The More Freedom Foundation Podcast
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© Rob Morris
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The More Freedom Foundation is trying to save the world every week.
We’re at an odd point in history. We could be on the cusp of a new Golden Age, or we could be marching down the path to World War III. Despite the picture presented by most of our media, the world really is in great shape. The world is governed by US power and a set of institutions that have largely succeeded in bringing about unparalleled peace and prosperity. The only country strong enough to tear down this Pax Americana is the US itself.
We’re at an odd point in history. We could be on the cusp of a new Golden Age, or we could be marching down the path to World War III. Despite the picture presented by most of our media, the world really is in great shape. The world is governed by US power and a set of institutions that have largely succeeded in bringing about unparalleled peace and prosperity. The only country strong enough to tear down this Pax Americana is the US itself.
173 Episodes
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In this special episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, host Rob Morris welcomes back Sean McFadden for a wide-ranging and provocative discussion that begins with Afghanistan—and what it reveals about the failures of modern geopolitical thinking.Using Afghanistan as a real-world case study, they explore how outdated theories from figures like Halford Mackinder continue to be treated as authoritative despite being repeatedly disproven by history. The conversation expands to examine what the British Empire misunderstood, what the United States is getting wrong today, and how the European Union continues to operate under flawed strategic assumptions.This episode challenges long-held orthodoxies and asks why discredited ideas still shape policy—and what the cost is when history’s lessons are ignored.SubstackPatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
Rob & Ruairi explore one of the Middle East’s most complex and under-examined geopolitical questions: what is Saudi Arabia really trying to achieve in southern Yemen — and what does it mean for the rest of the region?As Riyadh shifts from years of direct military intervention toward political influence, reconstruction, and regional diplomacy, the focus is increasingly on southern Yemen. We examine Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen the internationally recognised Yemeni government, counter southern separatism, and manage growing competition with the UAE — all while the north remains firmly under Houthi control, backed by Iran.Crucially, the discussion asks how these southern moves affect Houthi-controlled Yemen and the wider war. With Saudi Arabia and Iran cautiously improving relations, could de-escalation between the two regional rivals reduce the conflict’s intensity? And might diplomacy, rather than proxy warfare, finally create space for a more stable and unified Yemen?
In this double-bill episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Rob Morris and Ruairi examine two unfolding crises in the Middle East. First, they discuss the protests in Iran, questioning whether a change in government alone can resolve the country’s deep-rooted political, economic, and social challenges. In the second half, the focus turns to the Kurds in Syria, exploring the increasingly bleak future they face amid shifting alliances, regional instability, and international indifference. A wide-ranging conversation on power, protest, and the limits of political change.SubstackPatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
Rob Morris and Ruairi explore the shifting balance of global power and what it means for Europe’s future. Rob argues that the European Union is falling behind the United States economically, politically, and strategically, and questions whether continued alignment with America truly serves Europe’s long-term interests. The conversation dives into sovereignty, independence, and whether Europe should consider charting its own path in an increasingly divided world.SubstackPatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this 2026 look-ahead episode of the Moore Freedom Foundation Podcast, Rob Morris and Ruairi examine the forces that may shape the year ahead — from inflated AI valuations and the risk of a tech bubble bursting, to Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in AI, sports, and global investment.They question the feasibility of a Winter Olympics in Saudi Arabia, explore shifting power dynamics in the Middle East, and consider how economic uncertainty and geopolitical change could interact in unpredictable ways.A wide-ranging conversation about technology, money, politics, and why 2026 may be more uncertain — and more consequential — than it seems.SubstackPatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, we review some of the major geopolitical events and developments of the year.We discuss U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump, including how the administration approached international conflicts and alliances, and what those decisions meant for global politics. We also look at ongoing crises in Sudan, Venezuela, and Gaza — examining how these situations evolved over the year, what drove them, and how international actors responded.Along the way, we reflect on other themes and stories that came up in our conversations throughout the year, including shifting alliances, regional instability, humanitarian impacts, and the broader direction of global politics.This episode is a chance to step back, review what happened, connect the dots between different regions, and think about how these events fit into the bigger geopolitical picture.SubstackPatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
Tom Gardner, The Economist’s Africa correspondent based in Nairobi and the author of The Abiy Project: God, Power and War in the New Ethiopia. Gardner unpacks the story behind his book, offering deep insight into the rise of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the complex forces of religion, power, nationalism, and conflict shaping modern Ethiopia. Drawing on years of on-the-ground reporting, he explores how hope, ideology, and war collided in one of Africa’s most influential states.Following the interview, Robert is joined by Ruairi for a candid reflection on the conversation—discussing what stood out, what challenged their assumptions, and why Ethiopia’s story matters far beyond its borders.A thoughtful episode on leadership, belief, and the realities of power in contemporary Africa.Show Notes:The Abiy Project: God, Power, and War in the New Ethiopiahttps://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/11/13/ethiopia-is-perilously-close-to-another-warSubstackPatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
