The Global Gambit

Pyotr S. Kurzin

The Global Gambit (TGG) is the preeminent independent social podcast on geopolitics, foreign policy, macroeconomics and current affairs, involving live, interactive audience participation. Each month, TGG brings you top-tier interviews or panels consisting of policymakers, journalists, or academics covering every region and theme in international relations. Previous guests include experts from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Atlantic Council (AC), Crisis Group (ICG), and Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Support TGG by subscribing as a patron at www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit and receive unique perks insights AND be featured in future episodes. Follow & engage with us on Facebook or Twitter at The Global Gambit. Download Clubhouse to participate in future events.TGG is hosted by Pyotr Kurzin, a geopolitical & UN professional, with an MA from Johns Hopkins University, and whose English-Russian origins make him a product of the Cold War and broader geopolitical events. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit Email: theglobalgambit@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/theglobalgambit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Global-Gambit-102112199163652/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 22 HR AGO

    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 force if conflict was never inevitable? In this episode, Pyotr Kurzin speaks with Con Coughlin, Defence and Foreign Affairs Editor at The Daily Telegraph, to unpack the real strategy behind America’s military pressure on Iran. We explore how Donald Trump is using military leverage to force a new nuclear deal, why Iran’s weakened regional position has shifted the balance, and how Tehran is relying on diplomacy, Russia, and China to survive. This is a conversation about coercion, credibility, and why the most powerful military deployments are often designed not to be used — but to reshape the negotiating table. Chapters 00:00 The Military Buildup and Its Implications 10:01 Iran's Current Position and Internal Dynamics 19:57 The Role of External Influences and Regional Dynamics 29:42 Future Scenarios: Engagement or Conflict? Subscribe to Substack Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin Follow The ShowX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/ Support The ShowPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambitBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theglobalgambit Leave a quick rating—it's free, easy, and honestly, the least you can do after I've blessed your ears with such wisdom. Where would you be without me? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    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 implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They explore insights from the Munich Security Conference, the UK's defence spending, military readiness, and the evolving threat posed by Russia. The conversation also delves into the US-UK defence relationship, public sentiment on military spending, and the challenges facing the UK military in terms of manpower and logistics. As they look ahead, they consider the impact of populism on European defence and the importance of collaboration among European nations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Geopolitics and Defense Dynamics 02:38 Insights from the Munich Security Conference 05:41 Assessing the UK Military's Readiness 08:26 The Threat of Russia and Hybrid Warfare 11:22 UK's Defense Spending and Political Challenges 14:08 The US-UK Defense Relationship 16:43 European Strategic Autonomy and Cooperation 19:36 The Role of Drones in Modern Warfare 22:28 Joint Operations Against ISIS and Future Threats 25:02 The Future of UK Defense and European Relations 28:17 Looking Ahead: Key Global Events and Developments Subscribe to Substack Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin Follow The ShowX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/ Support The ShowPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambitBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theglobalgambit Leave a quick rating—it's free, easy, and honestly, the least you can do after I've blessed your ears with such wisdom. Where would you be without me? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  3. 22 JAN

    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 landscape in Iran and the broader Middle East. They delve into the implications of the recent leadership changes in Iran, particularly following the death of President Raisi, and how this has affected the political dynamics within the country. Parsi emphasizes the incompetence of the previous government and the ongoing protests, highlighting the deep-seated frustrations among the Iranian populace regarding economic mismanagement and political repression. The conversation also touches on the significant internet blackout in Iran, which has hindered communication and information flow, further complicating the situation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Iran's Current Landscape 14:47 Leadership Changes and Public Sentiment 17:44 The Impact of Protests and Government Response 21:45 Internet Shutdown: A Sign of Desperation 24:34 Violence and the Role of the IRGC 27:28 Civil Liberties and Digital Isolation 29:55 Geopolitical Context and Regional Dynamics 37:32 The Future of Iran in a Changing Middle East Subscribe to the YouTube channel and Substack newsletter for more content like this. Subscribe to Substack Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin Follow The ShowX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/ Support The ShowPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambitBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theglobalgambit Leave a quick rating—it's free, easy, and honestly, the least you can do after I've blessed your ears with such wisdom. Where would you be without me? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  4. 05/11/2025

    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 28-point peace plan regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Kurzin expresses skepticism about the plan's legitimacy, noting its repetitive nature and the lack of serious diplomatic engagement. Freedman elaborates on the origins of the plan, highlighting its amateurish drafting and the absence of meaningful discussions between Russia and Ukraine. He critiques the plan's vague language and unrealistic expectations, suggesting that it may not lead to a viable resolution of the ongoing conflict. As the conversation progresses, Freedman discusses the implications of the plan for both Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing the need for a more robust diplomatic framework. He also touches on the current military situation, including the challenges faced by both sides as winter approaches. The episode concludes with a reflection on the broader geopolitical landscape, urging listeners to consider the complexities of international relations and the potential for escalation in the region. Freedman's insights provide a nuanced understanding of the ongoing conflict and the challenges of achieving lasting peace. Subscribe to the YouTube channel and Substack newsletter for the latest content. Subscribe to Substack Read as well as listen as l overthink for you: https://substack.com/@pyotrskurzin Follow The ShowX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKurzin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-TPqKMViddKZeo4K2P2jg/ Support The ShowPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambitBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theglobalgambit Leave a quick rating—it's free, easy, and honestly, the least you can do after I've blessed your ears with such wisdom. Where would you be without me? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

About

The Global Gambit (TGG) is the preeminent independent social podcast on geopolitics, foreign policy, macroeconomics and current affairs, involving live, interactive audience participation. Each month, TGG brings you top-tier interviews or panels consisting of policymakers, journalists, or academics covering every region and theme in international relations. Previous guests include experts from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Atlantic Council (AC), Crisis Group (ICG), and Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Support TGG by subscribing as a patron at www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit and receive unique perks insights AND be featured in future episodes. Follow & engage with us on Facebook or Twitter at The Global Gambit. Download Clubhouse to participate in future events.TGG is hosted by Pyotr Kurzin, a geopolitical & UN professional, with an MA from Johns Hopkins University, and whose English-Russian origins make him a product of the Cold War and broader geopolitical events. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theglobalgambit Email: theglobalgambit@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/theglobalgambit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Global-Gambit-102112199163652/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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