

"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture
Rudyard Lynch
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 22, 2024 • 51min
Why Communism is a Failed Religion
Communism represents humanity's largest-ever attempt at total societal reinvention—briefly ruling ONE-THIRD of the human race! we both independently marked communist territories as completely different civilizations from what came before.This episode reveals why communism ultimately failed to establish itself as a lasting civilization despite controlling massive territory and populations. I explore its theological and sociological underpinnings as a functional religion, avoiding philosophical naval-gazing by focusing on historical evidence.--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/cognitive--SOURCES:Bloodlands by Timothy SnyderTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuigleyThe Rise and Fall of Communism by Archie BrownEnvy by Helmut SchoeckThe Master and His Emissary by Ian McGhilChristA Secret History of the World by Mark BoothDominion by Tom HollandA Secular Age by Charles TaylorMao by Jung ChangAtrocities by Matthew WhiteThe Origins of Ideology by Immanuel ToddA History of Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia by David ChristianSex and Power in History by Amaury de RiencourtEurope by Norman DaviesA Conflict of Visions by Thomas SowellIntellectuals by Thomas SowellBasic Economics by Thomas SowellThe Righteous Mind by Jon Haidt A History of Philosophy by Bertrand RusselThe Seven Types of Atheism by GrayBehave by SapolskyThe Genetic Lottery by HardenWho We Are and How We Got Here by David ReichThe Blank Slate by Steven PinkerThe Knowledge Machine by Michael StrevensCynical Theories by James Lindsay and Helen PluckroseThe Square and the Tower by Niall FergusonThe History of Philosophy by Will DurantThe Road to Serfdom by HayekThe True Believer by Eric HofferRules for Radicals by Saul AlinskySeeing Like a State by James C ScottThe Worm at the Core by Sheldon SolomonA History of the English Speaking World since 1900 by Andrew Roberts--LINKS:Instagram: . / rudyardwlynch Twitter:https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Patreon, First 200 pages of cultural history of America and 400 of history of the new world alongside exclusive maps:https://www.patreon.com › whatifalthistCheck out Pearl:https://pearl.link/whatifalthist

Mar 22, 2024 • 24min
Are We on The Verge of Nuclear War?
Nuclear weapons gave humanity godlike power that ancient Hindus attributed only to Vishnu: the ability to destroy civilization in an afternoon. For 80 years, we've lived under this Sword of Damocles—our technological wealth shadowed by potential annihilation. With Chinese warmongering and Russia's Ukraine invasion, this video examines whether our civilization is doomed to nuclear catastrophe, shattering your perception of reality.--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/cognitive--LINKS:Instagram: . / rudyardwlynch Twitter:https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Patreon, First 200 pages of cultural history of America and 400 of history of the new world alongside exclusive maps:https://www.patreon.com › whatifalthistCheck out Pearl:https://pearl.link/whatifalthist

Mar 22, 2024 • 34min
Is the Dollar Doomed?
Countries are moving away from the dollar, shaking the foundations of global trade. The podcast explores why the dollar became the reserve currency and its impact on American dominance. It dives into the dangers of fiat currencies, inflation, and the complexities of international debts. Amid rising global competition, the roles of China and Russia in challenging the dollar are scrutinized. Lastly, there’s a prediction of financial turmoil ahead, but also a potential reset that could ultimately benefit the U.S. economy.

Mar 22, 2024 • 35min
The Philosophy and History Behind Lord of the Rings
This episode dives beneath Middle Earth's surface to reveal the profound historical and philosophical foundations Tolkien embedded as an Oxford professor of Anglo-Saxon literature. What appears as a "silly fairy tale" actually represents both a perfect exemplification of its era AND timeless wisdom that transcends even Tolkien's intentions. Prepare to be shocked by its true depth.--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 here to use Masterworks:https://www.masterworks.art/whatifalt...--LINKS:Instagram: Rudyard William Lynch (@rudyardwlynch) • Instagram photos ...https://www.instagram.com › rudyardwlynchTwitter:https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Patreon, First 200 pages of cultural history of America and 400 of history of the new world alongside exclusive maps:https://www.patreon.com › whatifalthistCheck out Pearl:https://pearl.link/whatifalthist

Mar 22, 2024 • 26min
How Would WW3 Be Fought?
After nine years making predictions, I'm revisiting my World War III analysis because reality has proven EVEN WORSE than I forecasted. My original video was reasonable, but history has completely changed my assessment. This updated analysis explores who would win modern history's bloodiest conflict, where battle lines would form, and what's truly at stake—potentially our very survival.Check out War Thunder here: https://playwt.link/whatifalthist--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/cognitive--LINKS:Instagram: Rudyard William Lynch (@rudyardwlynch) • Instagram photos ...https://www.instagram.com › rudyardwlynchTwitter:https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Patreon, First 200 pages of cultural history of America and 400 of history of the new world alongside exclusive maps:https://www.patreon.com › whatifalthistCheck out Pearl:https://pearl.link/whatifalthist