JJ McCullough joins the show for a candid conversation about what it’s like on YouTube in today’s media environment. JJ opens up about the growing challenges of making nuanced political and international content on a platform shaped by algorithms, audience polarization, and increasing pressure to simplify complex global issues into click-friendly narratives.Together, we dig into how online incentives shape what viewers hear about foreign policy, why thoughtful geopolitical analysis is harder than ever to sustain, and how creators balance accuracy, audience expectations, and platform constraints. JJ reflects on where discourse breaks down, what still makes the work worthwhile, and how independent media can survive in a climate that often rewards outrage over understanding.A thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at modern political commentary—and a must-listen for anyone interested in geopolitics, media ecosystems, or the realities of explaining the world on the internet.Check out The Morris Doctrine on Substack:https://morrisdoctrine.substack.com/PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
Robert Morris is joined by YouTuber and political commentator JJ McCullough for a lively conversation about Rob’s new Substack and the guiding idea behind The Morris Doctrine:The United States gets weaker every time it uses military force — so it shouldn’t.Rob breaks down why America’s geography, wealth, and security make restraint not just possible but essential. JJ pushes back on parts of the doctrine, offering his own perspective on U.S. power, international responsibility, and where Rob’s argument goes too far. The result is a sharp, engaging debate that digs into what U.S. foreign policy could look like if military action stopped being the default.A must-listen for anyone interested in foreign policy, media narratives, or big-picture arguments about America’s role in the world.https://morrisdoctrine.substack.com/PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this episode, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi dive into a hard truth that history makes impossible to ignore: great powers often drain their own strength through endless, unnecessary wars. Drawing parallels between Britain’s long decline and America’s current global posture, Rob explores his growing concern that the U.S. may be following a similar path—squandering its unmatched potential by pouring resources into military dominance rather than domestic prosperity.Together, the hosts unpack how much better America could be if it focused on strengthening itself at home instead of projecting force abroad. From economic resilience to social wellbeing, they argue that the U.S. has everything it needs to thrive—if only it chose to invest in its people rather than perpetuating global conflict.Thought-provoking, historically grounded, and deeply relevant, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what real national strength looks like—and what America stands to gain by choosing a different path.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
1Foreign Affairs, a supposedly respectable publication, recently published an article entitled “America's Allies Should Go Nuclear” , which argues that U.S. allies like Germany, Japan, or Canada ought to be sold nuclear arsenals. Foreign Affairs+1We dismantle that argument, laying out why proliferating nukes among American-aligned nations would be a reckless misstep — not a “strengthening” of global order but a dangerous gamble with global stability. We explore the risks: undermining treaty frameworks like the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT), increasing nuclear arms races, and making deterrence less predictable and more volatile.Most importantly, we argue that U.S. allies don’t need nuclear weapons — they need a renewed commitment to non-proliferation. Instead of spreading the bomb, let’s spread trust — not knot the world tighter into a nuclear standoff.Tune in for a hard-hitting, no-punches-pulled breakdown of why arguments for “selective proliferation” are dangerously short-sighted.
In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi dive into one of the most misunderstood crises on the global stage — the violence in Nigeria, the claims of a “Christian genocide,” and the speculation that the United States might intervene militarily.We explore how a mix of religious tension, regional insecurity, and government failures have fueled a humanitarian disaster — without fitting neatly into the narrative some Western commentators promote. While we don’t believe a coordinated genocide against Christians is taking place, the situation in Nigeria is undeniably dire, with thousands of civilians — of multiple faiths — suffering from extremist groups, criminal networks, and political corruption.Robert and Ruairi break down:Why some media voices think the U.S. could invade NigeriaHow Nigeria’s internal conflicts actually work on the groundThe role of religion versus economics and powerHow government elites are enriching themselves — including the seizure of national oil wealthWhy a U.S. military intervention is highly unlikely, and what Washington truly wantsThis episode takes a sober, critical look at a humanitarian crisis too often oversimplified for American culture-war politics — and asks what responsible concern for Nigeria should really look like.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this episode, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi break down the latest U.S. election results from Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and beyond — and explore why the night turned out to be a sweeping win for the Democratic Party. But beneath the headlines lies a more complicated question: What direction is the party really heading?With the election of candidates like former CIA officer Abigail Spanberger, the Democrats appear to be consolidating gains not by shifting left, as figures like Zohran Mamdani might hope, but by embracing a more centrist, national-security-friendly identity — a posture that aligns closer to Pentagon priorities than democratic-socialist ambitions.Robert and Ruairi look at the electoral data, the policy rhetoric, and the factions within the party to ask:Are Democrats rejecting the progressive wing, or just recalibrating?What do these victories mean for the party’s future strategy?And is the Biden-era coalition holding — or hardening?It’s a deep dive into ideology, power, and the future of American politics — one that challenges assumptions about what voters really want.
