Dan Snow's History Hit Is Society About to Collapse?
11 snips
Sep 2, 2025 
In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Luke Kemp, a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge and author of 'Goliath's Curse', examines the factors behind societal collapses throughout history. He highlights how inequality, psychological traits of leaders, and environmental crises threaten modern society. Kemp argues for proactive changes to avert a similar fate. They also explore the benefits that can emerge after the collapse of empires, and the vital role of collective decision-making and equitable resource distribution in fostering resilience.
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What Counts As Societal Collapse
- Societal collapse is distinct from economic or state collapse and requires multiple systems failing together rapidly.
- Luke Kemp found societal collapses across history but says collapse is rarer than simple state or economic failures.
Hierarchy As The Core Change
- Civilization arose with big dominance hierarchies that extract resources using threat of violence.
- Kemp argues those hierarchies create inequality that later makes societies fragile and prone to collapse.
Inequality Multiplies Collapse Risk
- Collapse risk equals threat, vulnerability, response, and exposure; inequality increases vulnerability and instability.
- Kemp links growing inequality to corruption, elite overcompetition, and greater fragility under hazards like drought or disease.
