In this book, Peter Frankopan delves into the intricate relationship between human history and environmental factors, spanning from the dawn of time to the present day. He discusses how climatic events, natural disasters, and human actions have interwoven to shape empires, civilizations, and the modern world. The book highlights the impact of environmental factors on historical events, such as the rise and fall of empires, and cautions about the current and future consequences of human actions on the climate. Frankopan's work is praised for its breadth, depth, and nuanced approach to environmental history[2][3][4].
In this book, Peter Frankopan challenges the traditional Western-centric view of history by arguing that the Persian Empire and the Silk Roads were pivotal in shaping global civilization. The book explores the network of trade routes that connected Europe, Asia, and the Far East, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, religions, and cultures. It covers the rise and fall of empires, the spread of Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, and the modern geopolitical significance of the region, including the impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Frankopan emphasizes the interconnectedness of the world and how events in the Silk Roads region have influenced global history from ancient times to the present day.
We’re living in a time of upheaval. The war in the Middle East is intensifying. Russia is making gains in Ukraine. America faces an election of unparalleled importance. Climate change and AI appear on the brink of changing our world forever. How are we to make sense of the world today? Study its past, argues acclaimed historian Peter Frankopan, who returned to the Intelligence Squared stage in November 2024.
Now that his remarkably turbulent year is almost over, attention is turning to 2025 and what lies in the months ahead for us all. Drawing on his best-selling books, The Silk Roads and The Earth Transformed, Frankopan put our current challenges and opportunities into historical perspective and sought to map out what we can expect from the world in 2025. Frankopan was in conversation with Emily Maitlis, the award-winning journalist and presenter of The News Agents podcast.
This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:
- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts
- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series
- 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events
...
Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:
- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts
- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series
…
Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access.
…
Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more.
https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Intelligence Squared 
