George Friedman is a geopolitical forecaster and author specializing in international relations and global affairs. As the founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures, he provides analysis and predictive insights on global events. His decades of experience in intelligence consulting and publishing give him a distinct perspective on the forces shaping the future.
A Hungarian-born American, Friedman holds a PhD in government from Cornell University. He has a history of successful forecasting, including correctly anticipating Russia’s re-emergence. His career in intelligence and forecasting began with the founding of Stratfor in 1996, where he served as CEO and Chief Intelligence Officer. He resigned from Stratfor in 2015 to establish Geopolitical Futures, an online publication dedicated to providing forward-looking geopolitical analysis.
Friedman is a well-established author with several notable publications. His New York Times bestseller, The Next 100 Years, outlines his long-term predictions for the 21st century, including the decline of China’s economy and political challenges within the EU. In his more recent work, The Storm Before the Calm, he outlines a "crisis decade" for the United States, providing a clear-eyed forecast of upcoming domestic and international challenges. His ability to synthesize complex geopolitical trends into accessible and compelling narratives is a hallmark of his work.
As a speaker, Friedman is frequently sought after by government and military organizations, as well as major media outlets, for his expertise in international affairs. He provides audiences with a strategic overview of the global landscape, offering insights on emerging geopolitical trends, the future of international relations, and how these shifts will impact business and policy. His presentations are a resource for leaders and organizations seeking to understand and prepare for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.