HomeReality Check

Reality Check

Putin vs. Political Apathy

For someone running virtually unopposed, he’s stumping awfully hard.

Is Turkey Going It Alone in the Middle East?

Ankara is tired of subordinating its interests to Washington’s.

Trump’s Korea Move

The elimination of the threat of war, if it can be guaranteed, might be enough.

Why Indonesia Doesn’t Choose Sides

Jakarta is pursuing what it characterizes as “strategic equidistance” between China and the U.S.

South America’s ‘Pink Tide’ in Transition

The recession of this left-leaning stance is to be expected.

North Korea: Negotiating on Its Own Terms

Pyongyang says it’s willing to denuclearize, but is it sincere?

Italy Bucks the EU, Tries on Populism, Approaches Political Deadlock

The results are in. The establishment lost.

Trade War and the Correlation of Forces

Using a model for analyzing military conflicts, we weigh the cost of a trade war to the U.S. and to its trading partners.

In Brazil, the Government Walks a Fine Line With Military Deployment

Putting the military in charge of security in Rio de Janeiro stirs memories of the country’s years of military rule.

Saudi Arabia on the Sidelines

The kingdom is a spectator watching Iran, Turkey, Israel, Russia and the U.S. compete to reshape the region.

China: Herding Rivals and Rhinos

Socio-economic and political factors fuel Xi’s quest for power.

After the Olympics, the Chinese Reach Out

Once the guarantor of South Korea’s security, the U.S. now looks like the greatest threat to it.

Latest Posts

Get Geopolitical Futures FREE newsletter

Understanding Our Geopolitical Model

Sign up now and receive our special report Understanding our Geopolitical Model

Get weekly analysis from New York Times bestselling author George Friedman and our global team of analysts, plus special offers.

Subscribe Now


The World Explained in Maps

FREE with an annual subscription to Geopolitical Futures.

Subscribe Now