"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture

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.

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

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

With several brutal wars raging and more potentially imminent, formerly "decent" people are turning into bloodthirsty sharks. This episode examines history's most devastating conflicts using Matthew White's meticulously researched "Atrocities"—data respected across the political spectrum. Blood transcends political bias, revealing how Eurocentric our historical education is. When countries are bucking toward war, only perspective keeps us from getting thrown.--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/cognitiveStart your FREE scan for data brokers that are hoarding your personal info:https://www.optery.com/protect-your-p...--Bibliography:Atrocities by Matthew WhiteBloodlands by Timothy SnyderA History of China by John KeayThe First World War by John KeeganA History of the Second World War by Liddell HartPlagues and Peoples by McNeilOur Oriental Heritage by Will DurantA History of China by Wolfram EberhardAutumn in the Heavenly Kingdom by Steven R. PlattThe Cambridge Illustrated History of ChinaWar, Peace and War by Peter Turchinthe Later Roman Empire by BuryA Guide to Late Antiquity by Peter BrownHistory's Greatest Wars by CumminsTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuiggleyA History of Russia, Mongolia and Central Asia by David ChristianWar in Human Civilization by Azar GatThe 30 Years War by Peter WilsonThe Military Revolution by Geoffrey ParkerThe General Crisis by Geoffrey ParkerAfrica by John ReaderAfrican History by Basil DavidsonInglorious Empire by Sashi TharoorEurope: A History by Norman DaviesThe Soul of India by Amaury de RiencourtDestiny Disrupted by Tamim AnsarySecular Cycles by Peter TurchinGenerations of Captivity by BerlinThe Story of the Americas by Leland Dewitt Baldwin

Like fish unable to see the water they swim in, we're blind to Christianity's total transformation of Western society. Even our most "original" philosophies only make sense within Christian frameworks. This is the perfect moment to examine this influence—as Britain, Australia, and Netherlands become minority-Christian for the first time in 2,000 years. Christianity asks the least of societies yet paradoxically transforms them more profoundly than any other religion.--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/cognitiveSign up for Domain Money today https://dmnmny.co/whatifalthistDisclaimers here-https://www.domainmoney.com/t/terms-o...--Bibliography: Dominion by Tom HollandThe WEIRDest people in the World by Joseph HeinrechThe Sorrows of the Ancient Romans by Carlin BartonThe Decline of the West by Oswald SpenglerThe Coming Caesars by Amaury de RiencourtSex and Power in History by Amaury de RiencourtA History of the Jews by Paul JohnsonA Guide to Late Antiquity by Peter BrownThrough the Eye of a Needle by Peter BrownA Secular Age by Charles TaylorMere Christianity by CS LewisThe Screwtape Letters by CS LewisThe Immortality Key by Brian MurareskuReligions of the World by Houston SmithA Secret History of the World by Mark BoothThe Sacred History by Mark BoothReason, Faith and the Struggle for Western Civilization by Sam GreggThe 3D Gospel by Jason GeorgesSeven Types of Atheism by John GrayThe Invention of Yesterday by Tamim AnsaryTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuiggleyEnvy by Hemult SchoeckDynasty by Tom HollandDebt a 5,000 Year History by David GraeberThe Evolution of Civilizations by Carroll QuiggleyMillennium by Ian MortimerCaesar and Christ by Will DurantThe Age of Faith by Will DurantThe Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward GibbonRise, Fall and Rise by Peter TurchinThe Next 100 Years by Philippe Fabry

History's deadliest threats always arrive from unexpected dimensions. While we've conquered biological plagues, our society faces something equally devastating but largely unrecognized: a mental health catastrophe of Black Death proportions. This silent epidemic is already underway, potentially halving world population through indirect effects. The signs were always there in historical records—we just didn't know where to look. This may prove the defining catastrophe of our era.--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 Softwarekeep here and use the coupon code WhatifAlthist20 https://softwarekeep.com/bestsellers?...--Bibliography:A Secular Age by Charles TaylorLost Connections by Johann HariStolen Focus by Johann HariThe Happiness Hypothesis by John HaidtThe Coddling of the American Mind by John HaidtThe Culture of Narcissism by LaschThe Master and His Emissary by McGhilChristForgotten Truth by Houston SmithEvil by BaumeisterTrauma and the Soul by KalschedThe Inner World of Trauma by KalschedThe True Believer by Eric HofferEnvy by Helmut SchoeckThe Knowledge Machine by StrevensThe Web of Meaning by Jeremy LentSeculosity by David ZahlThe World's Religions by Huston SmithStrange Rites by BurtonLineages of Modernity by Todd ImmanuelThe Past is a Future Country by Edward DuttonSpiteful Mutants by Edward DuttonThe Lonely Crowd by David RiesmanEmpty Planet by Darrell BrickerDisunited Nations by Peter ZeihanSecular Cycles by Peter Turchin by David Hackett Fischer

Explore the turbulence brewing in modern Russia, marked by economic challenges and fragile governance. Delve into how Stalinism's legacy still looms over society and the complexities of Putin’s rise. The significant shifts since the 2000s reveal a nation grappling with cronyism, wealth disparity, and a distressed young populace. As cultural revival battles with geopolitical hurdles, the potential for a political upheaval grows, painting a picture of a country at a crossroads.

Colonialism is unpacked as a dual-edged sword, showcasing its role as both a perceived civilizing force and a source of moral controversy. The unique experiences of Ireland under British rule add layers to the typical colonial narrative. War is argued to be essential in shaping human civilization, challenging modern peaceful perspectives. The discussion reveals cultural misunderstandings and racial attitudes in colonial encounters, exposing the brutal realities faced by both sides. A nuanced exploration of colonial legacies invites listeners to rethink historical assessments.

Explore the intriguing parallels between non-player characters in video games and real-life interactions, prompting reflection on authenticity. Delve into the experiences of conformity and invisibility in modern society, contrasting them with the strong bonds of pre-modern communities. The discussion also critiques the role of power dynamics in shaping perceptions and the risks of overly relying on logic in political discourse. Finally, navigate the polarized landscape of contemporary issues while reevaluating societal values amid a culture of disillusionment.

Politicians can only reference four historical moments—Civil War, Revolution, WWII, and post-1960s events. This crippling historical myopia prevents us from seeing our true position in history's cycles (100-year, 300-year, and 2000-year patterns). Our society bears SHOCKING similarities to the 1630s—politically, religiously, and economically. Even modern warfare resembles the Thirty Years' War, not WWII. The Middle East is experiencing its own "Islamic Thirty Years' War" right now.--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/cognitiveLink to common ground-   / @commonground-qg5oj  --BIBLIOGRAPHY:The Global Crisis by Geoffrey ParkerThe Military Revolution by Geoffrey ParkerThe 30 Years War by Peter WilsonThe Little Ice Age by Brian FaganEurope by Norman DaviesAtrocities by Matthew WhiteThe Culture Map by Erin MeyerThe Great Wave by David Hackett FischerSecular Cycles by Peter TurchinDisunited Nations by Peter ZeihanThe End of the World is Just the Beginning by Peter ZeihanMillennium by Ian MortimerProtestants by Alec RyrieThe Next 100 Years by George FriedmanThe Great Leveler by Walter Scheidel1632 by Eric FlintTecniques and Technology by Lewis Mumford