On the Fringe

In this episode of On The Fringe, Gav and Dave dig into the sudden collapse of the Board of Peace, because nothing says “stable international order” like an institution quietly disappearing mid-crisis.

We trace how internal fractures, economic short-falls, and a complete inability to enforce its own mandates turned what was supposed to be a conflict-dampening mechanism into just another casualty of the current geopolitical moment.

There will be knock-on effects cutting through regional alignments and the already frayed idea that anyone at the top is actually planning anything.

Does the Board of Peace have a chance despite being on life support? Let us know what you think!

Here’s a hot tip on the next big thing—prediction markets!

This week, Polymarket and Kalshi are going to court in California to find out whether or not the federal government or individual states have jurisdiction over them….and Donald Trump Jr. (a prominent investor/advisor to both and an actual board member of Kalshi) finds out whether or not he’s hit the jackpot.

This ruling will affect national security concerns, sports, celebrities, elections, and other events, big and small, worldwide. How do governments try to figure out how to regulate betting on whether the sun comes up tomorrow? We don’t know—and if you have any ideas, shoot us an email!

As always, thanks for listening! All the best from both of us On the Fringe,

Gav and Dave

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When you see something online, do you honestly think it is genuine or has your best interest at heart?

In this episode, Dave and Gavin talk with Braden Frame, COO of Modern Cartographers based out of Austin. Braden is a medically retired firefighter and expert digital literacy educator who helps communities across the country stay safe and improve communication, among other things. In the chat, we navigate the landscape of how social media has changed in the last few years and can be leveraged to strengthen campaigns and communities.

We also dive into how we as average users of the internet can make a difference in our lives when we use AI positively as a tool to find solutions, not as the solution.

We end the podcast with a reminder from Braden that you don't want to miss.

www.moderncartographers.com

Meet Braden here

If you'd like to join us On the Fringe, shoot us an email at [email protected]

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The podcast, title, and description weren’t AI generated.

For roughly 6 weeks, Afghanistan and Pakistan have been fighting a hot war that has received very little coverage. Yet the ongoing conflict is impacting (and being impacted by) the Middle East and South Asia. We have been following it—and have even made episodes about it that we planned to release—but shelved them because they were stale by the release date.

This is a quick update about the last few weeks (and before) in that part of the world, two main causes of the war, and who is stepping up to quell the fighting.

If you learned something, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share. We really appreciate it!

Take care from both of us On the Fringe,

Dave and Gavin

A belated Eid Mubarak, Happy Easter, and Happy Passover to all. The last three weeks have come at a very sensitive time for hundreds of millions of people in the Middle East. Despite all of the differences, many still find faith as a cornerstone of their lives, especially when all looks lost.

Regardless of what you believe, let’s all keep hope close and remember the night is darkest just before dawn.

All the best from both of us On the Fringe,

Dave and Gavin

Dave and Gav take apart the rise of prediction markets during wartime, where financial bets and gambling compulsions are on a collision with real-world violence…and reality.

With the ongoing Iran conflict, they examine how millions of dollars are being wagered on strikes, leadership challenges, and ceasefires, turning war into a tradable asset for the masses.

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, or share. We truly appreciate it!

This week, Gav and Dave, joined by guest Leo Andolsek take a wide-angle view of the Balkans. Leo cuts through the noise in modern media to unpack the layered history, cultures, and persistent tensions of this fascinating corner of Europe.

Our chat connects the past and present in plain terms, winding through the rise and collapse of Yugoslavia and tiptoeing past the fault lines that still define relations between its successor states. Expect a focus on how historical memories, complex dynamics, and transcending nationalism shape all of these countries today.

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share the podcast. We appreciate it!

The map of the Balkans in the top right corner was made by ImStevan and can be found on Wikimedia here:

In this episode, Dave and Gavin talk to old friend of the pod, Stuart Bolus, about the state of West Africa and how it got to where it is today. In this wide ranging conversation, we talk about the economic crisis underpinning the jihadi violence tearing the Sahel apart, the colonial problems that lead to this, and how that economic crisis coincides with larger social and demographic problems that will continue to make West Africa a region to watch for a long, long time. We also make light of the plight of the humble yam farmer, for which we apologize.

Stuart’s insight was featured on Season 2, Episode 39: The man of the hour in West Africa.

The map of Africa in the corner of the cover art was made by Sannita and is available here on Wikimedia. No changes were made. The giant yam in the cover art was made by Muktee1494 and is available here on Wikimedia. No changes were made.

If you enjoyed the podcast, help us out and leave a comment or restack it. Thank you!

The Gulf States (from east to west: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar UAE, Oman) are at the center of an accelerating confrontation between the US and Israel, and Iran. Iran is forcing their hand to end their longstanding neutrality and to choose a side. Which side will they choose?

In this episode, Gavin and Dave take a hard look at the region that is drifting into a conflict cycle that neither side fully controls. They talk about the security architecture of the individual GCC states, Tehran’s strategy of escalation and asymmetric warfare, and the affects of political and economic constraints in capitals like Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Further, dive into how limited disruption around the Strait of Hormuz reverberates throughout the global economy, and will for a long long time.

Also, I (Dave) made a mistake--I said the Spratly Islands and should have said the Senkaku Islands.

The Board of Peace held its 2026 annual meeting in Washington, DC, gaining capital commitments and additional members.

During the meeting, five member countries on the Board of Peace (Indonesia, Morocco, Albania, Kosovo, and Kazakhstan) have all pledged to send troops to the Gaza Strip. In this episode, Gavin and Dave dive into why these countries intend to commit troops to the International Stabilization Force, their motivations for joining, and immediate challenges the peacekeeping force will face.

Most notably, we discuss why rules of engagement will be critical to the stability of Gaza, and why a general lack of transparency will likely handicap any real attempt to bring peace to Gaza.

Can these five countries, likely led by Indonesia achieve long lasting peace?

Let us know what you think!

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All the best from both of us,

Dave and Gavin