Cullen Murphy

Cullen Murphy, Editor at large at The Atlantic and a historian specializing in the Roman Empire, discusses the unsettling trends in U.S. governance. He explores how increasing privatization may hint at a modern-day feudalism, reminiscent of the Middle Ages. The conversation dives into the troubling parallels between American politics and ancient Rome, especially under the Trump administration. Murphy raises ethical concerns about privatized national security, questioning the implications of outsourcing critical government functions to private entities.

Cullen Murphy, a writer at The Atlantic and author of "Feudalism Is Our Future," explores the eerie parallels between modern governance and neo-feudalism. He delves into the allure of imperial Rome and how historical lessons reveal the dangers of privatization. The conversation examines how fragmentation of authority mirrors ancient declines, and the unexpected costs of privatization on public services. Murphy prompts listeners to consider what future societal structures might emerge and how they relate to our current political landscape.