The More Freedom Foundation Podcast

Rob and Ruairi delve into the profound influence of Big Tech, examining how these corporate giants have become the vanguards of U.S. empire in the digital age. As technology continues to reshape our world, Rod and Ruairi explore the ways in which companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple wield immense power, both domestically and globally. From their pivotal roles in shaping public discou...

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is somehow still in power six years later. In this episode of the More Freedom Foundation podcast, hosts Rob and Ruairi delve into the intricate and multifaceted crisis unfolding in Ethiopia, covering both the chaotic pre-Ahmed and apocalyptic Ahmed periods. Ethiopia is grappling with a range of interconnected issues, from political unrest and ethnic tensio...

Does the US Navy really protect the world's shipping lanes? There is surprisingly little support for this oft repeated justification for more ship building. In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation podcast, hosted by Rob and Ruairi. Join us as we navigate the complex currents of maritime security, examining the question: Is the US Navy's size justified for policing ocean-going trade,...

In this episode of the More Freedom Foundation Podcast, Rob and Ruairi discuss Brett McGurk’s role in the Middle East and how his actions have been detrimental to the region. They delve into the reasons behind his rise to power and the mystifying fact that he has been allowed to continue his disastrous influence on the Middle East after guiding a solid decade of failure. Tune in to hear their insi...

Operation 1027 has gotten Western Media pretty excited about opposition success in Myanmar's war. In this episode of the More Freedom Foundation Podcast, Rob and Ruairi throw a little cold water on that by discussing the current political situation. They delve into the history of Myanmar (also known as Burma), the recent military coup, and the protests that have erupted across the country. The...

The More Freedom Foundation Podcast , hosted by Rob and Ruairi, takes a retrospective look at  Dmitry Medvedev’s 2023 Predictions . In this episode, they discuss and mock the hard to believe predictions by the Russian official. Whether it’s serious or tongue-in-cheek, they delve into Medvedev’s insights and explore their implications. Tune in to unravel these... intriguing predictions. ⁠⁠⁠ Patreon...

In this episode, Rob and Ruairi discuss Venezuela’s vote to claim sovereignty over a large part of Guyana. The disputed territory of Essequibo is larger than Greece, rich in minerals, and boasts off-shore oil in massive quantities. The Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, is developing plans to formalize the annexation of Essequibo, a resource-rich region. Guyana considers the referendum a threat...

In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation, Rob and Ruairi delve into the recent missile attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea and how they could be disastrous for Yemen. The Houthis, the de facto government of Yemen, have been attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea, prompting international shipping companies to reroute their vessels to avoid the risk of being struck. The US has deployed...

In this episode of the More Freedom Foundation podcast, Rob and Ruairi discuss the  decline of US power  and how it has been  exaggerated . They explore a few of the many, many factors that contribute to the US’s continued dominance, such as its military and economic power, and how these factors have helped the country maintain its position as a global superpower. Brief dives into topics as divers...

In this episode, Rob and Ruairi discuss Argentinian history and their newly elected president, Javier Milei. Milei is a far-right economist who has proposed reducing the functions of the state to a minimum and placing his trust in the market alone to solve Argentina’s problems through the development of trade and exports, As well as a smorgasbord of other outlandish policies that may or may not he...

So WTF is the deal with US national Debt? Are Republicans completely insane to (claim to) be so worried about it? How should we feel about the debt ceiling? In an era where economic uncertainties loom large, understanding the intricacies of this fiscal challenge is more crucial than ever. In this episode, our dynamic duo sheds light on the history of the US national debt, its implications for the...

In this episode of the Rob and Ruairi dive into Joe Biden's recent op-ed and they are not amused. Biden attempts to make some kind of unified narrative out of US foreign policy in Gaza and Ukraine and it does not work. It won't save Ukraine or bring peace between Israelis and Palestinians. We give the piece a close reading, and ask the bigger questions it raises about Biden's leadershi...

