Collapse '25: The Rise of Populism and the Death of the Managerial State with John Michael Greer
Jan 1, 2025
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Join John Michael Greer, a writer and occultist renowned for his insights on collapse and populism. He discusses the rising tide of populism and the decline of the managerial state leading into 2025. Greer analyzes the discontent in Western institutions, particularly in healthcare and governance. He explores the shifting political landscape, questioning outdated left-right labels and examining how bureaucratic failures fuel populism. Additionally, he highlights the alarming birth rate crisis and its implications for economic stability, along with the skills gap affecting critical industries.
The podcast highlights the decline of essential services in the UK, illustrating the broader failure of foundational institutions in Western civilization.
The discussion emphasizes the rise of right-wing populism as a reaction to frustrations with bureaucratic inefficiencies, marking a significant political shift.
A crisis in practical skills within the U.S. education system threatens national resiliency, necessitating a reevaluation of work and training priorities.
Deep dives
Collapse of Western Civilization
The podcast discusses the concerning state of Western civilization, with particular focus on the collapse of essential services in the UK, such as long ambulance wait times and bankrupt councils. It highlights the inability of foundational institutions, including health and education systems, to function effectively. This breakdown reflects a broader trend where societies confront the limits of their structures, suggesting that historical patterns indicate potential for either dramatic decline or revolutionary change. The dialogue suggests that current conditions might be a precursor to significant societal shifts as the public grows increasingly frustrated with failing systems.
Reinvention of National Identity
The conversation explores the evolving character of the United States, particularly its history of reinvention since the New Deal era. This reinvention reflects a longing for an idealized America that has not yet been realized, interpreted as a mix of delusion and aspiration. As the U.S. faces increasing discontent with existing structures, opportunities for political change arise with new leadership promising reform. Such shifts might not fulfill the hopes of all involved, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of America’s ongoing political transformation.
The Resurgence of Populism
The episode examines the undeniable rise of right-wing populism in response to the perceived failures of the bureaucratic managerial state that emerged post-1930s. As everyday citizens experience increasing inefficiencies and frustrations with government bureaucracy, they turn to populist movements as a means of seeking change. This shift aligns with historical predictions about tensions between different governance systems, such as kleptocracy and charismatic leadership. The podcast posits that changes within the political landscape may signal broader societal dissatisfaction that cannot easily be addressed by traditional political methods.
Crisis of Competency and Skills
There is a notable crisis in practical skills and competencies within the United States, fueled by decades of neglect in the education system favoring bureaucratic roles over practical trades. This lack of skilled labor is reflected in industries unable to meet demands, particularly during conflicts such as the Ukraine war. The podcast discusses how this deficit has serious implications for national resiliency and stability as the world economy contracts. The realization that basic skills can't be outsourced highlights an urgent need for a cultural reevaluation of work and education.
Future of Political and Economic Orders
The discussion delves into the fragility of current political and economic systems globally, with particular attention paid to the instability of European nations and the United States. The pervasive decline in birth rates, alongside economic shifts, signals a future where traditional methods of governance and economics might collapse under their unsustainable structures. There is a projection that enduring societal discontent can lead to authoritarianism if governments fail to adapt and respond effectively to the needs of citizens. This environment of unpredictability poses challenges but also opportunities for potential change, significantly impacting future trajectories.