December Musings and Predictions for 2026

December Musings and Predictions for 2026

Author: TD Securities December 17, 2025 Duration: 43:03
Episode 72 of Geopolitics is a mix of current events and predictions for 2026. Frank discusses the U.S.'s recently released National Security Strategy that some pundits believe is akin to the original Monroe Doctrine published following the American Revolution that aimed to establish U.S. dominance over the Western Hemisphere. After praising outgoing Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman on her retirement announcement, Frank provides advice to the next person in the foxhole for Canada in Washington. He discusses the continued aisle crossings in Ottawa pushing the Liberals near to a majority and reminds listeners that the practice is nothing new in Canada. Before getting to his 2026 predictions, Frank weighs in again on the MTG vs Trump saga and finally whether Indiana's rebuttal of President Trump means the end of gerrymandering…for now. In terms of predictions, you won't want to miss his thoughts on the future of CUSMA, the Trans Mountain Pipeline, the War in Ukraine, and the Mid-term elections in Washington. This podcast was recorded on December 15, 2025 Chapter Headings: 00:43 - The Monroe Doctrine 2.0 07:52 - Advice for the Incoming Ambassador in Washington 12:18 - Another MP Crosses the Aisle 17:12 - MTG Questions Whether Trump is America First 23:09 - The End of Gerrymandering…for Now 26:14 - 2026 Predictions

Each month, Peter Haynes sits down with Frank McKenna for a conversation that cuts through the noise of global headlines. The Geopolitics with Frank McKenna podcast provides a rare perspective, shaped by McKenna’s unique blend of experience as a former Canadian Premier and Ambassador to the U.S., now serving as Deputy Chair at TD Securities. This isn't a theoretical discussion; it's a practical analysis of how international tensions, trade disputes, and shifting alliances directly impact markets and business strategies. You’ll hear nuanced takes on the stories dominating the news, grounded in a deep understanding of both political corridors and boardrooms. Haynes guides these monthly dialogues to unpack complex issues with clarity, making the forces shaping our world accessible and relevant. For anyone looking to comprehend the real-world implications of global power dynamics, this series offers essential listening. The insights throughout this podcast come from a place of firsthand experience, offering listeners a valuable lens on the interconnected nature of policy and finance. Tune in for thoughtful, forward-looking conversations that go beyond the soundbite.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Geopolitics with Frank McKenna
Podcast Episodes
A Turning Point in the War in Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:39
In this episode, Frank discusses the very active calendar of events in the War in Ukraine, Trump's wins and losses in the primaries and the courts respectively, along with recent developments in China as relations with t…
Frank's 2024 Geopolitical Predictions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:21
Back by popular demand, in Episode 48 Frank returns to the predictions game on 10 geopolitical topics important in Canada, the US and around the world in 2024. Topics covered in this predictions episode cover a wide rang…
Ottawa Fighting Battles on Several Flanks in Canada [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:30
In our last episode before the calendar turns to 2024, the conversation begins in Israel where Prime Minister Netanyahu struggles to maintain support for his war against Hamas. Next, we shift to Russia, where President P…
The Political Pendulum Shifts Right [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:41
Episode 46 covers a lot of geography. We start with a review of recent victories by right wing leaders in Argentina and Netherlands, which Frank believes is part of the natural pendulum swinging opposite incumbent center…
The Washington Circus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:19
Episode 45 comes at you straight from TD's 24th Annual Portfolio Management and Market Structure Conference, held November 2nd. Frank is joined on stage by Chris Krueger of TD Cowen's Washington Research Group for a pane…
Unpacking Canada's Diplomatic Row with India [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:59
Frank McKenna, a proud Canadian, shows his true passion for Canada in Episode 44 first defending Canada in its diplomatic dispute with India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar a Canadian Member of the Sikh diaspora…
More of the Same [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:50
Episode 43 is entitled "More of the Same" because Frank returns to common threads from previous episodes namely Trudeau, climate, immigration, war, and Trump. Frank discusses recent meetings with members of the Prime Min…
The Not So Summer Doldrums [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:28
In Episode 42, Frank checks in from his summer location in New Brunswick for a wide ranging discussion on a busy geopolitical calendar. We start close to home with a recap of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent s…
Breaking Down a Russian Coup Attempt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:43
In Episode 41, Frank breaks down the startling developments that unfolded in Russia over the weekend, with the mercenary Russian army known as the Wagner Group apparently turning on President Putin and leading to a near…