George Friedman is an American political scientist and geopolitical forecaster. He was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1949 to Jewish parents who had survived the Holocaust. In 1956, his family fled communist Hungary for the United States during the Hungarian Revolution 1956.
Friedman received his Bachelor’s degree from City College of New York, where he studied philosophy and history. He went on to receive his Master’s degree from The New School for Social Research, followed by a Ph.D. from Cornell University in Political Science in 1983.
Career
In 1985, Friedman co-founded Stratfor (Strategic Forecasting), a private intelligence organization based out of Austin, Texas. In 1999, he was named the company’s CEO and held that position until his retirement in 2015. Stratfor provides publications on political, economic, and military analysis to its subscribers.
In addition to his work at Stratfor, Friedman has authored several books on geopolitics and forecasting. His first book, “The Next 100 Years” (2009), predicted a series of developments that would occur over the next century with a focus on US-European relations. He followed this up with “Flashpoints: The Emerging Crisis in Europe” (2014). Additionally, Friedman has contributed articles to various publications such as the Wall Street Journal and Foreign Affairs magazine.
Personal Life
Friedman lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Meredith Friedman, a geriatric nurse practitioner. They have two daughters together. He is an avid cyclist and enjoys exploring the outdoors.
Political Views
Friedman is widely known for his realist views on international relations and US foreign policy. He believes that the US should remain engaged in global affairs but also advocate for policies of restraint rather than interventionism. He has been critical of nation-building efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, arguing that they have not produced positive results.
Books by George Friedman
He is the author of the following books:
- The Next 100 Years (2009)
- Flashpoints: The Emerging Crisis in Europe (2014)
- The Storm Before the Calm (2020)
- Unfinished Business: Searching for Stability and Security in a Changing World (2021)
Conclusion
George Friedman is a renowned geopolitical forecaster and a notable figure in the field of political science. His work at Stratfor, as well as his many books, provide readers with an insightful look into the complexities of foreign policy and politics within the United States and abroad. Through his writings and speeches, Friedman continues to shape public opinion on matters related to geopolitics.