
"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture
WhatifAltHist is a podcast from Rudyard Lynch that looks to try to find the patterns in history and anthropology so as to predict the future and understand the dynamics that result in civilizations rising and falling. It began as an enormously popular alternate history channel with nearly 600K listeners and more than 100M views on YouTube. Rudyard Lynch also hosts the podcast History 102 with Erik Torenberg, which attempts to solidly explain pivotal historical events in depth in under an hour.Topics covered: World History, Philosophy, Civilization, Culture WhatifAlthist is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
Latest episodes

Apr 19, 2024 • 42min
Explaining Russian Civilization
Russia has been one of the most powerful countries in world history. The world's view is too focused on Russia today, but there are several assumptions you need to change about Russian civilization to understand the Russian mind and Russian civilization. Watch with maps at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0j2nT-zYHA--SPONSORS:NetSuite: More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitiveSponsor: Start speaking a new language in 3 weeks with Babbel &. Get up to 60% OFF your subscription: https://get.babbel.com/eg_influencer_flags_desktop_ame_usa-en?bsc=usa-influ-eg-dt-1m&btp=default&utm_campaign=whatifalthist&utm_content=Influencer..Apr-2024..USA-TATAM..1200m60-yt-whatifalthist-apr-2024&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_source=YouTube&utm_term=generic_v1--FOLLOW ON X:@whatifalthist (Rudyard)@TurpentineMediaReading List:A History of Russia, Mongolia and Central Asia part 1 by David ChristianA History of Russia, Mongolia and Central Asia part 2 by David ChristianEurope a History by Norman DaviesA History of Russia by Orlando FigesThe Rise of the West by William McNeilEurope's Steppe Frontier 1500-1800 by William McNeilThe Story of the Russian Land by Alexander Dmitrevich NechvolodovAtrocities by Matthew WhiteBloodlands by Timothy SnyderThe Dictators by Richard OveryThe Rise and Fall of Communism by Archie BrownDisunited Nations by Peter TurchinPrisoners of Geography by Tim MarshallFalse Economy by Alan BeattieThe Age of Faith by Will DurantThe Reformation by Will DurantThe History of Western Warfare part 2 by JFC FullerWhy Nations Fail by AcemogluThe Origins of Political Order by Francis FukuyamaSecular Cycles by Peter TurchinEnd Times by Peter TurchinWar, Peace and War by Peter TurchinNothing is True and Everything is Possible by Peter PomerantsevTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuiggleyAll the Kremlin's Men by Mikhail ZygarForces of Change by Henry HobhousePoland by Adam ZamoyskiWar in Human Civilization by Azar GatThe Origins of Ideology by Emmanuel Todd

7 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 47min
The Coming Incel Revolution
This is a controversial topic about the issues in modern dating that will cause a revolution in the next few years. Most people won't want to discuss the elephant in the room to deal with the massive shaming that comes along with it.SPONSORS:NetSuite: More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitiveClick the link for http://joindeleteme.com/WHATIF to join Deleteme todayFOLLOW ON X:@whatifalthist (Rudyard)@TurpentineMediaBibliography:End Times by Peter TurchinSecular Cycles by Peter TurchinAges of Discord by Peter TurchinThe Great Wave by David Hackett FischerDisunited Nations by Peter ZeihanEve's Rib by Robert PooleSex and Power in History by Amaury de RiencourtSex and Civilization by JD UnwinLineages of Modernity by Emmanuel ToddThe Moral Animal by Robert WrightWitches, Feminism and the Fall of the West by Edward DuttonEnvy by Helmut SchoeckEmpty Planet by Darrell BrickerThe Handmaid's Tale by Margaret AtwoodCynical Theories by James LindsayWhy Women Deserve Less by Myron GainesThe Book of Numbers by Aaron ClareyThe Coddling of the American Mind by Jon HaidtThe Righteous Mind by Jon HaidtEvil by BaumeisterA Conflict of Visions by Thomas SowellThe Madness of Crowds by Douglas Murray

Apr 8, 2024 • 38min
Why is Every Society Religious?
The podcast explores the significance of religion in shaping civilizations and the human soul. It discusses the impact of waning faith in Christianity on European societies, the role of religion in societal success, and the influence of group thinking on AI progress. The speaker's personal journey towards understanding the social and spiritual essence of religion is highlighted, along with the importance of maintaining loyalty to God throughout history.

