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.
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 Syria
In 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
In this episode, host Robert & Ruairi explore the mounting crises facing Russia as it barrels toward an increasingly unsustainable future. No matter what happens in Ukraine, historical perspective points to catastrophic geopolitical failure. With a dwindling population and severe manpower shortages—both on the battlefield and across its domestic economy—Russia’s war machine is running out of fuel. We dive into how the shift to a full war economy and financial sleight of hand may have bought the Kremlin time, but not solutions. From demographic collapse to economic dead ends, we unpack why Russia’s long-term prospects look darker than ever. Tune in for a sobering yet vital analysis of a country cornered by its own choices.
In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, Rob dives into the explosive Oval Office meeting between Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa — a meeting that quickly went off-script. Trump blindsided Ramaphosa with a video montage promoting the long-debunked myth of a “white genocide” in South Africa, reigniting a narrative that’s equal parts conspiratorial and politically charged.
But what's really happening in South Africa?
Robert cuts through the misinformation to examine the true state of land reform, crime, and race politics in the country. We unpack the historical roots of South Africa’s land ownership imbalance, why the white genocide myth persists in U.S. right-wing circles, and whether redistributing white-owned farmland is a necessary step toward justice — or a dangerous oversimplification.
Is Trump’s outrage genuine, strategic, or just performative? And how did Ramaphosa — nicknamed “Cupcake” — manage to stay composed while being ambushed with propaganda in the White House?
This episode is a deep dive into post-colonial power dynamics, international political theater, and the limits of U.S. moral authority.
In this episode, Robert Morris traces the deep historical roots of the India-Pakistan conflict—going all the way back to the Mughal Empire. We explore how centuries of empire, colonization, and partition laid the groundwork for one of the world’s most volatile rivalries. From the fall of the Mughals to British rule, from independence to the nuclear age, we unpack how history still shapes the geopolitics of South Asia today. As tensions flare once again, we confront the sobering reality of what’s at stake—and why avoiding nuclear war must remain a global priority.
Yes, it may come with a few jets, a couple of shiny golf courses, and the occasional whispered deal in Oman — but the results are real.
We look at how Trump, despite his bombast and love for the military, called off a brutal U.S. bombing campaign in Yemen that was burning through money and munitions with no end in sight.
And there's more. In Syria, reports suggest that under-the-table Gulf money might be flowing into reconstruction efforts — possibly encouraged by a quiet green light from the former president. A post-Assad Syria may be emerging, not through regime change wars, but through realpolitik and backdoor diplomacy.
In short, while Trump’s motives might not be noble — and the methods may be murky — we argue that his instinct to end conflicts, rather than escalate them, deserves serious attention. Could it be that the man most feared for his impulsiveness is also the one who’s done the most to walk the U.S. away from endless wars?
Tune in for a provocative discussion on power, peace, and the surprising limits of empire.
In this week’s episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi McElhone dive into the political disarray facing the Democratic Party in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s second presidency. With the GOP coalescing around a strongman and the Democrats struggling to define a coherent vision, we ask: What does the future hold for America’s center-left? Why does the Democratic leadership seem so directionless, and where are the voices offering a real alternative? Join us as we dissect the current state of U.S. politics and explore whether the Democrats can find their footing — or if they're destined to drift further into irrelevance.
In this lively episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Rob and Ruairi dive deep into the polarizing world of Elon Musk. Rob, fresh off reading Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson, comes to the table with a newfound mix of admiration and concern for one of the most powerful figures in tech and geopolitics. A long-time follower and investor in Musk's ventures, Rob now sees the man in a more nuanced—and perhaps unsettling—light. Meanwhile, Ruairi brings a healthy dose of skepticism, challenging the mythos surrounding Musk and questioning his broader influence.
Together, they explore Musk’s towering presence in sectors like EVs, social media, and above all, space—highlighting just how critical SpaceX has become to U.S. government operations and national security. Is Musk a visionary savior, a dangerous monopolist, or both?
Tune in for a spirited debate filled with sharp insights, unexpected agreement, and a deeper look at the man reshaping our future—for better or worse.
In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert and Ruairi take a closer look at the world of Karl Marx — the revolutionary thinker whose ideas continue to shape politics today. Drawing heavily from Edmund Wilson’s classic work To the Finland Station, we explore the political, social, and intellectual landscape of the 19th century that gave rise to Marx’s philosophy.
What challenges did Marx face during his lifetime? How did the revolutionary spirit of the era influence his thinking? And how do the conditions of his time compare to the world we live in now? Join us as we break down the historical context behind one of history’s most important (and controversial) figures.
Tune in for sharp analysis, lively discussion, and a fresh perspective on a towering mind—only on The More Freedom Foundation Podcast.
Rob and Ruairi unpack the chaos of Donald Trump’s second-term trade policy. With a new wave of confusing and self-defeating tariffs, the administration claims it's putting America first—but the real result is economic damage and a weaker global standing. We break down who’s getting hurt, why these policies make little strategic sense, and how they reflect a deeper misunderstanding of global trade. Join us for a sharp, no-nonsense look at how bluster is once again beating substance in Trump’s Washington.
In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi return to David McDowall’s A Modern History of the Kurds—this time exploring the past century. From the post-World War I era to the present day, we trace the Kurds’ ongoing struggle for autonomy amidst shifting alliances, brutal repression, and repeated betrayals by global powers. How have Kurdish movements evolved in Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran? What role has Western intervention played—often disastrously—in shaping their fate? Join us as we unpack the modern history of a stateless nation caught at the crossroads of empire and resistance.
Rob and Ruairi delve into the recent controversy surrounding the Trump administration's use of the encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive military operations in Yemen. We'll explore how senior officials inadvertently included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a group chat detailing upcoming airstrikes against Houthi militants, leading to widespread criticism and legal scrutiny. What does this incident reveal about the administration's approach to operational security and transparency? Join us as we analyze the implications of this communication mishap on U.S. foreign policy and the broader Middle East landscape.
In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi dive into the state of free speech in America, focusing on the growing controversy surrounding discussions about Israel. As protests and debates intensify on college campuses, we examine how Columbia University seems to be bending to political pressure—particularly from Donald Trump—when it comes to restricting speech on this issue. Are universities still champions of open dialogue, or are they caving to external demands? Join us as we break down the latest developments and what they mean for the future of free expression.
In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi McElhone dive deep into the complex and often overlooked history of the Kurdish people. Using David McDowall’s A Modern History of the Kurds as a key reference, they explore the struggles, resilience, and geopolitical challenges faced by one of the world’s largest stateless nations.
From the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the present-day fight for autonomy, we break down the key events that have shaped Kurdish identity and politics. How have foreign powers influenced Kurdish aspirations? What does the future hold for Kurdistan? Join us for a fascinating discussion that connects history to today’s political landscape.
Tune in for thought-provoking insights, historical deep dives, and engaging political analysis—only on The More Freedom Foundation Podcast.