In this episode, Rob and Ruairi discuss the brilliant new book, “Underground Empire: How America Weaponized the World Economy” by Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman. The book explores how humdrum aspects of the post-Cold War economy have become realms of subterfuge and coercion. The authors argue that the US has weaponized the global economy through finance, telecommunications and other means to ach...

In this episode of the More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Rob and Ruairi delve into the complexities of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict that erupted on October 7, 2023. Analyzing the roots of the conflict, they explore the multi-pronged invasion by Hamas militants into southern Israel, triggering a relentless aerial bombardment campaign by the Israeli military on Gazan targets. As the toll r...

In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, your hosts Rob and Ruairi continue to rip apart an outrageous article by former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, recently published in Foreign Affairs. Gates argues for a more assertive stance against China and Russia, advocating increased military spending and a return to a Cold War-era bipartisan approach. Join us as we scrutinize Gates&#...

In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Rob and Ruairi take on a formidable opponent: Robert Gates. The former Secretary of Defense has recently penned an article in Foreign Affairs advocating for increased military spending and a more aggressive stance towards China and Russia. But is this really the best course of action for America? Join us as we fail to get past the secon...

In this episode, hosts Rob and Ruair take a deep dive into the world of Vienna's housing, exploring the secrets behind its stunning beauty and remarkable affordability and how New York City is an outlier in America. What makes this Austrian city's housing model so exceptional, and how can the United States and other nations follow in its footsteps? Discover the careful balance of aesthetic...

Time is not on Palestine's side. Join Rob and Ruairi they step beyond the headlines to talk about Israel-Palestine conflict in its broader historical and geopolitical context. The Palestinians cause has always been able to rely on the solidarity of the Global South in the Post-Colonial era. But is that Post-Colonial era ending? As we leave the 20th century behind, Israel continues to consolida...

Join Rob and Ruairi on this episode of the More Freedom Foundation Podcast as they dive into the complex legacy of Xi Jinping's leadership in China. From rising hopes to dashed expectations, explore the reasons why Xi's tenure as the General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of China has left many observers feeling disappointed. From concerns about human rights and censorship...

This one is pretty depressing. Nagorno-Karabakh has fallen to Azerbaijan. More quickly than most expected. Tens of thousands of Armenians are leaving their homes behind. More quickly than most expected. Today we go beyond the cartoonish way this is being covered elsewhere to explore the historical context, recent developments, and the various geopolitical forces at play in this conflict-ridden reg...

For years now, accelerating after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, folks have been getting excited about the BRICS organization. Well today, the More Freedom Foundation Podcast delivers our verdict. BRICS? It's a bit iffy. Get ready to explore the BRICS grouping – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – and unravel the layers of disappointment surrounding its potential challenge to A...

Today we dive into the legacies of two iconic American presidents, FDR and Woodrow Wilson. Each president's era was different, but the faced similar challenges and similar opportunities. We believe Wilson was a missed chance for America and the world, while FDR seized the moment and left a lasting impact that benefited both. Listen to this xplore the complexities of these presidential legacies...

With today's episode we cover the remarkable life and legacy of Major General Smedley D. Butler, one of the most decorated Marines in U.S. history. Join us as we discuss how Smedley Butler's illustrious military service, including two Medals of Honor, was just the beginning of his story. We explore his transformation from a warrior to a passionate advocate for peace, as he courageously exp...

In this episode of the More Freedom Foundation Podcast, join hosts Rob and Ruairi as they delve into the thought-provoking book 'Against the Grain – A Deep History of the Earliest States' by James C. Scott. Explore the fascinating world of early human societies, the rise of states, and the profound insights offered by Scott's work. Discover how this groundbreaking book challenges conve...

Today we dive in on one of one the most charismatic and influential figures in recent political history, Barack Obama. Looking at the current political scene, with both political parties captured by geriatrics, it's very easy to get nostalgic about our first black president. As we journey through the legacy of Barack Obama's presidency, we'll examine the key moments, policies, and chal...