Making Sense with Sam Harris

#355 — A Falling World

Feb 21, 2024

In this discussion, geopolitical strategist Peter Zeihan delves into the unraveling world order, highlighting America's declining influence and the shift towards isolationism. He analyzes the implications of Houthi terrorism, the conflict in the Middle East, and the precarious future of Israel. Zeihan also addresses Europe's economic struggles and demographic challenges, particularly with a shrinking workforce. The conversation touches on nuclear risks, the status of U.S. debt, and why Trump may not secure a win in the upcoming election.

48:36

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Episode guests

Peter Zeihan

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Quick takeaways

The unraveling world order raises concerns over America's military decline and global security guarantees.

Global demographic decline poses economic risks due to aging populations and decreasing birth rates.

Deep dives

Isolationist Agenda of the Republican Party

The podcast analyzes the isolationist stance of the Republican Party, highlighting concerns over abdicating US global leadership, supporting dictators, and undermining liberal values. Specific criticisms are directed at figures like Trump and Tucker Carlson for their fondness for autocratic leaders like Putin and the negative impact on democracy.

Evolution of U.S. Post-Cold War Policies and Navy

02:01

Challenges Facing Europe: Energy, Demographics, and Economic System

03:43

Strategies to Counteract Iranian Influence in the Middle East

01:29

Recognizing the Atrocities

01:25

Intro

2min

Analyzing the Embrace of Autocracy and Authoritarian Propaganda

3min

Navigating American Isolationism and Global Dynamics

24min

Economic Dynamics and Regional Tensions in the Middle East

8min

Europe's Economic Challenges

8min

Demographic Shifts: The Impact of Baby Boomer Decline on Global Economy

4min

Sam Harris speaks with Peter Zeihan about the unraveling world order. They discuss the Bretton Woods system, America’s role in securing the global supply chain, the coming end of American security guarantees, the shrinking of the US Navy, Houthi terrorism, deterring Iran, conflict in the Middle East, the future of Israel, the limits of immigration, the demographic pyramid, the demise of Europe, the war in Ukraine, the prospect of nuclear war, demographic collapse in China, loose nukes, America’s relative immunity to the world’s chaos, U.S. debt, the U.S. Southern border and immigration policy, why Trump will not win the 2024 election, and other topics.

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Making Sense with Sam Harris

#355 — A Falling World

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Isolationist Agenda of the Republican Party

European Economic Challenges

Demographic Decline and Economic Implications

Future of Global Powers and Security

Evolution of U.S. Post-Cold War Policies and Navy

Challenges Facing Europe: Energy, Demographics, and Economic System

Strategies to Counteract Iranian Influence in the Middle East

Recognizing the Atrocities

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts