Ep. 64 - U.S. Midterm Elections

Ross Hill and Dr. Treston Wheat assess the unexpectedly large Democratic gains in the midterms and what the result signals about economic dissatisfaction, voter dealignment, and the limits of polling. They explore possible consequences for Trump’s domestic and foreign policy, state-level regulation of technology and infrastructure, and the strategic choices both parties face heading toward 2028.

Ross Hill and Dr. Tristan Wheat forecast the US midterm elections. They cover why Democrats are favored, how oil prices and the economy are shaping the vote, and what a flipped House and Congress would mean for policy.

This week we explain why strategic forecasting is a top business exposure for 2027: companies need to connect geopolitical trends to long-range goals, rather than react to every headline. They discuss how to filter signals, recognize when events are not relevant, improve analysis, and use forecasting methods to guide decisions on risks and opportunities.

In this episode, Ross Hill and Dr. Trestan Wheat explore the evolving landscape of geopolitical risks, narrative warfare, and the importance of advanced intelligence analysis for corporations navigating complex global environments.

Part II of our Top Ten Geopolitical Risks for Businesses in 2027 explores the evolving landscape of geopolitics, technology, and supply chains, emphasizing AI's role in power dynamics and infrastructure competition.Reports referenced in this episode:2027.insightforward.co.ukAI is creating a new balance of power https://insightforward.substack.com/p/ai-is-creating-a-new-balance-of-power?r=5lx1dgWho sets the speed of AI https://insightforward.substack.com/p/who-sets-the-speed-of-ai?r=5lx1dg

Part one of this year's Top Ten Geopolitical Risks for Business in 2027.We explore the evolving landscape of geopolitics and its integration into business strategy. Ross Hill and Dr. Treston Wheat discuss how companies must adapt to geopolitical exposures, the importance of geostrategy, and the systemic nature of current global risks.Read the report here: Top Ten Geopolitical Risks for Business in 2027 | Insight Forward

This episode explores the evolving dynamics of US-China relations, the concept of Thucydides Trap, and the potential flashpoints for conflict such as Taiwan. We analyze historical analogies, strategic differences, and the future of global power competition.Key topicsThucydides Trap and its relevance to US-China relationsHistorical analogies of great power conflictsChina's strategy for avoiding conflict and seeking primacyThe significance of Taiwan in US-China tensionsThe impact of demographic and economic factors on China's military capabilitiesChina's approach to multilateral institutions and international normsThe role of middle powers and regional actors in the emerging multipolar worldPotential indicators of conflict escalation or de-escalation

In this episode, Ross Hill and Dr. Treston Wheat analyze the upcoming US-China summit, exploring the shifting landscape of global power, legitimacy in international order, and the strategic moves of middle powers amid rising multipolarity.The topic of this week's episode is covered in more depth in our Strategic Memo from 17 September 2026 - read it for free here https://insightforward.substack.com/p/strategic-memo-06e?r=5lx1dg

In this episode, Ross Hill and Dr. Treston Wheat explore the future of conservative and populist ideologies across Europe and America, analyzing recent elections, political shifts, and the impact of populist storytelling on policy and public perception.

In this episode, Ross Hill and Dr. Treston Wheat analyze the current state of the United States' geopolitical and economic landscape, focusing on debt, trade wars, and long-term risks for businesses. They explore how US policies and global shifts impact international relations and business strategies.