Michael Pembroke

In this riveting discussion, Michael Pembroke, an esteemed Australian historian and author, unveils 2,000 years of China’s economic power. He reveals that China dominated global trade for most of history, with intriguing tales of early Roman silk demand draining precious metals. Pembroke questions the myth of Marco Polo's significance and discusses the implications of the opium trade on sovereignty and societal health. He also highlights modern trade dynamics and China's shifting global ties, emphasizing that today's rise echoes historical patterns.