Planet: Critical Why Complex Societies Collapse | Joseph Tainter
Aug 7, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Professor Joseph Tainter from Utah State University delves into his expertise on societal collapse. He explores the danger of increasing complexity and its diminishing returns, linking it to contemporary crises. Tainter critically analyzes historical patterns, particularly with the Roman Empire, to illuminate parallels with today's world. He also addresses the implications of energy sustainability and the political dynamics of current events, challenging the notion that our circumstances are unique or unprecedented.
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Cold War Childhood Fears
- Joseph Tainter shares his decades of following current affairs since childhood.
- He recalls Cold War fears, including nuclear attack drills during his school days.
The Energy Cost of Complexity
- Societal complexity has a metabolic cost paid through energy consumption.
- Fossil fuels currently sustain complexity, but their costs and returns are diminishing.
Complexity Grows to Solve Problems
- Post-9/11, increased governmental complexity responded to terrorism.
- New agencies and regulations aimed to solve emerging security problems.
