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.

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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.

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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 Ethiopia

https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/11/13/ethiopia-is-perilously-close-to-another-war

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