🌍On MoneyFM 89.3’s International News Review, Steve Okun  joins Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen.

Who really controls critical wartime technology? Can energy exports become geopolitical weapons? And is political advertising now the most important battlefield in American democracy?

First, Ukraine says restrictions on Starshield, the military version of Elon Musk's satellite communications network, remain in place despite claims from US President Donald Trump that service has been restored. Ukrainian officials report ongoing disruptions affecting drone operations and battlefield communications, highlighting an uncomfortable reality: what happens when a privately owned technology platform becomes a critical component of modern warfare? The discussion examines the growing influence of tech billionaires in international conflicts and the implications for national sovereignty and military strategy.

Next, Indonesia sends a strong message to its trading partners, warning that it may reconsider energy exports to countries that "disrespect" the nation. While no country was specifically named, Singapore remains one of Indonesia's key natural gas customers. As resource nationalism gains momentum worldwide, Glenn and Steve explore whether this represents a negotiating tactic, a broader geopolitical shift, or a sign that countries rich in natural resources are becoming increasingly willing to leverage energy supplies for strategic influence.

The conversation then shifts to the United States, where billions of dollars are flooding into midterm election advertising. With competitive races in states like Ohio and Texas commanding unprecedented spending levels, are political campaigns becoming contests of ideas or simply contests of resources? Glenn and Steve analyze whether massive advertising spending still changes votes in today's fractured media environment and what these record expenditures reveal about the state of American politics.

And a priceless globe linked to General Dwight Eisenhower, complete with original markings from Eisenhower and General Omar Bradley, was reportedly damaged during an attempted move inside the Pentagon. The historic artifact suffered significant damage after staff lost control of it during relocation.

The irony? A globe representing decades of military history becoming a casualty of bureaucracy, logistics, and perhaps too much enthusiasm for office redecorating.