Big Tech is merging with the Military-Industrial Complex — and we’re calling it “Murder Voltron.” Robert Morris and Ruairi break down how Silicon Valley giants like Palantir are driving the new AI arms race, the “beat China” narrative, and what this tech–military merger means for privacy, power, and the future of freedom.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
Sudan’s brutal civil war is a catastrophe that has destroyed lives and threatens to tear the nation in two. Last week it got much worse. While the conflict is complex, one fact is clear: the United Arab Emirates has played a major role in fueling and prolonging the violence. By backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia now ruling through fear and massacre, the UAE has helped entrench one of the most violent regimes on earth.But this isn’t a story with heroes. The opposing faction, though slightly less horrific and marginally more capable of governing, has also committed serious abuses. Robert and Ruairi unpack how both sides’ brutality, combined with cynical foreign interference, has created a tragedy that shows no sign of ending.If you care about global politics, accountability, and how money and power shape the world’s forgotten wars — this episode is for you.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
We use the recent cease-fire between Afghanistan and Pakistan as an opportunity to explore how Afghanistan has changed in the four years since the U.S. withdrawal. They discuss the Taliban’s evolving role as a governing force, shifting regional power dynamics, and the complex relationship between Kabul and Islamabad.The conversation also highlights a surprising development — tourism in Afghanistan has been quietly but steadily increasing, nearly doubling each year since the withdrawal, reflecting both changing perceptions and the country’s efforts to re-engage with the outside world.Drawing inspiration from the International Crisis Group’s detailed coverage of South Asia, Robert and Ruairí provide context, insight, and a critical look at Afghanistan’s uncertain but fascinating path forward.For further reading, visit the International Crisis Group’s Afghanistan page:👉 https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia-pacific/south-asia/afghanistanPatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi unpack the newly proposed 20-point ceasefire plan for Israel and Gaza — and why they doubt it will hold. Recorded just before news broke that the ceasefire had already been breached, the discussion dives into how U.S. politics, regional alliances, and outside influence from Qatar and Saudi Arabia have shaped this fragile peace.The hosts explore how Trump’s financial ties and political support from Gulf states may have influenced the process — and how the recent attack on Qatar appears to have been the final straw, forcing a shaky ceasefire that’s at least managed to reduce a massive amount of death to a smaller, tragic amount.We also reference a fascinating episode of Chapo Trap House, featuring Ryan Grim and Jeremy Scahill — journalists from one of Rob’s favorite independent outlets, Drop Site News.🎧 Listen to the Chapo Trap House episode here: soundcloud.com/chapo-trap-house/977-the-next-day-feat-ryan-grim-and-jeremy-scahillPatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi unpack the headlines around the new Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defense pact. Some analysts are framing this as the rise of a new anti-American “axis of power,” but is that really the case? Robert breaks down the history of both nations’ deep ties to the United States, the realities of their military cooperation, and why talk of Pakistan deploying nuclear weapons to defend Saudi Arabia doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. This conversation offers a clear-eyed look at geopolitics beyond the hype. PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
We dig into newly leaked emails revealing an unexpected connection between Jeffrey Epstein, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and a Mongolian security deal.What do these documents tell us about Epstein’s international activities, his political connections, and the web of influence stretching from Tel Aviv to Ulaanbaatar? We unpack the revelations reported by Drop Site News, explore the geopolitical context behind Mongolia’s security ambitions, and discuss what this means for understanding the global nature of Epstein’s operations.We also react to a vira post from @worqas on X that frames these revelations in an illuminating way. 🔗 Read the article: Jeffrey Epstein, Ehud Barak, and the Mongolia Security Deal – Drop Site News🐦 Tweet discussed in the show: @worqas on XPatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, Robert Morris and Ruairí dive into Escape from Rome: The Failure of Empire and the Road to Prosperity by Walter Scheidel. Rob, a huge fan of the book, explains Scheidel’s provocative thesis: the fall of the Roman Empire wasn’t a tragedy, but the key that unlocked Europe’s path to innovation, capitalism, and modern prosperity.They explore why Europe’s fragmentation led to competition and freedom, while powerful empires elsewhere — from China to the Middle East — followed very different historical paths. Along the way, they discuss empire, state collapse, economic growth, and what lessons history offers for today’s global order.If you’re interested in Roman history, world history, China’s empire, the rise of Europe, or the roots of modern prosperity, this conversation will give you new insights into how freedom and competition shaped our world.🔗 Escape from Rome (Princeton University Press) — https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691172187/escape-from-romePatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
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