Walter Scheidel

Ganesh Sitaraman, a law professor and constitutional law expert, teams up with historian Walter Scheidel, known for his insights on inequality and civilization's turmoil. They dive into the warning behind 'Pitchfork Economics', discussing how rising economic inequality fuels social unrest. Sitaraman shares alarming data on wealth concentration, while Scheidel links historical upheavals to economic disparities. They propose innovative solutions for reforming policies to ensure a stable middle class, highlighting lessons from the Gilded Age to prevent future crises.

Walter Scheidel, Dickinson Professor of the Humanities at Stanford University, sheds light on the relevance of ancient history to modern society. He argues for its importance in understanding our shared human heritage. The conversation challenges traditional Mediterranean-centric views, advocating for a global perspective on ancient civilizations. Scheidel emphasizes the intricate connections between ancient societies and modern cultures, proposing a more inclusive approach to historical study. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion about the legacies that shape our contemporary world.

Professor Walter Scheidel discusses the lack of recurring empires in Europe, which led to the rise of Europe and the Great Divergence. The podcast explores the factors behind the success of the Roman Empire, the challenges of Mongol state-building in Europe, and the concept and timing of the 'great divergence' between Europe and the rest of the world.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Walter Scheidel, a historian from Stanford University, dives into the complexities of ancient history. He highlights why the focus has been largely on Greece and Rome, exposing cultural biases from the 19th century. Scheidel argues for a broader, global perspective, emphasizing the interconnectivity of ancient societies and technologies. He critiques the fragmented academic approaches and champions collaborative studies to enrich understanding. The conversation reflects on the lasting influences of ancient innovations on our modern world.

Walter Scheidel, a Stanford humanities professor and author of acclaimed books, advocates for a transformation in the study of ancient history. He discusses the need to dismantle departmental silos to better understand inequality's roots. Walter argues that historical crises like wars and plagues have played crucial roles in driving societal change. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and rethinks the place of the Classics in modern scholarship, ultimately proposing the idea of 'foundational history' to explore shared human challenges.