars of a decades long occupation and faced major challenges in solving some of the nations key issues. In this podcast we look at how th
The Geopolitics of Britain
When it was an empire, Britain ruled over 25% of the world. But since World War II, its position has slowly declined and today Britain is trying to forge a new position for itself in the world. But it faces immense challenges in achieving this.
Hindu Lives Matter?
In this podcast Shabih - Ul- Hassan breaks down what exactly Hindu nationalism is and how Hindutva found fertile ground in India. We explore what this means for the worlds largest democracy and what it also means for minorities across India.
The Geopolitics of China
Not a day goes by without China making some headlines. Whether it is its space ambitions, its aircraft carriers, its artificial intelligence (AI) developments, infrastructure, railways, new cities or its cyber capabilities - the world cannot get enough of China. Continuing with our series on the geopolitics of the worlds key nations, in this podcast we look at China’s geopolitics
Is Egypt on the Brink?
In this podcast we sit down with Geopolity analyst Shezad Choudhry, who just returned from Egypt. He highlights the political situation in the country, the state of the economy and where things are heading.
The Geopolitics of Russia
Russia described its invasion of Ukraine as a strategic necessary due to the existential threat the Eurasian nation faced. Russia’s indefensibility has been a key feature of the huge nation throughout its history as its been invaded multiple times. In this first episode in the series looking at the geopolitics of the worlds key nations, we look at Russia’s eternal geopolitics.
Where Now for Pakistan?
In a last-ditch effort to save his faltering premiership Pakistan prime minister, Imran Khan has called for the national assembly to be dissolved foiling an attempt by the opposition to remove him from office. Imran Khan came to power four years ago in atmosphere of euphoria, but 4 years on things have not gone according to plan and the opposition has jumped at the opportunity to remove him from o
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