As 2025 comes to a close, Ryan Fugit and former senior intelligence officer Glenn Corn sit down for a wide-ranging, no-spin assessment of the global security landscape—and what lies ahead in 2026.
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In this year-end episode of the Restricted Handling podcast, Ryan and Glenn break down the most consequential geopolitical developments of the past year, from the grinding war in Ukraine to rising pressure on Taiwan, instability across the Middle East, and growing uncertainty in Europe, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere.
The conversation opens with Russia’s war in Ukraine, examining staggering casualty figures, the toll on Russia’s economy, and the political calculations shaping negotiations. They analyze President Putin’s year-end address, Zelensky’s engagement with President Trump, and whether a ceasefire or peace agreement is realistically within reach in 2026.
From there, the discussion expands globally. China’s posture toward Taiwan, psychological pressure campaigns, and the quiet but critical semiconductor race are unpacked in detail. Ryan and Glenn explore Iran’s internal unrest, protests, and the possibility—however uncertain—of regime change. They also examine Syria, Gaza, Lebanon, Venezuela, and underreported regions like the Arctic, Africa, and North Korea’s expanding role alongside Russia.
One of the most powerful segments highlights individuals showing extraordinary courage under authoritarian regimes—from Russian anti-war activists and lawyers to Chinese and Hong Kong dissidents risking imprisonment to speak the truth. These stories underscore the human cost behind geopolitical headlines and why these struggles matter far beyond their borders.
The episode also reflects on 2025’s biggest surprises, disappointments, and under-the-radar developments—including the transformation of modern warfare through drones and AI, shifting U.S.–Europe relations, and the rise of economic and commercial diplomacy as a core tool of statecraft.
They close with practical advice for policymakers, lessons learned from decades of intelligence and diplomacy, and personal reflections on leadership, service, and resilience.
If you want sober analysis, insider perspective, and a clear-eyed view of where the world is heading—this is a must-watch conversation.
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💬 Drop your questions and predictions for 2026 in the comments.
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 – Intro
2:00 – Russia, Ukraine & the State of the War
6:45 – Who Actually Plans U.S. Strategy on Russia & Iran?
10:00 – China, Taiwan & the Psychological Battlefield
14:30 – Europe, NATO & Fracturing Alliances
18:55 – Courage Under Authoritarian Regimes (Russia & China)
24:50 – 2026 Predictions: Ukraine, Venezuela, NATO & Markets
30:20 – Final Takeaways, Resolutions & What Comes Next
Glenn Corn
Institute of World Politics – Faculty Profilehttps://www.iwp.edu/faculty/glenn-corn/
Great South Bay Inc.https://greatsouthbayinc.com/