General David Petraeus | Finding Strategy in an Unstable World

How do you navigate a world shaped by war, geopolitical tension and rapid technological change? General David Petraeus shares his perspective on the biggest global challenges facing leaders, investors and governments today, from Ukraine and the Middle East to China, artificial intelligence and the future of American leadership. In this conversation with Peter Mallouk, General Petraeus draws on decades of military, intelligence and global leadership experience to explain how today's geopolitical landscape differs from any point since the Cold War. He discusses the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, China's growing influence, the evolution of modern warfare through drones and AI, and why productivity and innovation remain America's greatest competitive advantages. What You'll Learn ✅ How geopolitical conflicts are reshaping global markets and investment decisions ✅ Why AI, drones and innovation are transforming the future of warfare and business ✅ General Petraeus's outlook on Ukraine, the Middle East, China and global stability ✅ Why productivity, leadership and American innovation remain critical to long-term economic growth Visit PeterMallouk.com for more conversations with world-class leaders, authors and experts on investing, leadership and living a meaningful life. Timestamps (00:00) Strategy in an unstable world (00:42) The new era of global geopolitics (06:06) Ukraine’s future and Russia (13:44) Drones and the future of warfare (19:07) The Middle East and Israel (30:49) From the CIA to Syria (36:27) Why China matters most (44:26) The biggest global risks (47:38) AI, innovation, and productivity (55:13) The case for never betting against America Key Takeaways 🔹 Global investing increasingly requires understanding geopolitics alongside economics. 🔹 Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are reshaping warfare, productivity and global competitiveness. 🔹 Long-term success depends on adapting to rapid geopolitical and technological change. 🔹 America's greatest advantage continues to be innovation, entrepreneurship and its ability to attract exceptional talent. About the Guest General David Petraeus is a retired four-star U.S. Army General, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Partner at KKR, where he leads the firm's Global Institute. Throughout his distinguished military career, he commanded coalition forces during the Iraq Surge and in Afghanistan, helping shape modern counterinsurgency strategy and U.S. military doctrine. Today, General Petraeus advises global businesses, investors and policymakers on geopolitical risk, international security, economic trends and global investment strategy. His work at KKR focuses on helping companies and investors understand how geopolitical developments affect markets, supply chains and long-term investment opportunities. Recognized as one of the world's leading experts on national security and global affairs, General Petraeus frequently speaks on leadership, innovation, artificial intelligence, international relations and the evolving geopolitical landscape shaping the future of business and investing. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpetraeus/ Website: https://www.kkr.com/ Connect with Peter Mallouk Website: Peter Mallouk - President & CEO - Creative Planning X (Twitter): @PeterMallouk LinkedIn: Peter Mallouk on LinkedIn Instagram: @peter_mallouk Facebook: Official Peter Mallouk Follow Creative Planning X (Twitter): @CPIWealth LinkedIn: Creative Planning on LinkedIn Instagram: @creativeplanning_llc Facebook: Creative Planning Facebook Page Browse More Icons and Ideas Episodes YouTube Playlist: Watch the Full Icons and Ideas Playlist Official Website: Icons and Ideas Podcast Check Out Peter’s Other Podcasts Signal or Noise: Watch Signal or Noise on YouTube Down The Middle: Listen to Down The Middle on Spotify