The Global Gambit

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 complexities of Trump's foreign policy towards China. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements and the need for the US to navigate its alliances and economic policies carefully.

Chris Fenton is a U.S.–China expert, author, and former Hollywood executive who led major film collaborations between the two countries and now advises on geopolitics, business, and media strategy.

Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin

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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, they could lead to significant long-term challenges, including supply chain disruptions, increased prices for consumers, and weakened alliances with traditional partners. The discussion emphasises the interconnectedness of economic policies and global power dynamics.

Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin

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• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/

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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 return to power, the ongoing US-China strategic competition, the autocratic relations involving Russia and Iran, the rise of political violence and extremism, and the increasing risks associated with technology and AI. Each of these themes is explored in depth, highlighting the interconnectedness of global events and the potential consequences for international stability.

Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin

• X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit
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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 institutions. The conversation also explores North Korea’s expanding involvement in the war in Ukraine, China’s geopolitical manoeuvring, and what these developments mean for the future of U.S.–South Korea relations and security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula.

Ankit Panda is the Stanton Senior Fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, specialising in East Asian security, nuclear strategy, and U.S. foreign policy toward the Koreas.

Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin

• X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit
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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, Homs, and Hama, and the surprising absence of intervention from Assad’s key allies, Russia and Iran. The conversation also explores the roles of Kurdish forces, Turkish-backed rebels, and the potential impact of an incoming Trump presidency on Syria’s future and broader Middle East stability.

Wladimir van Wilgenburg is a journalist and analyst specialising in Kurdish and Middle Eastern affairs, with a focus on Syria, Iraq, and regional conflict dynamics.

Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin

• X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit
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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 growing friction with NATO and shifting U.S. leadership. The conversation also explores the prospects for democratic change, the role of Russian nationalism, and the West’s ability to shape societal trends within Russia.

Marlène Laruelle is a research professor at George Washington University and an expert on Russian ideology, nationalism, and authoritarianism in the post-Soviet space.

Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin

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• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/

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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 NATO, and the technological adaptations in warfare. The discussion also touches on the involvement of North Korea and China, as well as the complacency of European nations in responding to the threat posed by Russia.

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Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin

• X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/

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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 President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu, and explore the UN’s role in addressing humanitarian crises and global conflicts. Gowan reflects on the limitations of the General Assembly, the pressures facing Guterres, and the uncertain future of multilateral diplomacy in a fractured international landscape.

Richard Gowan is the UN Director at the International Crisis Group, where he analyses the United Nations’ role in global conflict resolution, diplomacy, and multilateral policy.

Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin

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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 international relations including role of NATO and the concerns of Russia regarding its expansion.

The principal themes discussed in the conversation include the challenges faced by NATO in satisfying Putin, the impact of events like the Kosovo War and the Orange Revolution on Russia's perception of the West, the importance of self-determination, the role of international law and norms, the rise of China as a global power, the complexities of the Russia-China relationship, and the need for the West to be aware of its limitations and engage in honest conversations about trade-offs.

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Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin

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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 UK that controls too strategic military bases, prospects of reunification or any change remain low.

I am joined by fellow YouTuber James Ker-Lindsay, and expert of Cyprus to cover this forgotten crisis and example of how complex geopolitics can be. We debate how Greek vs Turkish Cypriots differ in their feelings over separation, how the island has involved in the past decades, the roles of Britain, Greece, and Turkey especially, and why a 'two-state solution' may be more likely than reunification.

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Please leave the show a rating - its quick, easy and free to do, but helps me out tremendously.

Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin

• X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit
• Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theglobalgambit

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