Decoding Geopolitics Podcast with Dominik Presl #79 Robert D. Kaplan: The Fall of the American Empire and The Coming Era of Chaos
8 snips
Aug 23, 2025 Robert D. Kaplan, a renowned journalist and author of 'Wastelands,' dives deep into the alarming state of global geopolitics. He discusses the chaotic instability reminiscent of the Weimar Republic and questions the illusion of linear progress in history. Kaplan emphasizes that the U.S., alongside Russia and China, faces a rapid decline, leading to increased chaos. He draws historical parallels to current international tensions, particularly between Europe and China, while highlighting the implications for global stability and politics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The World As A Global Weimar
- Robert D. Kaplan uses Weimar as a metaphor for today's interconnected, leaderless, crisis-prone world.
- Technology condensed global events into a claustrophobic, perpetual-crisis environment affecting everyone.
Peace Was The Historical Outlier
- Kaplan argues history is cyclical and the post-Cold War peace was an abnormal lull.
- He sees current instability as a return to 'normal' historical volatility rather than unique collapse.
Western Pacific Risks Global Shock
- A high-end military conflict in the Western Pacific would disrupt global supply chains and affect everyone's lives.
- Kaplan warns that war there could be short initially but escalate with massive global consequences.
