Who is the man behind the global intelligence firm Stratfor? His name is George Friedman. George Friedman is a political scientist and strategist, and is the founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures.

Born in Hungary in 1949, George Friedman spent his childhood in various countries, including Austria and the United States. His experiences growing up in different places have given him a unique perspective on international relations.

George Friedman’s interest in geopolitics began at an early age. He earned his Ph.D. in government from Cornell University in 1976, and went on to teach political science at Dickinson College, where he became interested in using computers to analyze political data.

In 1996, George Friedman founded Stratfor, which stands for Strategic Forecasting, Inc. The company’s goal is to provide intelligence on international politics, economics, and security issues to businesses, governments, and individuals.

Stratfor’s intelligence reports are highly regarded for their accuracy and insight, and have been used by businesses and governments around the world. George Friedman himself is a frequent guest on news programs and has testified before Congress on matters of national security.

One of George Friedman’s signature ideas is the concept of the “pivot state.” In his book “The Next 100 Years, ” he argues that the power of a country or region hinges on its location and its ability to control key resources. According to Friedman, a “pivot state” is a country that has the ability to control access to key strategic resources, such as energy, food, or water. If a country can control these resources, it can become a powerful player in international politics.

George Friedman’s concept of the “pivot state” has been used by business leaders and policymakers to understand the global economy and make strategic decisions. Friedman’s work has also influenced military strategy, as commanders have used his ideas to plan for future conflicts and threats.

Although George Friedman is highly respected for his work, his ideas are not without controversy. Some critics argue that his theories are too deterministic, and that he underestimates the role of human agency and free will in shaping events.

Despite these criticisms, George Friedman remains one of the most influential thinkers on global politics and economics. His work has helped businesses and governments make strategic decisions, and has shaped our understanding of the world around us.

In addition to his work with Stratfor, George Friedman is also a prolific author. He has written several books, including “The Next 100 Years” and “The Intelligence Edge, ” and has published numerous articles and essays in academic journals and popular magazines.

George Friedman’s work has also earned him a number of awards and honors, including the Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Book of the Year Award in 2012.

George Friedman’s impact on international politics and economics cannot be overstated. His insights and ideas have helped shape the way that governments and businesses make decisions. His work has given us a better understanding of the complex forces that shape our world, and has helped us think more critically about the challenges that lie ahead.

George Friedman is a political scientist and strategist who has had a profound impact on the way that we understand international politics and economics. His concept of the “pivot state” has been used by business leaders and policymakers around the world, and his work has helped shape our understanding of the complex forces that shape our world. George Friedman’s legacy will continue to influence our thinking about global affairs for years to come.