Geopolitical Podcast

Around the World with Academy Securities

August 26, 2026
Major General James “Spider” Marks
United States Army (Ret.)
Head of Geopolitical Strategy,
Academy Securities
Lieutenant General Rick Waddell
United States Army (Ret.)
Geopolitical Intelligence Group Member
Academy Securities
Peter Tchir
Head of Macro Strategy
Academy Securities
Maria Donnelly
Associate, Geopolitical Strategy
Academy Securities
Moderator: Bret Lowry
United States Navy Veteran
Managing Director, Head of Special Situations
Academy Securities
Host: Nicholas Carpenito 
United States Air Force Veteran
Vice President, Operations
Academy Securities

Table of Contents

Introduction

U.S. Increases Economic Pressure on Iran

Next Steps with Cuba

Russia/Ukraine War

Potential Trump Meeting with Kim Jong Un

China’s Military Drills Around Taiwan

Macroeconomic Impacts

Conclusion