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Making Sense with Sam Harris

#393 — Is History Repeating Itself?

Nov 26, 2024
Simon Sebag Montefiore, a renowned historian focused on Russian and Middle Eastern history, joins Sam Harris to discuss pressing geopolitical issues. They explore the unsettling parallels between history and today's events, especially post-9/11. Montefiore sheds light on the significance of Jerusalem and the interplay between faith and conflict. The conversation also addresses the fragility of liberal democracies in light of rising global antisemitism and internal crises, urging a deeper understanding of historical patterns and their contemporary relevance.
38:15

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The historian's insights on the collapse of the Soviet Union illuminate how historical events shape contemporary geopolitical dynamics and tensions.
  • The ongoing conflict in Jerusalem highlights the fragility of peace at the intersection of faith and identity among major world religions.

Deep dives

The Importance of Historical Perspective

The historian's firsthand experience during the disintegration of the Soviet Union plays a crucial role in understanding contemporary global dynamics. Witnessing an empire's collapse provides unique insights into how political forces shape societies and historical narratives. This perspective is especially relevant today, given the ongoing tumultuous events worldwide, including the war in Ukraine and the complex situation in the Middle East. The connection between past and present highlights how significant historical moments can reverberate through time, influencing current geopolitical tensions.

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