Mar 22, 2024 • 52min
The Coming Far Right Backlash
History swings like a pendulum—progress exists, but never in a straight line. The left's "right side of history" mantra? DEAD WRONG. Data and historical patterns suggest the pendulum is violently swinging right for the next two decades. As a right-winger myself, I'm actually terrified how far this counter-reaction might go. Prepare to have your worldview shattered.--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/cognitiveGet 25% off Blinkist premium and enjoy 2 memberships for the price of 1! Start your 7-day free trial by clicking here: https://www.blinkist.com/whatifalthist--LINKS:Instagram: Rudyard William Lynch (@rudyardwlynch) • Instagram photos ...https://www.instagram.com › rudyardwlynchTwitter:https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Patreon, First 200 pages of cultural history of America and 400 of history of the new world alongside exclusive maps:https://www.patreon.com › whatifalthistCheck out Pearl:https://pearl.link/whatifalthist

Mar 22, 2024 • 44min
Explaining American Civilization
America dominates every crucial metric yet remains profoundly misunderstood—even by its own citizens. Americans, lacking cultural contrast, fail to recognize their civilization's unique foundations beyond pop culture stereotypes. This episode reveals what truly separates America from all others and examines where the world's hyperpower is headed next.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 my link https://www.piavpn.com/Whatifalthist and get 83% discount on Private Internet Access! That’s just $2.03 a month, plus 4 extra months completely for free!LINKS:Instagram: Rudyard William Lynch (@rudyardwlynch) • Instagram photos ...https://www.instagram.com › rudyardwlynchTwitter:https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Patreon, First 200 pages of cultural history of America and 400 of history of the new world alongside exclusive maps:https://www.patreon.com › whatifalthistCheck out Pearl:https://pearl.link/whatifalthist

Mar 22, 2024 • 43min
Understanding Islamic Civilization
With over a billion adherents, the Islamic/Middle Eastern civilization represents a paradoxical historical force - simultaneously the newest AND oldest of the great Eurasian civilizations that have molded our world order.The Islamic world stands at a critical historical inflection point - caught between traditional power structures, Western influence, and internal reformation movements. Their next moves will inevitably shape our historical trajectory as the great civilizational blocs position themselves in this new era of global competition.--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 owers 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/cognitiveMORGAN & MORGAN: Check out https://www.forthepeople.com/whatifal... for our sponsor Morgan&Morgan--LINKS:Instagram: Rudyard William Lynch (@rudyardwlynch) • Instagram photos ...https://www.instagram.com › rudyardwlynchTwitter:https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Patreon, First 200 pages of cultural history of America and 400 of history of the new world alongside exclusive maps:https://www.patreon.com › whatifalthistCheck out Pearl:https://pearl.link/whatifalthist

Dec 20, 2023 • 59min
Why did the School System Fail
Two shocking observations: 1950s children knew enough about the obscure Barbary Wars to buy toy soldier sets of them, while TWO-THIRDS of today's 10-year-olds are functionally illiterate. College professors confirm each new class is increasingly anxious, less knowledgeable, and less skilled than before. This episode examines why American education has become so expensive, biased, ineffective and universally disliked—revealing surprising connections to history, anthropology, and Game Theory.--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/cognitiveSPONSORS:Click this link to make some cash for giving your opinion! https://www.inflcr.co/SHJrB Thanks YouGov for sponsoring!--Bibliography:Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil PostmanThe Lonely Crowd by David RiesmanSeeing like a State by James C Scott The Geography of Nowhere by KunstlerGibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe History of Civilization by Will DurantAlbion's Seed by David Hackett FischerThe Ascent of Humanity by Charles EisensteinSpiteful Mutants by Edward DuttonWitches, Feminism and the Fall of the West by Edward DuttonThe Moral Animal by Robert WrightBullfinch's MythologyNorth and South by Elizabeth GaskellThe Coming Caesars by Amaury de RiencourtThe Hunter Gatherer's Guide to the 21st century by Heather Heying and Bret WeinsteinEnvy by Helmut SchoeckThe History of Manners by Norbert EliasThe Unabomber's ManifestoThe Demon Haunted World by Carl SaganThe Pursuit of Power by William McNeilForagers, Farmers and Fossil Fuel by Ian MorrisCynical Theories by James LindsayAfter Liberalism by GottfriedWoke Racism by John McWhorterA Conflict of Visions by Thomas SowellIntellectuals and Society by Thomas SowellThe Master and His Emissary by McGhilchristTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuigleyThe Rise of the West by William McNeilAges of Discord by Peter TurchinThe Coddling of the American Mind by John HaidtStolen Focus by Johann Hari


