The EI Podcast

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The fake history of civilisational states by Christopher Coker Mar 11, 2022

Show notes

So-called civilisational states, including Russia, China and India, invoke fake histories to justify and buttress their contemporary political settlements. But those who cannot let go of the past are always at risk of finding themselves imprisoned by it. Read by Leighton Pugh.
https://engelsbergideas.com/essays/the-fake-history-of-civilisational-states/
Credit: PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP via Getty Images

The flag wars are here to stay by Tim Marshall Mar 04, 2022

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Flags have become synonymous with nationhood, character, spirit, and power. In an age of renewed nationalism, their power should not be underestimated.
https://engelsbergideas.com/essays/the-flag-wars-are-here-to-stay/
Credit: Anthony WALLACE / AFP via Getty Images

Disinformation in the information age by Gill Bennett Feb 25, 2022

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The line between disinformation, propaganda and fake news is often blurred. This is especially the case when it is unclear whether these untruths or half truths are being disseminated by the 'good' or 'bad' guys. Read by Leighton Pugh.
https://engelsbergideas.com/essays/disinformation-in-the-information-age/
Credit: Franz Aberham via Getty Images

Roman geopolitics, an exercise in myth-making by Richard Miles Feb 18, 2022

Show notes

Once established, Roman exceptionalism and empire needed to be justified and maintained. The practical application of mythology was one way in which this was achieved. Read by Leighton Pugh.
https://engelsbergideas.com/essays/roman-geopolitics-an-exercise-in-myth-making/
Credit: Fred de Noyelle via Getty

How US policy failure post-9/11 undermined international order by Emma Sky Feb 11, 2022

Show notes

The US once enjoyed the esteemed position of being the 'city on the hill', a beacon of hope and an example to the rest of the world. Post-9/11, however, the superpower's conduct in the Middle East has left its reputation tarnished. Read by Leighton Pugh.
https://engelsbergideas.com/essays/how-us-policy-failure-post-9-11-undermined-international-order/
Credit: James May/Alamy

Uruk and the origins of the sacred economy by Daniel T. Potts Feb 04, 2022

Show notes

Peering into the hearts and minds those living four thousand years ago is an impossible task. However, when it comes to the worship of the Mesopotamian goddess Inanna, it seems clear to be, quite literally, a labour of love and fear.
https://engelsbergideas.com/essays/uruk-and-the-origins-of-the-sacred-economy/
Credit: Print Collector via Getty Images

Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy revisited by Niall Ferguson Jan 28, 2022

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While at one point in time the idea that socialist economies would ultimately prevail over capitalism was quite a widespread view the fate of socialist states over the past hundred years have demonstrated that they enjoy only two possible paths: authoritarianism or anarchy.
Credit: Shotshop GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Cool war by Noah Feldman Jan 21, 2022

Show notes

While the US remains the sole reigning super power, the rise of China adds complexity to the current world order. Geostrategic conflict is inevitable, but mutual economic interdependence can help manage that conflict and keep it from spiralling out of control.
Credit: Christian Ohde / Alamy Stock Photo

Russia and geopolitics by Anna-Lena Laurén Jan 14, 2022

Show notes

As the largest country in the world, Russia's might past and present has an inherent link to its geopolitics. But since the decline of the Soviet Union, Moscow's eyes are constantly straying beyond the national borders. In Russia, expansion is often regarded as a means of self-defence.
Credit: Tommy E Trenchard / Alamy Stock Photo

Fantasy in Middle Eastern nation-making by Nathan Shachar Jan 05, 2022

Show notes

There is frequently no real reason why one person has more claim to live or even rule over a piece of land than another. A reason, however must be provided and it is often be found in a fantastical interpretation of history.
https://engelsbergideas.com/essays/fantasy-in-middle-eastern-nation-making/
Credit: Adobe Stock

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