

Ep 119. The Danger of Complete Anarchy with Robert Kaplan
6 snips May 20, 2025
Robert Kaplan, a New York Times bestselling author known for his influential views on global crises, joins the conversation. He examines the rise of populism and the decline of institutions, drawing eerie parallels between historical events and today's political landscape. Kaplan highlights the significance of constitutional monarchies for stability and critiques military readiness in Europe. He shares insights on how societal disorder can lead to extreme tyranny, urging a return to expert guidance for navigating current global challenges.
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Episode notes
Order Precedes Freedom
- The rise of tyranny often follows extreme periods of disorder, as seen in Weimar Germany's collapse.
- Kaplan stresses that order must exist before true freedom can be realized in society.
Globalization Fueled Populism
- Globalization divided populations into globalized elites and left-behind working classes, fueling populist backlashes like Trump's rise.
- Economic changes and job losses hit large swaths of Americans, driving resentment and political upheaval.
Cold War End Hurt Institutions
- The end of the Cold War led to leadership and institutional decline in the U.S., weakening effective policymaking.
- Strong institutions and serious leadership, like during the Cold War era, are required to tackle complex challenges.