The Jay Martin Show The 4th Turning has Arrived in America: History's Warning
Apr 13, 2025
Historian Stephen R. Bown, author of 'Merchant Kings,' joins to unpack the intriguing patterns of empire collapses throughout history. He discusses how trade, technology, and human behavior influence the rise and fall of powers. Bown draws parallels between past and present geopolitical dynamics, emphasizing that seemingly trivial commodities have profound effects on global markets. The conversation also touches on the vulnerabilities of modern supply chains, especially in conflicts over critical resources like cobalt, offering vital insights for today's investors.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
History's 100-Year Cycles
- History moves in roughly 100-year societal cycles called "turnings" as per Neil Howe's theory.
- We are currently in the fourth turning, a period of intense social unrest and division.
Tech Changes, Humans Stay Same
- Technologies change but human nature remains consistent throughout history.
- Tools like AI, internet, naval ships simply enable human ambitions, not change fundamental behaviors.
Comanches' Horse Empire
- The Comanches transformed from a small, uncompetitive band to dominate the American heartland by harnessing horses.
- Their horse mastery blocked Spanish and French expansion, shaping regional influence patterns today.
