Podcast Summary: De 7 blikt vooruit: Buitenland in 2026

Host: Bert Rymen (De Tijd)
Air Date: December 31, 2025
Theme: This episode of De 7 looks ahead to global affairs in 2026, focusing on major geopolitical challenges and predictions, including the aftermath of U.S. elections, the ongoing wars and peace efforts worldwide, European resilience, and "outrageous predictions" for what the year might hold.

Episode Overview

In this special edition, Bert Rymen and a panel of guests analyze the international outlook for 2026. They revisit ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, discuss sweeping political changes—especially in the United States following a contentious election year—and provide bold forecasts about global politics, technology, and society.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Wars and Reshaping of Global Power

• The episode opens with a review of ongoing and recently ended conflicts: Ukraine, Gaza, and the looming potential crisis in Taiwan.

• [01:39] Donald Trump makes a prominent appearance in discussion, presenting himself as the great peacemaker and strength-restorer in global affairs.

  • Notable quote:

    "We have brought more positive change than any administration in American history. There's never been anything like it [...] I've settled eight wars in 10 months, destroyed the Iran nuclear threat and ended the war in Gaza."
    — Trump impression/soundbite (01:39)

• [12:17] A European perspective directly references the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a wake-up call and a challenge for Europe to meet:

  • Notable quote:

    "Yesterday's peace is gone in February. My fellow Europeans, this is Europe's moment and Europe will rise to it. Thank you very much and long live Europe."
    — European voice (12:17)

2. America in 2026: Trumpism and Political Realignment

• A major segment assesses Donald Trump’s return to office and its profound implications for both the U.S. and the world.

• Discussion of economic policy touts rapid recovery and an impending boom:

  • Notable quote:

    "I am bringing those high prices down and bringing them down very fast. We're poised for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen."
    — Trump impression/soundbite (06:35)

• [08:43] The conversation shifts to polarization and extremes taking over both main political parties, referencing figures like Gavin Newsom and radical elements on both sides.

• The 2026 midterms and projects like "Project 25" are discussed as attempts to fundamentally reshape American democracy.

  • Project 2025 and "the Amrikanz democr" are mentioned as key dynamics in U.S. political transformation.
  • [11:50] A guest cynically calls it an "American Dream."

3. Europe's Response and Strategic Role

• Europe’s reaction to U.S. shifts and Russian aggression is a central thread.
• [16:11] The EU’s strengthening position in the face of Trump’s tariff threats and Russia’s unpredictability is emphasized, with a call for unity and resilience.

4. Middle East Tensions and Prospects for Peace

• [18:14] An Israeli perspective expresses skepticism about a sustainable peace:
  • Notable quote:

    "We didn't fight this horrible fight to have Hamas stay in Gaza and threaten us again and again and again."
    — Israeli voice (18:14)

• This is contrasted with Trump's claim to have finally brought peace to the Middle East:
  • Notable quote:

    "I've ended the war in Gaza bringing for the first time in 3,000 years peace to the Middle east."
    — Trump impression/soundbite (18:43)

5. Europe’s Political Landscape and "Outrageous Predictions"

• French and German politics are discussed regarding the rise of radical and fringe movements.
• [25:41] The segment on "Outrageous predictions" considers speculative forecasts from Saxo Bank about political fragmentation, the rise of social media-driven politics, and the destabilization of traditional parties:
  • Notable insight:

    "Complete sort of echt mahleg. What is Juli Heopolitike? Outrageous prediction for 2017." (25:41)

6. Theory, Speculation, and Tension for 2026

• The episode wraps up with panelists pondering "Make America great again," the shadow of past scandals (like the Epstein files), and the unpredictable nature of international politics for the year ahead.
• The question, "What will 2026 bring?" remains largely speculative, with agreement on increased volatility and continued disruption.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On American exceptionalism:

  "Trump. The son so called. The shining city on the hill."
  — Panelist (03:11)

• On radicalization in politics:

  "That is who the Democrat is that's taking over: the radical Trump and radical links. Gavin Newsom, Democrats, Democrats for terms in."
  — Panelist (08:43)

• On European resolve:

  "Thank you very much and long live Europe."
  — European voice (12:17)

• On the Middle East:

  "We didn't fight this horrible fight to have Hamas stay in Gaza and threaten us again and again and again."
  — Israeli perspective (18:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:39-03:11 — Trump’s "state of the union" victory lap and claims
• 06:35-08:43 — U.S. economic visions and political extremes
• 12:17-16:11 — Europe's wake-up call and assertion of unity
• 18:14-19:44 — Competing narratives on post-Gaza peace
• 25:41-28:23 — "Outrageous predictions" and European political disruption

Final Reflection

The episode offers a rapid-fire tour of the world’s most pressing challenges heading into 2026, blending fact, expert conjecture, and political rhetoric. Drawing on American, European, and Middle Eastern voices, the panel captures the uncertainty, polarization, and high stakes of the current global moment—leaving the listener alert to both opportunities and risks on the horizon.