
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.
Latest episodes

May 1, 2025 • 14min
Premium Edition Teaser: 51st State of Mind, You Bloody Bastard, Wanging On
The podcast dives into Canada's political landscape and the surprising shifts in voter sentiment. It questions the impact of American politics on Canadian identity amidst a shifting global backdrop. Tensions between India and Pakistan flare, raising concerns about regional stability and global stakes. Meanwhile, central Asian nations discuss trade ties with China, hinting at emerging power dynamics. The conversation highlights how these events intertwine, shaping a complex narrative of nationalism and international influence.

15 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 56min
Moon Age Daydream, Iran So Far Away, The Empire Strikes Back
Gold prices are soaring, driven by market turbulence and shifts toward this traditional safe haven amidst rising inflation. The discussion dives into U.S. military ambitions regarding Iran, questioning the wisdom behind potential aggression. China's response to U.S. tariffs reveals a tit-for-tat strategy, raising import tariffs and restricting resource supply, highlighting the crucial role of rare earth metals. The podcast explores the intertwined nature of energy markets and foreign policy, revealing how these dynamics will shape future geopolitical landscapes.

59 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 7min
Special Edition: Bretton Woods 3
This week, in a special experiment, we've gone live on Twitter Spaces. As Trump's tariffs bite, and the current account deficit zooms to the front of modern political economy, we're revisiting the idea of a new Bancor, a complete resetting of the global monetary system.

10 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 57min
Special Edition: Tariffs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The podcast dives into the sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump and their seismic effects on global trade. It explores the escalating tensions with China, emphasizing how nationalism could rise amid these economic battles. The discussion reveals the unexpected volatility in markets and the potential inflation surge following the tariffs. Shifting U.S. trade policies are highlighted, marking a significant transition toward a multipolar world order, and the declining influence of Wall Street is examined in the context of these economic shifts.

25 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 54min
Special Edition: The Coming Bear Market and Fortress Europe
This discussion dives into the potential bear market looming over global stocks, with key economic events like Nvidia's struggles and the impact of rising tariffs. It also investigates how diminishing U.S. influence might push the EU towards increased federalization and military rearmament. The challenges posed by China's tech rise to American industries, particularly in electric vehicles and AI, are explored. Lastly, it critiques the illusion of growth fueled by government stimulus and the implications for Europe's defense strategy amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes.

Mar 27, 2025 • 11min
Premium Edition Teaser: Jeffrey Has Entered the Chat Man-Who-Kuo?, Fight for Your Reich to Party
Is a prominent editor really caught in a chat about European defense policies? As China, Japan, and South Korea forge unexpected alliances, the geopolitical landscape shifts dramatically. Meanwhile, a new revelation on Nazi history sparks debates about the post-1945 world order. The conversation dives into the Houthi conflict's impact on U.S. policies and the complexities of recent foreign interventions. Strap in for a lively discourse on these topical issues, where historical narratives and modern diplomacy collide.

19 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 49min
Punching Right, School of Hardware Knocks, The Trump Put
The British right is showing signs of fragmentation over Ukraine, contrasting with past solidarity. A lively clash of perceptions exists around the war between the UK and the US, highlighting Britain’s constrained political discourse. Meanwhile, investment dynamics are shifting—US firms are veering away from traditional tech hardware towards efficiency, with questions looming over Silicon Valley’s future. The discussion also unveils the 'Trump Put,' a controversial economic safety net that recalls past government interventions to shield markets from chaos.

15 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 54min
Nasty NASDAQ, Of Euro-Bondage, Syria Seems to Be The Hardest Word
The NASDAQ faces significant decline, with Tesla's stock drop fueling recession worries. There's an examination of Europe's military ambitions amidst financial turbulence, drawing connections to historical adjustments. Meanwhile, a critical look at the complexities of U.S. tariff policies surfaces, alongside the disconnect in European strategies toward Syria's ongoing crisis. The podcast contrasts the allure of populism with pressing geopolitical realities, underlining the challenges in both economic resilience and international relations.

11 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 10min
Special Edition: Zelensky Takes A Direct Strike, The Steel Porcupine, RIP Collingwood
Geopolitical tensions take center stage as Zelensky's diplomatic maneuvers spark discourse on leadership disillusionment. The struggles with military aid for Ukraine reveal critical gaps in intelligence support, while a minerals deal raises questions about authenticity. Game theory sheds light on the complex negotiations reshaping global alliances. Amidst Britain's political chaos, concerns grow over the future of Ukraine and potential instability in Europe. The discussion culminates in a shared pessimism about the disconnect between government actions and public sentiment.

4 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 15min
Premium Edition: Kaiser Friedrich IV and Trumpian Grand Strategy
A recent election in Germany has ignited a political fire, with the AfD party rising to prominence. Could this be a turning point for the Christian Democrats as they eye total control? Meanwhile, Donald Trump's unpredictable moves on the global stage continue to baffle observers. As political coalitions shift and voter demographics reveal stark divides, concerns about democratic stability mount. What does all this mean for the future of governance in Europe and beyond? Tune in for insights into this turbulent landscape!
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