Wild with Sarah Wilson
LUKE KEMP: Will our global civilisation go the way of the Roman Empire?
Nov 5, 2024
Luke Kemp, a historical collapse expert and honorary lecturer at the Australian National University, delves into the factors behind civilizational decline. He examines how political dynamics and systemic inequality have historically led to societal collapse, drawing parallels to modern civilization's interconnected threats like climate change and AI. Luke introduces the 'Mortality of States Index' and discusses the fragile future of societies amid growing elitism. His insights highlight that understanding past empires is essential for navigating today's global challenges.
01:14:07
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Quick takeaways
- Civilizations typically last around 336 years and decline due to factors like inequality and societal fragmentation rather than singular events.
- Inequality plays a crucial role in societal collapse, and addressing it through inclusive institutions can help mitigate instability and unrest.
Deep dives
Understanding Civilizational Collapse
Civilizations tend to follow a pattern of rise and collapse, with a common historical observation that complex societies typically last around 336 years before facing significant decline. This decline is often characterized by various factors, including societal fragmentation and power distribution issues, rather than a singular event. The conversation dives deeper into the definition of collapse, emphasizing that it signifies a significant breakdown in political, economic, and population structures rather than total extinction. By examining historical case studies, it's noted that not all civilizations completely vanish; many undergo transformations as they respond to pressing societal pressures.
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