Today, we're releasing a special episode from the Moment of Zen podcast where Rudyard was the featured guest along with hosts Erik Torenberg and Dan Romero. They discuss his analysis of potential future global events, such as an American civil war and a revolution in China, considering economic conditions, demographics, and societal behaviors.
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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RELATED CHANNELS:
Subscribe to Moment of Zen: https://www.youtube.com/@MomentofZenPodcast
History 102: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj
Subscribe to WhatifAltHist: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatifAltHist
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FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@dwr (Dan)
@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
@TurpentineMedia
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BOOKS CITED:
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
Who We Are and How We Got Here: Ancient DNA and the New Science of the Human Past by David Reich
The Coming Caesars by Amaury De Riencourt
The Eye of Shiva: Eastern Mysticism and Science by Amaury De Riencourt
Bulfinch's Mythology - All Three Volumes - The Age of Fable, The Age of Chivalry, and Legends of Charlemagne by Thomas Bulfinch
Dune by Frank Herbert
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(01:29) Rudyard and Dan's Approach to History
(03:39) Alt History
(10:05) Modern Civilization and Historical Patterns
(17:40) Sponsor: Turpentine | Babbel
(19:00) Possibility of a Civil War?
(40:27) Political Crisis and the Split of States
(42:27) Power of American National Guards
(44:23) Dependence of States on Federal Funding
(44:50) Economic Divide in America
(45:20) Struggles of Average Americans
(47:16) Insane Minorities in Civil Wars
(48:12) Power of Elites in Conflicts
(48:53) Potential for a Competent Trump-like Populist
(01:03:16) The Future of China and Its Potential Revolution
(01:15:45) Wrap
