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.
158 Episodes
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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
In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, Robert Morris and Ruairi dive into Venezuela’s recent history, exploring how Hugo Chávez’s extraordinary luck with record-high oil prices shaped perceptions of his leadership—and why Nicolás Maduro has struggled by comparison. We also unpack why U.S. hostility often backfires, strengthening authoritarian leaders by giving them a convenient enemy to rally against. Plus, we make the case for why any talk of an American invasion of Venezuela is both dangerous and counterproductive.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In the 150th episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi take on your biggest political questions. From U.S. foreign policy to global affairs, we dive into the issues shaping our world today. This special Q&A episode covers international politics, current events, and listener questions, with a few behind-the-scenes insights into how the podcast is made.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this episode, we dive into the protests in Indonesia — but really, that’s just our way into a much bigger conversation. Indonesia is one of the world’s true giants: the fourth most populous country, sprawling across thousands of islands, sitting at the crossroads of Asia and the Pacific. And yet, despite its size, history, and global importance, Indonesia is too often ignored in international discussions. We explore why this "forgotten colossus" matters, how its politics and geography shape the world, and why paying attention to it is long overdue.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this week’s episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi take a hard look at the many layers of Trump’s corruption. From shady crypto scams to using the official White House website to push his personal merchandise, Trump consistently blurred the line between public service and private profit.But this isn’t just about one man’s grift. We dig into the role of short-sighted oligarchs — in the U.S. and abroad — who built the environment that allowed Trump’s corruption to thrive. Their greed and willingness to put profit above principle created fertile ground for authoritarianism, and we’re still dealing with the consequences today.If you want a clear-eyed breakdown of Trump’s corruption and the system that made it possible, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
On this episode of The More Freedom Foundation, Robert Morris and Ruairi dive into the intriguing journey of Zohran Mamdani as he sets his sights on becoming Mayor of New York City. We explore the trials, tribulations, and political hurdles he may face along the way, and what his candidacy could mean for the future of the Democratic Party. Could Mamdani’s vision spark a transformation reminiscent of FDR’s progressive era? Tune in for a deep dive into the shifting political landscape, strategic challenges, and the potential ripple effects of a new kind of leadership in one of America’s most influential cities.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this episode, we dive into the recent flare-up between Cambodia and Thailand. What sparked the tension? How serious was the risk of escalation? And, most importantly, what does the apparent resolution mean for both countries and the region going forward?Rob and Ruairi break down the historical context, the political dynamics at play, and why these disputes matter beyond Southeast Asia. While the situation seems calm for now, we explore whether this peace is built to last—or just a pause before the next round of conflict.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this week’s episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Rob Morris and Ruairi explore how Donald Trump’s policies and political choices have shaped the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Does his policy mark a break from Biden's policies, or an intensification? We break down the ways Trump’s approach has undermined prospects for peace and contributed to worsening conditions on the ground. This is a deep dive into the ripple effects of American foreign policy, why they matter now more than ever, and what they mean for the future of the region.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this episode we attempt to rewrite the conventional script of modern history. Rather than centering the West, we explore how the true story of the 20th and 21st centuries is the re-emergence of India and China—two ancient civilizations whose influence was temporarily eclipsed, but never extinguished.We begin with the 19th-century collapses: the 1857 rebellion and the British Raj's imposition on India, and the devastating Second Opium War in China. From there, we trace how both countries clawed their way back to autonomy and global relevance, culminating in the true milestones of the 1940s: Indian independence and the Chinese revolution—far more consequential long-term than even World War II.We then shift focus to the real Cold War story: the global wave of decolonization and independence movements. Finally, we discuss what this historical lens means for today and tomorrow. U.S. foreign policy, we argue, should drop the Cold War legacy framing and instead focus on the delicate, critical act of balancing China and India—while cultivating strong, respectful relationships with the rest of the world.This episode challenges dominant narratives and proposes a new framework for understanding global power in the 21st century.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
