Future Discontinuous

In this episode of Future Discontinuous, hosts Misha Glenny and Eva Konzett are joined by international relations scholar Ayşe Zarakol to rethink where global order comes from—and why it may now be coming apart. Drawing on her book Before the West, Zarakol challenges the familiar story that modern international politics begins with Europe and the Peace of Westphalia. Instead, she traces earlier Eurasian world orders built around empires rather than nation-states, focusing on the Mongol and Chinggisid models of sovereignty that organized power around rulers, households, and fluid realms rather than fixed borders. The discussion explores how these Eastern orders structured political competition across Asia, how their influence reached Europe through rivalry with the Ottomans, and how ideas of centralized authority took hold long before the modern state system. Shifting the conversation to the present, the trio examines how stigma and hierarchy continue to shape the behavior of both rising and declining powers, from China and Russia to Europe and the United States. Are today's turbulences best understood through familiar 20th-century analogies, or do the upheavals of the 17th century—marked by climate stress, technological disruption, and prolonged instability—offer a more unsettling parallel? As strongman politics resurges and the nation-state itself comes under pressure from digital platforms and concentrated private power, the episode asks what kinds of order might emerge next and how long we may have to navigate a world without one. Ayşe Zarakol is a professor of international relations at the University of Cambridge. The main themes of her research are East-West relations and social hierarchies in world politics, problems of modernity and sovereignty, and rising and declining powers. She is the author of Before the West: The Rise and Fall of Eastern World Orders (Cambridge University Press, 2022), which has won six prestigious awards. In 2024, Zarakol was elected to fellowship in the British Academy and the Academia Europaea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, historian Sergey Radchenko, a leading authority on Soviet and Cold War foreign policy, reveals the complexities of Russian history. He sheds light on Stalin's pragmatic aspirations in Eastern Europe and the critical role of Poland as a buffer state. Radchenko explores the historical roots of Russia's invasion fears and critiques Putin's current geopolitical strategy. He emphasizes the strategic gains for China amid Russia's isolation and warns of the dire consequences of Putin's gamble in Ukraine.

In this engaging discussion, Karen Hao, an award-winning journalist and author of the bestselling 'Empire of AI,' delves into the complexities of artificial intelligence and OpenAI's evolution. She highlights the shift from altruism to commercialism within AI, drawing parallels between tech giants and historical empires. Karen also addresses the AGI race between the US and China, critiques the hype around AI productivity, and underscores the environmental costs of expansive data centers. With her insights, she calls for accountability and specialized AI models for sustainable progress.

Historian Timothy Snyder, a notable figure in European history and author of acclaimed works like On Tyranny, discusses the deeper meaning of freedom. He insists true freedom requires moral and political structures to thrive, rather than being just a lack of interference. Snyder critiques the negative freedom perspective of figures like Peter Thiel and highlights the importance of the humanities in countering historical amnesia. He also explores the implications of Western policies in post-Soviet transitions and emphasizes the need for equal opportunities over idolizing billionaires.

Renowned historian Margaret MacMillan discusses the shifting global power dynamics in today's world. She draws parallels between current tensions and past conflicts like Versailles and 1919. MacMillan warns of the U.S. leaning toward anti-democracy and reflects on the rising nationalism in Canada. She highlights Europe's potential resurgence in defense unity and the implications of China's resurgence. Additionally, she delves into the complexities of modern warfare, the risks of AI, and the urgent need for historical context in addressing crises.

Journalist Eoin Higgins dives into the intricate web of tech billionaires like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk and their unconventional influences on US politics. He discusses the shift from the hopeful internet revolution to a realm shaped by anti-regulation ideologies. The conversation unveils how these 'tech bros' align with far-right thinkers and wield power both in the White House and abroad. Higgins warns of the risks posed by their access to federal data and their dreams of creating 'freedom cities' that challenge democratic norms.

In this engaging discussion, historian Lyndal Roper, Regius Professor at the University of Oxford and author of Summer of Fire and Blood, dives into the Peasants' War of 1524–25. She examines how this pivotal uprising, inspired by Martin Luther, highlighted peasants' desires for freedom from serfdom. Roper emphasizes the vital roles of communication and organization among the peasants, while also exploring the complex dynamics of social unrest and modern-day parallels, such as environmental rights and media authority.

Mark Medish, a seasoned lawyer and former Clinton administration official, joins the discussion to dissect the political upheaval ushered in by Donald Trump. He argues that Trump’s actions could represent a constitutional coup, highlighting historical parallels and institutional risks. Medish examines the executive’s vast powers, the resilience of U.S. institutions under strain, and the relationship between tech elites and the MAGA base. He also warns about potential authoritarian shifts and the geopolitical implications of Trump's policies, stressing the need for checks and balances.

Rosie Boycott, a Member of the House of Lords and renowned food activist, dives deep into the alarming world of ultra-processed foods. She discusses how these products fuel chronic diseases and exploit our appetite through addiction strategies borrowed from the tobacco industry. Rosie highlights the harmful marketing tactics aimed at children and the urgent need for regulatory changes, like Chile's successful warning labels. With a focus on healthy, diverse diets, she inspires hope that we can reform our food system for better health and sustainability.

In this enlightening discussion, political consultant Dahlia Scheindlin offers her expert insights on the complex dynamics of the Israel-Gaza conflict. She delves into Netanyahu's struggles with domestic pressures and highlights the unpredictable influence of Trump's agenda on Israeli demands. Dahlia critiques the impracticality of Trump's Gaza relocation plan and sheds light on the stark realities faced by both Israelis and Palestinians, including the psychological scars left by ongoing violence. She also discusses regional reactions and the future of peace efforts amid changing political landscapes.