Mar 22, 2024 • 48min
Did the CIA Discover the Spirit World?
Looking back at my "normie" teenage self, I see how far down the rabbit hole I've fallen. Every few years brings another paradigm-destroying realization separating me further from conventional understanding. This third consecutive reality-shattering episode might finally give you words for truths you've always sensed intuitively—or seem so unbelievable you'll dismiss it entirely. Yet the strangest things in science fiction pale compared to actual reality when you know where to look.--SPONSORS:NetSuite: More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitiveUse WHATIF to get 55% off your first month at Scentbird https://sbird.co/3OEwK0PThis month I received...Atlas by TUMI https://sbird.co/3OCw0tlJardins de Misfah by Une Nuit Nomade https://sbird.co/3HVNz3yOud Gaiac by Sentier https://sbird.co/48b1Yn9--LINKS:History 102: / @history102-qg5oj Link to Pluribus. Cancellation Insurance-https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my podcast- / @commonground-qg5oj Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...--Bibliography:The Gateway Report by Robert MonroeJourneys out of the Body by Robert MonroeFar Journeys by Robert MonroeUltimate Journey by Robert MonroeStalking the Wild Pendulum by Itzak BentowThe Concscious Universe by Dean RadinThe Sacred History by Mark BoothA Secret History of the World by Mark BoothHow God becomes Real by LurhmannThe Web of Meaning by Jeremy LentRecapture the Rapture by Jamie WhealThe Eye of Shiva by Amaury de RiencourtThe Soul of India by Amaury de RiencourtForgotten Truth by Houston SmithReligions of the World by Houston SmithMere Christianity by CS LewisThe Great Divorce by Charles TaylorA Brief History of Time by Stephen HawkingThe Master and His Emissary by Ian McGhilchristA Secular Age by Charles TaylorSpiral Dynamics by Ken Wilbur

Mar 22, 2024 • 41min
Why the 2024 Election will start a Civil War
I've predicted American civil war since 2020, but what once seemed distant historical speculation has become immediate reality. Political LARPing always precedes actual conflict—until suddenly the costumes become uniforms. Texas rejecting federal authority, states sending troops to borders, removing candidates from ballots—these unprecedented actions mirror 1860 exactly. Violence will likely erupt within the year, potentially before the 2024 election even occurs.--SPONSORS:NetSuite: More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitiveCheck out Tacen with https://www.tacen.exchange or / discord Content related to Project TXA and Tacen Exchange is being provided to you for informational purposes only. Nothing discussed in this video is intended to be investment advice. This content, and any information contained therein, does not constitute a recommendation by Project TXA or Tacen Exchange to buy, sell or hold any security, financial product or instrument referenced in the content--LINKSLink to Pluribus. Cancellation Insurance-https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my podcast- / @commonground-qg5oj Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...--Bibliography:Ages of Discord by Peter TurchinThe Coming Caesars by Amaury de RiencourtThe Storm before the Calm by George FriedmanLeviathan and its Enemies by Samuel FrancisThe True Believer by Eric HofferWoke Racism by John McWhorterThe Economics of Discontent by John Michel PaulRegime Change by Patrick DeneenLong Cycles by GoldsteinThe Great Wave by David Hackett FiscerA History of Western warfare v.2 by JFC FullerBattle Cry of Freedom by James McFersonStand on Zanzibar by John BrunnerGenerations by Strauss and HoweA Conflict of Visions by Thomas SowellSecular Cycles by Peter TurchinEnd Times by Peter TurchinThe Proud Tower by Barbara TuchmanThe First World War by John KeeganThe Master and His Emissary by McGhilchristThe World After Liberalism by Matthew RoseThe Righteous Mind by John HaidtNight by Elie WieselChina by John KeayTrump and the Post Truth World by Ken Wilbur

Mar 22, 2024 • 53min
How Degeneracy will kill Civilization
This revelation completely transformed my daily existence. Like the famous optical illusion where some see an old woman while others see a young one, reality contains multiple interpretations—but only one is correct. Even among the highly educated and intelligent, almost nobody knows this information. By the end, you'll experience the equivalent of a movie's plot twist that retroactively changes EVERYTHING you thought you understood about the world we inhabit.--SPONSORS:NetSuite: More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitiveClick the link for Raycon below: http://buyraycon.com/WHATIFALTHIST--LINKS:Link to Pluribus. Cancellation Insurance-https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my podcast- / @commonground-qg5oj Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...--Bibliography: Universe 25 itselfThe Righteous Mind by John HaidtSociobiology by EO WilsonEnvy by Helmut SchoeckThe Human Zoo by Desmond MorrisThe Secret of our Success by Joseph HeinrichThe Naked Ape by Desmond MorrisThe Laws of Human Nature by Robert GreeneBehave by SapolskyThe Conscious Universe by Dean RadinNihilism by Seraphin RoseThe Unabomber's ManifestoWar, Peace and War by Peter TurchinA Conflict of Visions by Thomas SowellCynical Theories by James LindsayLost Connections by Johann HariStolen Focus by Johann HariEvil by BaumeisterThe Master and His Emissary by McGhilcrhistThe Ascent of Humanity by EisensteinGuide to Late Antiquity by Peter BrownThe Lonely Crowd by David RiesmanThe Fate of Empires by HubbardTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuiggleyThe Madness of Crowds by Douglas MurrayWoke Racism Trump and a Post Truth World by Ken WilberWoke Racism by John McWhorterThe Coddling of the American Mind by Jon Haidt