This week, Rob and Ruairi talk about the growing contention between Syria and Israel over the Druze — a mysterious religious and ethnic group that has managed to maintain its unique identity for over a millennium. Found primarily in Syria, Israel, and Lebanon, the Druze challenge many Western assumptions about the Middle East and Muslim-majority countries.We explore:🔹 Who the Druze are and what makes their faith and community so distinctive🔹 How their survival over centuries upends simplistic narratives about the region🔹 The strategic role the Druze play in Israel’s politics and Syria’s civil war🔹 Whether Israel is seeking to exploit Druze communities in a post-Assad SyriaIn a region defined by sectarian conflict and shifting alliances, the Druze story is one of resilience, adaptability, and, perhaps, manipulation. This episode will leave you questioning much of what you thought you knew about the Middle East.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
Was the Italian Renaissance really a “Golden Age”? And if so, would anyone living through it have actually noticed? In this week’s episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, Robert Morris dives deep into the myths and realities of history's most romanticized era. Inspired by Ada Palmer’s Inventing the Renaissance: Myths of a Golden Age, Rob shares his growing fascination with the period—and why Palmer’s perspective has reshaped how he sees it.We also contrast that thoughtful take with William Manchester’s A World Lit Only by Fire, a bestselling but quite crap take on the Middle Ages and Renaissance that Rob feels misses the mark. From artistic masterpieces and humanist philosophy to the messier truths of war, plague, and inequality, we explore what makes a “Golden Age” in the first place—and whether the glow comes from hindsight more than history.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this sobering episode, Rob and Ruairi dive deep into the recent passage of what’s been dubbed “The One Big Beautiful Bill” by the Trump administration. While it’s being celebrated in certain circles as a win for national security and economic growth, we see it for what it truly is: a massive handout to the military-industrial complex at the direct expense of everyday Americans.We break down how this bill reallocates public money—slashing support for social programs, education, and basic services while pouring billions into defense contractors and expanding agencies like ICE. What does this mean for the average American? What are the long-term consequences for liberty, justice, and democracy? And why does this keep happening?Join us as we unpack the politics behind the bill, the media narratives surrounding it, and what it reveals about the state of the U.S. government today.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In a surprisingly acrimonious interview, Tucker Carlson took Senator Ted Cruz to task over his unwavering support for Israel and broader U.S. interventionist policies. On this episode of the More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi unpack one of the more illuminating media moments of the second Trump administration.As Carlson challenges Cruz on foreign policy, we dive deep into a growing rhetorical movement within Trump’s base—voters and influencers who claim to be firmly anti-war, pro-peace, and skeptical of costly U.S. entanglements abroad. From Ukraine to Israel to the rising drumbeat for war with Iran, many America First conservatives claim that they are rejecting the neoconservative legacy in favor of restraint and realism.Whether you're disillusioned by endless wars or intrigued by the ideological realignment that might be happening on the American Right, this episode offers critical insights into the future of U.S. foreign policy.Subscribe to the More Freedom Foundation Podcast for weekly deep dives on foreign policy, media, and the new political landscape reshaping America.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this urgent episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Rob and Ruairi dive into the global implications of the recent Israel-Iran war. As tensions explode in the Middle East, we explore how this conflict could spell disaster for global nuclear non-proliferation efforts. Could Iran now see nuclear weapons as the only path to ensuring its future security? What does this mean for U.S. foreign policy, regional stability, and the global arms race?We break down the geopolitics, the historical context, and the dangerous incentives wars like this create for states feeling cornered. If you're interested in Middle East policy, nuclear non-proliferation, U.S.-Iran relations, or the future of international diplomacy, this is a must-listen episode.
Hosted by Robert Morris and Ruairi McElhone, The More Freedom Foundation Podcast cuts through the noise to bring sharp, insightful takes on global politics. Each week, we dive deep into the stories behind the headlines—unpacking the forces shaping our world with clarity, context, and just enough irreverence to keep it real.In this week’s episode, we turn our focus to Mali—a key battleground in the shifting power dynamics of the Sahel region. Russia’s ambitions in West Africa are faltering, and the Wagner-backed presence isn’t turning the tide as expected. Could JNIM (Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin) take control of northern Mali? Why is Russia struggling? And what does it mean for the region, the West, and the wider geopolitical chessboard?Whether you’re a policy wonk, a global affairs enthusiast, or just tired of shallow takes on complex issues, this is your podcast.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
In this episode of the More Freedom Foundation Podcast, Rob takes Ruairi on a deep dive into the dark underbelly of U.S. immigration policy. While America has long benefited from the labor and vulnerability of immigrants, Rob argues that recent decades have seen this exploitation become more organized—and more brutal. From decades of systemic neglect to the rise of ICE and the hardline policies of the Trump era, the conversation explores how a broken system reached its boiling point.Is this just the latest chapter in a long history, or a dangerous turning point? Tune in to find out.PatreonWebsiteBooksTwitterTikTok
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