Are We Going the Way of the Roman Empire?
Summary
Host Ben Bradford explores whether modern society is collapsing like the Roman Empire, consulting historian Ian Morris and conflict analyst Monty Marshall. They examine how political polarization and external crises create instability, potentially leading to authoritarianism or societal breakdown. The episode also features author Annalee Newitz discussing historical transformations, arguing that while collapse is a risk, resilience and unity can help societies recover.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The Roman Empire refrain and societal anxiety
Rome at its height: Wealth, culture, and the illusion of permanence
The spiral of decline: Pandemics, economic crisis, and fragmentation
Theories of collapse: Internal fragility meets external shocks
Political instability: Polarization and the path to autocracy
Hope for recovery: How societies can avoid total collapse
Case study: The fall of Angkor and urban fragmentation
Conclusion: Finding common ground to prevent our own decline
Outro and credits
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