The unforeseen arrangements between China and the Cook Islands have induced greater interest in South Pacific geopolitics than we can ever remember.

How we deal with this surprise confrontation will be fascinating to observe.

One thing is obvious; the Kiwi's “benign strategic environment” has had its feathers ruffled.

In 2019 George Friedman published “The Storm Before The Calm”, which suggested the sort of events we are now experiencing. George Friedman guests on Podcast 273.

And, as ever, we round up with The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz

Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.

Listen here on iHeartRadio



Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

The unforeseen arrangements between China and the Cook Islands have induced greater interest in South Pacific geopolitics than we can ever remember.
How we deal with this surprise confrontation will be fascinating to observe.
One thing is obvious; the Kiwi's “benign strategic environment” has had its feathers ruffled.
In 2019 George Friedman published “The Storm Before The Calm”, which suggested the sort of events we are now experiencing. George Friedman guests on Podcast 273.
And, as ever, we round up with The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.
File your comments and complaints at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="mailto:Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/personal-finance/news/article.cfm?c_id=12&amp;objectid=12148425" target="_blank">Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.</a>
Listen here on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank">iHeartRadio</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank"></a>
Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click <a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795" target="_blank">here</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795?mt=2" target="_blank"></a>

After 33 years behind the Newstalk ZB microphone, Leighton can’t give it up completely. There were so many requests to continue his opinionated commentary that the prospect of podcasting was born.

So, without restriction, Leighton continues to serve up on everything you want to hear about and some things you don’t. Stand by to be enlightened, educated and enraged!

After 33 years behind the Newstalk ZB microphone, Leighton can’t give it up completely. There were so many requests to continue his opinionated commentary that the prospect of podcasting was born. So, without restriction, Leighton continues to serve up on everything you want to hear about and some things you don’t. Stand by to be enlightened, educated and enraged!

After 33 years behind the Newstalk ZB microphone, Leighton can’t give it up completely. There were so many requests to continue his opinionated commentary that the prospect of podcasting was born.

The Leighton Smith Podcast

Leighton Smith Podcast #273 - February 26th 2025 - George Friedman

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ad9af0ea-67a5-4fe4-9719-b290000dd2d7/transcript