The David McWilliams Podcast Petty Lines in the Sand
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Dec 4, 2025 Explore the intriguing economics of borders, tracing their creation from historical conflicts to modern politics. Discover the legacy of William Petty, whose mapping of Ireland transformed land into tradable assets. Delve into the controversies surrounding Herzog Park and examine the complex ties between Ireland and early Israeli figures. The discussion spans from the Sykes-Picot agreement to Cromwell’s impact on Irish history, revealing how precise maps fueled colonialism and shaped global finance.
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Borders Are Often Drawn, Not Discovered
- Colonial borders were often arbitrary straight lines drawn by outsiders rather than organic boundaries.
- David McWilliams links modern conflicts to these imposed cartographic choices that ignored local realities.
Herzog Park Naming Controversy
- David McWilliams recounts the Herzog Park controversy in Dublin over denaming a park.
- He traces local uproar and argues history shouldn't be erased but explained.
Herzogs, Briscoes And Irish–Israeli Links
- David McWilliams tells how Isaac Herzog hid Michael Collins and how the families linked Irish Republicans and Jewish leaders.
- He uses this to explain early Irish–Israeli sympathies and shared guerrilla tactics.