Maartje van Gelder, a Professor in Early Modern History at the University of Amsterdam, Stephen Bowd from the University of Edinburgh, and Georg Christ from the University of Manchester dive into the rise of Venice as a maritime power. They explore how Venice transformed from marshy islands into a booming trade empire lacking walls. The conversation reveals peculiar aspects like the influence of the Arsenalotti during sieges and the unique governance by the doge. They also discuss Venice's strategies against the looming threat of rival powers and its multifaceted cultural legacy.

Exploring the rise and fall of the Hanseatic League, a dominant force in North European trade. Topics include tax exemptions, monarch reliance on loans, and decline due to nation-state power. The league's impact on global trade networks, economic tactics, and enduring legacy discussed. Reflections on historical economic growth and security dynamics of the Hansa highlighted.