The world is currently experiencing a multitude of historic events, from a global pandemic to the confounding invasion of Ukraine, to an ever-increasing rise in climate-related disasters. Here to help us unravel the influence of these events, as well as broader geopolitical trends on innovation, is a critically acclaimed author and geopolitical analyst, Peter Zeihan. His latest book The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization looks into the wave of deglobalization the world is currently experiencing and what this means for the future of energy, finance, manufacturing, and innovation as we move through the coming decades. Today, you’ll hear an overview of Peter’s geopolitical worldview, how he expects deglobalization to affect innovation in the US and abroad, as well as some of the challenges facing green tech and its applications. We also delve into how authoritative governments can limit connection in the modern world, why nuclear power is a necessary part of our global future, as well as the merits and shortcomings of a decentralized currency like Bitcoin.

Key Points from this Episode

• Get to know today’s guest Peter Zeihan, Geopolitical Strategist and author.
• Introducing Peter’s latest book The End of the World is Just the Beginning.
• An overview of deglobalization and depopulation in the context of the last century.
• Peter’s thesis of the macroeconomic and technological impact of the end of deglobalization.
• The types of terrain where autonomous electric trucks will have the biggest impact.
• The countries expected to benefit most from autonomous electric trucks in their supply chain management.
• The three technological revolutions that shifted society’s relationship to its economy and geographic positioning.
• Peter’s expectations around deindustrialization in the next two decades.
• Examples of how authoritative governments can limit global connection with the outside world.
• The challenges of sourcing more raw materials for green energy.
• How green tech is affected by geopolitics.
• Why nuclear power is crucial for the future of global energy.
• Peter’s views on Bitcoin and its shortcomings.