Episodes
Academia's Impact on Society | Rudyard Lynch Interviews Samo Burja
In this episode of Live Players, Rudyard Lynch (@whatifalthist) interviews Samo Burja and covers a range of topics including the evolution and current state of academia, the impact of bureaucratization and managerial ideology on society, and the state of democracy …
The Future of Democracy
This episode features Erik and Samo's 2nd-ever interview for the Venture Stories podcast, an in-depth discussion of geopolitics, statecraft, and the study of society. It was recorded in 2019. They cover: how might cryptocurrencies increase centralized state power? What do …
What India Should Do to Secure Its Future as a Global Superpower
This week Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss India as a live player. They cover: India's demographics and and the barriers it faces towards industrialization and wealth.
What Causes Institutions to Flourish?
This is a special re-airing of an episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg taped for Venture Stories (Village Global's podcast) in 2019 . Their conversation covers the following: the distinction between invention vs. adoption of technology.
Fall of Rome with Rudyard Lynch
Today we're sharing a special episode of History 102 with Rudyard Lynch (@Whatifalthist on YouTube). Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into the critical moments and competing narratives of the fall of the Roman Empire.
China, AI, and the New Global Order
In this episode Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the current state and future state of America, China, Russia, Ukraine, energy, the US dollar, AI, Peter Zeihan, Balaji Srinivasan, and more.
Alibaba After Jack Ma & China's Economy in 2024
In this conversation, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Alibaba after Jack Ma's exit and analyze the Chinese Economy.
China vs US: Space and Frontier Technologies
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss how China's technological advancements in space exploration and quantum technology could change things around the world.
Xi Jinping's Legacy and China's Succession
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive deep into how Xi Jinping is shaping China's society today and its place in the world.
Tech Stagnation and What's Holding Us Back
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss tech stagnation, drawing from Peter Thiel and Tyler Cowen's theories on technological progress rates with energy consumption as a metric. They also delve into Y Combinator and Andreessen Horowitz's influence and …
Putin & Tucker, Russia, Ukraine and Poland
In this episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin, the history behind the Russia-Ukraine war and the media’s war propaganda machine. Poland's role within Europe, its political economy and emergence as a high-income nation, …
A deep dive on Big Pharma and Ozempic
In this episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Astra Zeneca and the dysfunction of Big Pharma, its lack of innovation and potential ramifications despite its enormous economic power, incentives behind scientific breakthroughs and the potential for improvement, truth vs …
Africa’s Geopolitics: Governance, Corruption and Global Influence
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Africa as the potential "next China," its corrupt governments, and Botswana's leadership example. The corruption driven by inflated population figures, affecting economic incentives and aid allocation. Peacemaking efforts among the Hutu …
How to Make America’s Government More Efficient
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss US government spending, regulation and the importance of strategic restructuring for improved efficiency. They cover the reasons why DARPA is a model for enhanced focus and efficiency in government teams, and discuss ways the …
China's Elite vs America's Elite
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss China as America’s mirror.
Dynasties, Meritocracies, and Succession
On this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the key aspects of succession for the Sulzberger family of the NYTimes, Samsung Lee family, and Sweden’s Wallenberg family. They debate the values of dynastic succession and touch …
Singapore's Rise to Prosperity: The City State Strategy
In this episode of Live Players, Sam Burja and Erik Torenberg delve into an analysis of Singapore's post-colonial rise to power as a city state, how city states are more oriented towards prosperity than other kinds of states, and the …
Decoding Japan's Future: Global Power Landscape & Geopolitics
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg delve into an analysis of Japan's multidimensional identity as a highly homogeneous ethno state, an economic powerhouse, and as a hub for innovation in tech & AI. They also …
The Politicization of History
On this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the way we misunderstand or skew history. They cover the Bronze Age, Europe's Decline, Russia/Ukraine conflict, and more.
Why Our Civilization Could Fail and What To Do About It
On today's episode of Live Players, Samo Burja, shares his theory of long history, suggesting complex societies in human history is much older than traditionally assumed. He and Erik Torenberg discuss the implications of understanding ancient societies in the broader …
E3: Henry Kissinger’s Deeper Form of Realism
On today's episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the legacy of Henry Kissinger. They define Kissinger's unique brand of international relations and evaluate his career through the lens of the current culture wars.
E2: On Nuclear Weapons, e/acc, and Global Energy Supply
On today's episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive into all things nuclear. They cover the historical role of coal and oil in shaping global conflicts, the inevitability of nuclear proliferation, and the challenges of scaling nuclear …
E1: Live players: Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, George Soros
In the inaugural episode of the 'Live Players' podcast, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg compare and contrast prominent live players: Peter Thiel, Sam Altman, Elon Musk, George Soros, Bill Gates, and the Kochs.