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
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 4min
Airstrip Zero, Goodness Gracious Xi, AliBaba For Ali Baba
The podcast dives into Britain's social and political decline as seen through a banned crypto ad. It highlights the disconnect between voters and political parties amid growing public discontent. There's a focus on the implications of America urging India to cut oil ties with Russia and the potential chaos in Britain’s electoral future. Additionally, the episode explores Iran's quest for advanced air defense systems through China, showcasing shifting geopolitical alliances and the complexities of international relationships.
Jul 31, 2025 • 15min
Premium Edition Teaser: The Bus To Nowhere
Dive into the confusion of global trade dynamics as Europe finds itself caught between the U.S. and China. Recent trade agreements are stirring controversy, especially in Germany and France, raising questions about European credibility. The podcast explores Europe's energy policy and its implications for relationships with major powers like Russia and China. Geopolitical tensions highlight differing views between European and American leaders, shedding light on the future of European autonomy amid shifting allegiances.
23 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 57min
Multipolarity Dialogues: Steve Hsu on China's Tech Frontiers
Steve Hsu, a physicist and tech entrepreneur, delves into China's rapid advancements in technology, challenging the old narrative that it only imitates. He discusses innovations in AI, robotics, and semiconductors, highlighting how China leads in critical tech sectors. The conversation shifts to military technology, examining the implications of China's missile and drone advancements on global power dynamics. Amidst this rise, Hsu questions the U.S.'s response and whether it can regain geopolitical dominance.
10 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 46min
Special Edition: Global Cakeism
Tariff strategies from the Trump era take center stage, revealing unexpected consequences for the U.S. economy. The decline of the dollar raises eyebrows as corporations seek refuge in European markets. A deeper look at tariff dependency highlights potential dangers for fiscal stability. The idea of 'cakeism' emerges in Brexit discussions, linking to U.S.-Japan relations, illustrating the complexities of international negotiations. As Japan cultivates self-sufficiency, alliances shift, pointing to an evolving geopolitical landscape.
13 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 54min
Milei Down and Die, Tears of a Clown, Very Stable Genius Coins
Explore the wild antics of Javier Milei, from his unique love life to Argentina's economic chaos and the IMF's desperate interventions. Witness the tears in the British Parliament as political leaders grapple with governance failures amid a growing crisis. Discover the quirky world of stablecoins, where you can buy digital dollars that aren’t even in your pocket. The conversation mixes satire with serious insights, revealing the absurdities of modern economics and political dysfunction.
18 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 49min
The Twelve Day War, 5 Percent? Get Bent, Dead Dollar Bounce
Explore the aftermath of military strikes and their implications for U.S.-Iran relations and global defense spending. Delve into the complexities of NATO commitments and the challenges Europe faces in military funding amid rising energy costs. Discover the intriguing dynamics of U.S. equities and the potential onset of de-dollarization that may reshape the capital market landscape. Lastly, trace the evolution of bond markets and the caution that comes with current economic stability against the backdrop of historical trends.
6 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 12min
Premium Edition Teaser: Iran Special
The podcast dives into the recent military operation against Iranian nuclear facilities, questioning the actual damage inflicted. It explores Iran's potential movements of enriched uranium before the strikes and the lack of military response. The discussion examines the credibility of reports on Iran's military capabilities and speculates on the future of conflicts in the region. Additionally, strategic risks of using advanced military technology like B-2 bombers are analyzed, revealing deeper motivations behind these high-stakes operations.
11 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 13min
Special Edition: Malcom Kyeyune on Military Parades and Hypersonics Over Tel Aviv
Malcolm Kyeyune, a geopolitical commentator, dives into the complexities of current global dynamics. He critiques a lackluster American military parade, contrasting it with stronger displays from other nations. The conversation shifts to the rising threat of hypersonic missiles, particularly regarding Israel and Iran. Kyeyune also explores the fractures within Trump's coalition, revealing tensions between tech advocates and traditional conservatives. He warns about the dangerous political polarization in the U.S., drawing parallels to historical periods of unrest.
Jun 12, 2025 • 51min
Musk Rat Love, Remember the LA mo’, Promising The Rare Earth
Tensions bubble as the divide between tech moguls and political leaders widens, signaling a rift in the MAGA movement. The chaos in LA raises unaddressed questions about law and order in a fracturing America. Meanwhile, China's powerful grip on rare earth metals presents a looming challenge for U.S. tech and military sectors, sparking urgent trade negotiations. Inflation dynamics further complicate global capital markets, showcasing the ongoing economic fallout from recent crises.
15 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 14min
Special Edition: Pilkington Launches "The Collapse Of Global Liberalism"
Discover a bold thesis that proclaims liberalism as not just failing but fundamentally flawed. The discussion dives into how hyper-liberal ideologies have led to societal decay and hollow economies. Explore the critique of modern business education driven by profit over community. Unpack the historical roots of liberal thought and its impact on today's world, and consider the emerging post-liberal movement inspired by classical ideals. Delve into the evolving global landscape and potential shifts back to pre-liberal principles.
