John Rapley

Peter Heather, a medieval history expert from King's College London, and John Rapley, a Cambridge political economist, delve into the intriguing parallels between the decline of the Roman Empire and modern Western societies. They discuss how empires rise and fall, exploring the economic transformations that shape these shifts. The duo highlights lessons from history, emphasizing humility in the face of emerging global cultures. They also address demographic changes and the enduring legacy of Rome, offering thought-provoking insights into the future of empires.

Peter Heather, a historian specializing in the fall of the Roman Empire, and John Rapley, a political economist, share insights on the collapse of Rome and its parallels to modern Western challenges. They discuss common misconceptions about Rome's fall, the role of governance over mere economic decline, and the shifting dynamics of global power, especially with the rise of China. The conversation also touches on socio-economic issues facing younger generations and the political discontent stemming from broken promises of stability.

John Rapley, an economist and author of "Why Empires Fall," teams up with macroeconomist Philip Pilkington, host of the Multipolarity podcast. They delve into the significant decline in US tech valuations and the disruptive rise of the Chinese AI app Deep Seek. The duo analyzes potential indicators of a forthcoming market crash, debates the contrasting economic philosophies of the Trump era, and discusses the shifting investments of global elites at Davos. With a blend of skepticism and insight, they navigate the turbulent waters of today’s economy.