
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 29, 2025 • 15min
Premium Edition Teaser: Xi Blinded Me with Science, Every Ottoman for Himself, Poison Ivy
China's ambitious new industrial strategy aims to strengthen its technological prowess, even as the U.S. cuts science funding. The geopolitical landscape shifts with the U.S. ambassador's stance on Syria, raising questions about modern imperialism. Meanwhile, Trump’s proposals threaten higher education funding, targeting elite institutions like Harvard while pushing trade schools. Are these moves against the credentialed elite, or merely political theater? The implications for global competition and innovation are profound.

34 snips
May 22, 2025 • 52min
Special Edition: A Tale of Two Great Walls?
Discover the evolving landscape of China as a travel destination and how perceptions of freedom and security clash with reality. Explore the implications of a proposed remittance tax on U.S.-Mexico relations, revealing tensions stemming from domestic reforms and the war on drugs. Uncover the complexity of U.S. military strategies against Mexican cartels, and delve into the broader geopolitical dynamics surrounding military power and historical legacies. Different cultures, shifting alliances, and intricate politics come alive in this compelling discussion.

8 snips
May 15, 2025 • 47min
The Abraham Discords, Bloody Vicious Rocket, The Grand Old Duke Of Tariffs
Tensions rise as rumors swirl of a U.S.-backed two-state solution, leaving Israel feeling isolated. Meanwhile, the latest clash between Pakistan and India sees advanced technology reshaping air combat outcomes. Could we be witnessing a shift toward long-range engagements? Finally, significant tariff reductions on Chinese imports are on the horizon, prompting questions about the future of trade and economic dynamics. Are we entering an era of de-dollarization? Tune in for insights on these critical global issues.

7 snips
May 8, 2025 • 57min
Romanian Light, Rocket From The Crypt, Authoritarians For Democracy
Romania's political scene has transformed into a spectacle, with a far-right candidate taking center stage amid accusations of misconduct. Meanwhile, missile threats loom over air defense systems, as modern warfare challenges traditional strategies. In Germany, the classification of the Alternative for Germany party as extremist reflects deeper societal divisions. The conversation warns of the perils of normalizing extremism and sheds light on the dangerous blend of nationalism with European values. It's a compelling exploration of politics, defense, and societal shifts.

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.