137 snips
Mar 22, 2024 • 1h 17min
Understanding Modern Civilization
The discussion kicks off with architecture reflecting civilization, contrasting medieval and modern styles. It explores the evolution from religious to humanistic ideologies and critiques the disconnect of modern elites from cultural roots. The rise of managerial states and the illusion of superiority over history are examined, alongside the complexities of social planning. Additionally, the parallels between ancient Gnostic beliefs and modern ideologies shed light on societal decay. Emphasis is placed on reevaluating community roles to combat loneliness in an era marked by burnout and disillusionment.

7 snips
Mar 22, 2024 • 35min
The Coming Chinese Revolution
The discussion kicks off with a critique of the belief in China's inevitable global dominance, hinting at potential internal revolts. It dives into the nation's demographic issues, including an aging population and gender imbalance, fueling disillusionment among the youth. The return to Maoist practices under Xi Jinping raises concerns about social control and militarization. Tensions with Taiwan are also examined as possible flashpoints, alongside urban discontent and rural perspectives that highlight the disconnect between the Communist Party and the populace.

Mar 22, 2024 • 40min
Who would Win a US-Iran War?
America and Iran have repeatedly approached the brink of war—from the Soleimani assassination that triggered Iranian missile strikes to the Stuxnet cyberattack on Iran's nuclear program. These tensions have simmered for decades without erupting into full-scale conflict. This analysis of a potential US-Iran war delivers surprising conclusions about who would actually prevail in this long-anticipated Middle Eastern showdown.--SPONSORS:NetSuite: More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitivehttps://www.piavpn.com/Whatifalthist to get 83% off Private Internet Access with 4 months free!--LINKS:Link to Pluribus. Cancellation Insurance-https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my podcast- / @commonground-qg5oj Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...--Bibliography:On Grand Strategy by John Lewis GaddisDisunited Nations by Peter ZeihanHow to Make War by James F DunniganWorld Order by Henry KissingerThe Best of Times and the Worst of Times by Michael BurleighA Generation of Sociopaths by Bruce Cannon GibneyThe New Map by Dan YerginA Quick and Dirty Guide to War by James F DunniganThe Second World War by Lidell HartA History of Western Warfare by JFC FullerDestiny Disrupted by Tamim AnsaryThe Revenge of Geography Robert KaplanPrisoners of Geography Tim MarshallSilk Roads by Peter FrankopanThe Rise of the West by William McNeilInside Asia by John Gunther

Mar 22, 2024 • 44min
Will Israel Cause a World War?
The brutality of Hamas's recent attack on Israel and the subsequent fighting has the world holding its breath. Though Israel itself is tiny—just the size of New Jersey—it stands at a geopolitical crossroads reminiscent of Bosnia before WWI. This episode examines whether this localized conflict could trigger the chain reaction of alliances that plunges our interconnected world into another global war.--SPONSORSNetSuite: More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitiveGet 50% off your first order of CookUnity meals — go to https://cookunity.com/whatif50 and use my code WHATIF50 at checkout to try them out for yourself! Thanks to CookUnity for sponsoring this video!--LINKSLink to Pluribus. Cancellation Insurance-https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...--Bibliography:The New Map by Dan YerginThe Human Tide by Paul MorelandThe First World War by John KeeganLong Cycles by GoldsteinThe Great Wave by David Hackett FischerAges of Discord by Peter TurchinThe Economics of Discontent by Jean Michel PaulThe Next 100 Years by George FriedmanA Secular Age by Charles TaylorThe World in Conflict by John AndrewsThe Global Crisis by Geoffrey ParkerThe Military Revolution by Geoffrey ParkerDisunited Nations by Peter ZeihanThe End of the World is Just the Beginning by Peter ZeihanThe Accidental Superpower by Peter ZeihanThe Best of Times and the Worst of Times by Michael BurleighA Quick and Dirty Guide to War by James DunniganDestined for War by Graham AllisonWar, What is it Good for by Ian MorrisDestiny Disrupted by Tamim AnsaryThe Invention of Yesterday by Tamim AnsaryWorld Order by Henry KissingerPrisoners of Geography by Tim MarshallGlobal Catastrophes and Trends by Vaclav SmilAsia's Cauldron by Robert Kagan