

Future Discontinuous
FALTER and IWM
So many of us seem to be scrambling to understand where the world is heading. Decade-old certainties seem to crumble before our eyes. Perhaps we are reaching the moment that Karl Marx predicted when all that is solid melts into air. But don’t panic. In their brand-new podcast, Future Discontinuous, hosts Misha Glenny and Eva Konzett are seeking out some of the brightest minds on the planet to help you navigate your way through this uncharted ocean. We will learn whether technology really can prevent climate change, whether the current economic headwinds are temporary or structural, whether Russia and China are forever friends, and whether social media are turning us all into zombies. But unlike many podcasts, we will also be looking for answers. After almost a century of steady progress in health and prosperity, people no longer expect their lives to be an upgrade on that of their parents. Misha and Eva will be asking guests whether such trends can be reversed or whether we will sink into another period of conflict both within and between states. Things may look bleak on the surface, but around the globe, human ingenuity continues to draw on diverse traditions to create systems that will overcome or circumvent the political, social, and economic dangers that are all too visible. Our hosts: Misha Glenny is the Rector of the Institute for Human Sciences and one of the BBC’s most distinguished correspondents, as well as the presenter of the highly-praised podcast How to Invent a Country. Eva Konzett is a renowned editor and reporter for Vienna’s leading news magazine, Falter.About our show: Future Discontinuous: Smart Talk with Smart People is a co-production of Falter and the IWM Vienna. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

14 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 41min
Do we have to destroy the environment to save it, Julie Klinger?
Julie Klinger, an associate professor at the University of Delaware, dives into the complexities of transitioning to green energy. She discusses the environmental trade-offs of rare earth extraction and the looming risks of resource colonialism. Klinger shares insights from her research in China's rare earth production and highlights Europe's potential for mineral self-sufficiency. Emphasizing circular economies and stricter regulations, she critiques the false dichotomy of destroying nature for sustainability while cautioning against deep-sea and space mining ventures.

14 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 42min
What does the fall of Assad mean for Russia, Mark Galeotti?
Mark Galeotti, a prominent expert on Russian politics and security, dives into the implications of Assad's fall on Russia's foreign policy. He discusses Moscow's shock and the strategic value of Syria, highlighting the potential complications for Russia's military presence in Africa. Galeotti also explores the evolving Russia-Iran relationship and the pragmatic path towards rebuilding ties with Israel. He warns of the brittle nature of Putin’s regime and the economic pressures that could impact Russia's ongoing actions in Ukraine.

14 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 42min
Why do we need a world government, Nils Gilman?
Nils Gilman, a historian and COO of the Berggruen Institute, explores the need for global governance in today's world. He discusses how pandemics like COVID-19 differ from historical events such as the Black Death and the institutional reforms they reveal. Gilman emphasizes the importance of planetary institutions to address challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. He also proposes innovations in governance, such as planetary subsidiarity and city-to-city networks, showcasing how cooperation can thrive beyond national boundaries.

13 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 47min
What does another Trump presidency mean for global politics, Stephen Walt?
In this riveting discussion, Stephen Walt, the Robert and Renée Belfer Professor of International Affairs at Harvard, delves into the potential global ramifications of a second Trump presidency. He explores the implications for U.S.-China relations, predicting a hardline approach and trade tensions. Walt warns about the diminishing U.S. support for Ukraine and the looming volatility in the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel and Iran. He also highlights the dangers of consolidating executive power and the risk to international cooperation on issues like climate change.

Nov 27, 2024 • 1min
Trailer: What to expect from Future Discontinuous
Feeling lost in today's world? Navigate the complexities of climate tech, global politics, and the societal impacts of social media with insightful discussions from top thinkers. Join Misha Glenny and Eva Konzett as they explore whether humanity can reverse its decline or confront rising conflicts. With each conversation, they aim to illuminate our uncertain future with hope and expert guidance.


