

Multipolarity
Multipolarity
Charting The Rise Of A Multipolar World Order
Philip Pilkington is an unorthodox macroeconomist.
Andrew Collingwood is an equally skeptical journalist.
Lately, both have realised that - post-Ukraine, post-Afghanistan withdrawal - the old, unipolar, US-led world order is in its death throes.
In its wake, something new is being born. But what shape will that take? That will depend on a combustible combination of economics and geopolitics; trade and military muscle.
Each week, our duo take three off-radar news stories and explain how each is shaping our multipolar reality.
Philip Pilkington is an unorthodox macroeconomist.
Andrew Collingwood is an equally skeptical journalist.
Lately, both have realised that - post-Ukraine, post-Afghanistan withdrawal - the old, unipolar, US-led world order is in its death throes.
In its wake, something new is being born. But what shape will that take? That will depend on a combustible combination of economics and geopolitics; trade and military muscle.
Each week, our duo take three off-radar news stories and explain how each is shaping our multipolar reality.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 14, 2025 • 15min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Four
In a festive format, the hosts delve into Pakistan's critical wheat dependency and how the Indus River supports most of its food production. They explore India's upstream control and the implications of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. The discussion heightens with concerns about changing climate patterns threatening water flows and the potential humanitarian crises that could follow. Intriguingly, they ponder the possibility of wartime water threats and the dire consequences of weaponizing water, blending geopolitics with urgent environmental issues.

Dec 13, 2025 • 12min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Three
In this intriguing discussion, the hosts unwrap the implications of the US's shifting national security strategy, particularly regarding its detachment from Europe. They provocatively argue that migration talk is more about geopolitical maneuvering than genuine concern. America’s perception of Europe as a weak vassal is explored, warning that dependency breeds contempt. The podcast also examines the fallout from the Ukraine conflict and questions the historical pattern of US withdrawal post-defeat. A bleak outlook for Anglophone allies as they become mere objects in US strategy is presented, leaving listeners pondering the future.

Dec 12, 2025 • 17min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Two
Join Philip and Andrew as they dissect the geopolitical landscape through a series of intriguing objects. A fireworks gun symbolizes the fading potency of color revolutions, while they explore recent protests in Georgia and Moldova's economic struggles after pivoting to the EU. The unsettling rise of violent Gen Z uprisings in Nepal and Madagascar is also covered. The duo discusses why historical success factors for revolutions are losing their grip, ultimately reflecting on the diminished enchantment of color revolutions in 2025.

Dec 11, 2025 • 13min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day One
In a festive format, hosts Philip and Andrew delve into the intriguing realm of geopolitics. They question the reliability of media reports on cyberattacks, suggesting governments should respond calmly to threats. The discussion highlights the unsettling impacts of the Ukraine war as a stress test for multipolarity. Philip speculates on the chaotic potential of cyberwarfare in a global conflict, while also emphasizing that kinetic attacks would likely overshadow cyber disruptions. The episode critiques alarmist narratives surrounding NATO and nuclear escalation.

Dec 4, 2025 • 12min
Premium Edition Teaser: Why The Special Relationship Is Over
The discussion dives into the fading strength of the UK's relationship with the US, questioning its historical significance. Analysts highlight the difference between strategic interests and personal ties among elites. Tucker Carlson's scathing remarks during his UK visit reflect a growing skepticism from the American right. Historical ties reveal that other nations may have received more favorable treatment from the US than Britain. The podcast explores the implications of this fraying bond for the future of both countries.

63 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Six Ages Of China
In this discussion, Philip Pilkington, an unorthodox macroeconomist and author, uncovers the six distinct economic eras of China, challenging the oversimplified Mao versus reform narrative. He explores the transformative Deng reforms, highlighting significant investments in education and technology. The conversation dives into the mercantilist era's role in boosting exports and the implications of U.S. economic strategies. Lastly, Philip examines China's current push for technological supremacy and how state direction fuels its competitive edge.

Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 17min
Lovely Bubbly, EuthanisedUK, Is The Shine Coming Off Sheinbaum?
The conversation dives deep into the potential fallout of a bursting AI bubble and its implications for the tech industry. A startling spike in UK abortion rates signals economic distress, raising concerns about demographic stability. In Mexico, protests against violence spark accusations of foreign interference, with U.S. political tension intensifying. The hosts explore the broader impact of tech and demographic shifts, questioning whether current trends could lead to significant societal changes.

20 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 8min
Turkish Power, Israeli Pivot: The New Middle East That Is Taking Shape with Firas Modad
Firas Modad, founder of Modad Geopolitics, offers keen insights into the evolving landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics. He discusses how the October 7 attacks disrupted regional alliances and reshaped support dynamics, notably enhancing Turkey’s influence amid the chaos. Firas contrasts Israeli tactical successes with broader strategic consequences and highlights the fragility of U.S. alliances with Egypt and Jordan. He also explores the implications of Iran’s shift towards nationalism and the potential for a decisive rivalry with Turkey.

5 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 12min
Premium Edition Teaser: Has China Won The Trade War?
The hosts delve into the implications of the recent US-China trade deal, highlighting its significance as a potential turning point in global economics. They discuss Dick Cheney's legacy and the evolution of American power. The conversation touches on China's growing dominance and the shift in economic leverage, as well as historical perspectives on trade conflicts. They also critique the economic impact of the trade war on Wall Street and explore how Americans perceive their economy in this changing landscape.

14 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 10min
What's The Worst That Could Happen? With Malcom Kyeyune
Malcom Kyeyune, a Swedish political commentator known for his unique views on geopolitics, dives into chilling collapse scenarios for the U.S. and Europe. He discusses America’s escalating domestic instability and the risks of social breakdown from welfare cuts. Malcom highlights Europe's panic over the Ukraine conflict, Belgium's descent into corruption, and the potential disintegration of the UK. Their conversation reveals a stunning picture of geopolitical decay, punctuated by the absurdities of Britain’s military spending and political deadlock.


