Watch CNBC's full interview with KKR's David Petraeus

In this interview, General David Petraeus discusses the evolving investment landscape in the Gulf region, highlighting KKR's increased activity and the physical transformations in cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He addresses the shift from benign globalization to a multipolar world influenced by geopolitics, the impact of AI on the global order, and the strategic competition between the U.S. and China. Petraeus also shares insights on the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing Russia's vulnerabilities and the potential for a game-changing financial solution for Ukraine. Furthermore, he touches on Syria's reintegration into the global order, advocating for a "don't trust, verify" approach with President Ahmad al-Sharaa, and the complexities of implementing democracy in the Middle East. The conversation concludes with Petraeus's perspective on the U.S.'s national security strategy, stressing the importance of solidifying deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region amid the competition with China.