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Intelligence Squared

The World in 2025 with Robert Kaplan: Finding A Way Through Permanent Crisis (Part One)

Apr 6, 2025
Join Robert Kaplan, a geopolitical expert and bestselling author, as he dives into the turbulent global landscape of 2025. He draws parallels between today's crises and the Weimar Republic, emphasizing the need for order amidst chaos. Kaplan explores technology's dual role in exacerbating conflicts and the fragility of democracy. He also discusses America’s influence on global stability, scrutinizing NATO’s role and the fragility of modern autocracies like Russia and China. With keen insights, he suggests that historic liberalism may be key to navigating the future.
39:13

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Kaplan emphasizes that today's global crises, driven by technology, are interlinked, suggesting that local issues can escalate into worldwide challenges.
  • The comparison to the Weimar Republic highlights the fragility of democracies today, warning that historical lessons are crucial for navigating current political instability.

Deep dives

The Rise of Permanent Crisis

The concept of a 'permanent crisis' is examined, emphasizing how interconnected global issues are heightened by technology. Crises in one region can trigger emotional and political reactions across the globe, affecting societies like never before. The rapid spread of information accelerates these reactions, making the response to crises both immediate and pronounced. This interconnectedness suggests that the challenges faced today are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, ongoing global dilemma.

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