

Samo Burja
Founder of Bismarck Analysis, studying why civilizations flourish and decay. Focuses on the importance of functional institutions and exceptional individuals in shaping societies.
Top 10 podcasts with Samo Burja
Ranked by the Snipd community

149 snips
Aug 1, 2023 • 1h 9min
Samo Burja - The Great Founder Theory of History - [Invest Like the Best, EP.339]
Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis, dives into the 'great founder theory' and examines how remarkable individuals have shaped civilizations through their institutions. He discusses historical figures like Napoleon and Benjamin Franklin, highlighting their complex legacies and the moral dilemmas they faced. Burja also critiques linear narratives of progress, arguing that societal stability relies on strong institutions and visionary leadership. Additionally, he explores future geopolitical trends, particularly in China and the UAE, pondering the implications for global power dynamics.

62 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 23min
E104: AI Meets Geopolitics w/ Samo Burja and Nathan Labenz
Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis, provides keen insights on strategic analysis, while Nathan Labenz, co-host of The Cognitive Revolution, delves deep into AI's future. They discuss the interplay of AI and geopolitics, focusing on the U.S.-China tension and the risks of an AI arms race. The conversation also critiques the education system's impact on AI talent and innovation, and emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in AI development. Together, they explore the potential for AI to reshape economic strategies and scientific progress.

49 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 37min
Samo Burja: Intellectuals, Culture. and the Technosphere — #70
Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis and senior research fellow at the Foresight Institute, dives into the intersection of technology and culture. He discusses the unique entrepreneurial atmosphere of Silicon Valley versus the finance-centric culture of New York. Burja looks at the transformative role of education in tech advancements and explores global competition in technology, particularly the dynamics between the U.S. and China. He also reflects on cultural shifts like 'lying flat' in China and their implications on urbanization and family structures.

37 snips
Apr 19, 2025 • 1h 11min
The Myth of Automatic Progress | Samo Burja
Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis, dives deep into the rise and fall of civilizations. He discusses his Great Founder Theory, emphasizing how exceptional individuals often drive innovation more than democratic processes. The conversation also explores the flaws in egalitarianism and evaluates how institutions shape societal success. Burja analyzes what makes cities attractive to talent and tackles the intricate balance between governance and cultural shifts, providing a thought-provoking look at what fuels societal progress.

36 snips
Mar 22, 2025 • 47min
Cartels vs. State: The Power Struggle in Mexico w/ Samo Burja
Samo Burja, a geopolitical and economic expert focused on Mexico, shares insights on the intricate ties between drug cartels and the Mexican political system. He illustrates how cartels function as business entities with strong elite connections. The conversation also delves into the economic repercussions of drug trafficking, the effects of legalization, and comparisons with global scenarios. Additionally, they discuss potential solutions for Mexico’s development and the broader implications for U.S.-Mexico relations.

25 snips
May 29, 2024 • 58min
Samo Burja | Why Organisations Thrive & Fall - Wallenberg Family Of Sweden & Sulzberger Family Of NYT
Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis, delves into the rise and fall of organizations, revealing how leadership impacts long-term success. He critiques management techniques using Boeing and Twitter as examples, while discussing succession and corruption within power dynamics. Burja explores the prominent Wallenberg family's influence in Sweden’s economy and the challenges of interpreting societal issues through statistics. He also shares a bullish outlook on Poland's economic growth, poised to outpace Germany.

21 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 58min
E113: Reflections on Yarvin, Why the Right is Stuck, and Startups as Dictatorships w/ Samo Burja
Samo Burja, an expert on global power dynamics, joins to discuss Curtis Yarvin's impactful NYT interview. They explore the intriguing comparison of corporate leadership to government functionality and the necessity for dynamic leaders to avoid stagnation. Burja highlights how ineffective governance can hinder innovation, especially in the tech sector. The conversation also looks at the evolution of political ideologies, advocating for a fresh direction in American politics, while examining changing perceptions of controversial thinkers throughout history.

20 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 59min
E123: Trump & The Game of Populism w/ Samo Burja
In this discussion, Erik Torenberg chats with Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis and a seasoned political scientist. They delve into the challenges of populism, revealing how electoral wins often fail to translate into real change. The duo explores the historical context of populist movements, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, and how digital democracy reshapes political dynamics. They also discuss the implications of social media for political engagement and speculate on future candidates’ strategies to connect with voters.

14 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 1h 28min
AI Live Players: the Geopolitics & Strategic Dynamics of AI, with Samo Burja of Bismarck Analysis
In this discussion, Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis, dives into the geopolitics of AI. He highlights the U.S.-China relationship and its impact on AI development. Burja critiques the current educational and corporate focus on rapid engineering advances, arguing for a return to foundational science. He also emphasizes the need for a diverse talent pool and a comprehensive understanding of AI's evolutionary potential. The conversation touches on the challenges of open-source AI and the implications of global competition in technology.

10 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 59min
E133: China’s Energy Problem w/ Samo Burja
Samo Burja, a sociologist and strategic analyst, shares his insights on China's complex energy security strategies. He discusses why China, despite its significant oil production, isn't striving for energy independence. The conversation delves into the implications of Chinese oil dependence amid geopolitical tensions and critiques its weak ties with oil-exporting nations. Burja also touches on how military dynamics and technological rivalry influence China's energy policies, particularly in the context of Taiwan and global power balances.