In this episode, we discuss Xi’s upcoming visit to the U.S. next week. Will there be a breakthrough on critical minerals? Is AI regulation on the agenda, and where is the AI race between the two countries heading?

Next, is everything coming up roses for the Far Right in Europe? We examine the far right’s AfD’s victory in local German elections and what it means for the future of Europe.

Finally, oil prices are rising sharply. What is behind the surge? Is there hope on the horizon or are energy markets at a breaking point?

Topics Discussed in this Episode

• Ryan and Anita’s APSA Experience in Boston
• 04:15 - Xi-Trump State visit in DC
• 11: 50 - US-China AI Competition
• 34:20 - AfD victory in Germany and the latest from the Far Right in the EU
• 55:00 - Energy markets at the breaking point?

Articles and Resources Mentioned in Episode

Ryan and Anita’s Research presented at the 2026 American Political Science Conference

• Energy Wars: Geopolitical Power Between the U.S. and China in the Energy Sector

Topic 1: Xi-Trump State visit in DC

• Low Expectations for the Trump-Xi Summit in Washington (China-US Focus)
• China and America are likely to keep the trade peace (The Economist)

Topic 2: US-China AI Competition

• What Anthropic’s C.E.O. Argued in His Call for Slower A.I. Development (NY Times)
• Can the AI arms race be stopped? (The Economist)
• The U.S. and China Want AI Guardrails. But Their Ideas Couldn’t Be More Different. (WSJ)

Topic 3: AfD victory in Germany and the latest from the Far Right in the EU

• The AfD is making the weather in German politics (The Economist)
• Europe’s Far-right summer (Politico)

Topic 4: Energy markets at the breaking point?

• China Stockpiled Oil, and Now It Could Dominate the Energy Landscape (NY Times)

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In this episode, we discuss the new (or not so new) developments in the U.S. war with Iran. Relatedly, we also analyze the U.S.-Israeli divide in formulating a peace deal with Hamas, and the recent emergence of a Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defense alliance.

We then turn to Japan, where the U.S. recently bailed out the Japanese yen amidst Japan’s economic woes. We also examine the almost one-year tenure of Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, and Japan’s shift to the right, particularly in matters of military defense.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

• 1:05 - Anita’s podcast guest appearances
• 3:35 - Iran-US War, Gaza Peace Plan, and Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defense pact
• 39:15 - A New Day in Japan?

Articles and Resources Mentioned in Episode

Anita’s podcast guest appearances

• Polypolitics (‘The Economic Battlefield with Dr. Anita Kellogg’)
• Net Zero Compare (‘Why Geopolitical Risk Now Belongs in Corporate Sustainability Strategy’)
• Invezz (‘Iran conflict is going to be difficult to end, says Dr Anita Kellogg on Zero Sum’)

Topic 1: Iran-US War, Gaza Peace Plan, and Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact

• Iran’s New Grand Strategy (Foreign Affairs)
• How the Axis of Resistance Recovered (Foreign Affairs)
• The War That Could Swallow the World (NYT; David French)
• How long can Iran weaponise Hormuz? (The Economist)

Topic 2: A New Day in Japan?

• When Japan buys yen, it unwinds a dangerous trade (The Economist)
• The Return of Japanese Hard Power (Foreign Affairs)
• Why Antiwar Protesters Are Rallying in Japan (NY Times)

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In this episode, we feature an interview with Sam Erhlich, a manager at McKinsey and Company and a student in my Strategic Materials Industry Study. We discuss why critical minerals are crucial to national security and how best to strengthen the U.S. industry

First, however, we look at the runoff elections in Colombia and what a far-right win would mean for the country and the region.

We next turn to North Korea’s surprising economic trajectory since the pandemic and the latest on its diplomatic efforts.

Ryan updates us on one of his favorite topics— aliens and what—if anything—was actually revealed on “Disclosure Day.”

Topics Discussed in this Episode

• 03:15 - Colombia Elections
• 18:45 - North Korean Economic Resurgence
• 48:25 - Disclosure Day Bust
• 1:03:36 - Interview with Sam Ehrlich on Critical Minerals

Articles and Resources Mentioned in Episode

Topic 1: Colombian Elections

• Abelardo de la Espriella is now the front-runner in Colombia (The Economist)
• Colombia’s far-right presidential candidate De la Espriella wins first round of vote ahead of runoff (The Guardian)
• Who is De la Espriella, the Colombian far right’s presidential candidate? (Justice for Colombia.org)

Topic 2: North Korean Economic Resurgence

• The World’s Most Surprising Economic Success Story Is…North Korea (WSJ)
• A ‘Miraculous Transformation’: How Kim Jong-un Fortified North Korea (NY Times)
• China and Russia are competing for influence over North Korea (The Economist)
• The North Korean Threat with David Maxwell

Topic 3: Disclosure Day Bust

• US DOW UAP Disclosure Site
• I’ve reported on UFO sightings for decades — and come to this conclusion (WaPo)
• The Newly Released Government UFO Archives Will Leave You Shrugging (TWZ)

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• Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com
• Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg
• Anita’s Twitter: @arkellogg
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