Astropolitcs with Tony Silberfeld

The Transponder podcast explores how global forces shape international relations, democratic institutions, economics and daily life. Hosted by Bertelsmann Foundation's Director of Documentaries, Dr. Samuel George, the show blends field reporting with clear, grounded analysis to help listeners make sense of a noisy world. The Transponder launches with a deep dive into the geopolitics of outer space, where competition between nations and private companies is rapidly reshaping life on Earth. Host Samuel George speaks with film maker and Director of Transatlantic Relations Tony Silberfeld about the new cosmic arena that now defines communication, navigation, defense and global power. From Cold War rivalries to today's crowded low-Earth orbit, they explore shifting alliances, the rise of China as a space superpower, the explosive growth of private actors like SpaceX and the risks posed by debris and potential conflict on the moon. Drawing on Tony's feauture documentary Astropolitics the conversation connects historical analogies- from 15th century exploration to the Panama Canal-to the urgent questions of sovereignty, resources, governance, and security that now animate the final frontier.