Margaret MacMillan Warns: The World Order Is Collapsing - And What's Coming Is Far Worse

The Polycrisis and Global Instability00:03:06

Margaret MacMillan discusses the concept of a 'polycrisis,' where overlapping issues like climate change, geopolitical rivalry, and technological threats create a level of change comparable to the major milestones of the 20th century.

Historical Analogies: 1914 vs. 193900:08:11

MacMillan argues that the current era is more reminiscent of the period before 1914, where people largely ignored warning signs and expected continuity, rather than the more openly apprehensive climate of the 1930s.

The Erosion of International Norms00:16:10

The discussion focuses on how taboos, such as the prohibition against invading other nations and seizing territory, are being broken, leading to a breakdown of both formal and informal international agreements.

The Danger of Spheres of Influence00:18:22

MacMillan warns that moving toward a world of 'spheres of influence' instead of a rules-based order is inherently unstable and likely to lead to conflict between great powers.

Concerns Regarding American Policy and Future00:21:21

The conversation examines how current American policies are damaging domestic institutions and alienating allies, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of the U.S. as a world power.

The Risk of Internal Conflict00:26:47

MacMillan addresses the heightened polarization in American society and the proliferation of firearms, expressing concern about the potential for internal volatility and the time required to restore institutional trust.