Know Your Enemy How Republics End (w/ Mike Duncan) [Unlocked]
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Jul 18, 2025 
Mike Duncan, a renowned history podcaster and author, joins to dissect the eerie parallels between the decline of the Roman Republic and modern American politics. He tackles how historical narratives are manipulated in contemporary discourse, especially regarding issues like income inequality and foreign policy. The conversation also highlights the consequences of misinterpreting history, critiques current political rhetoric, and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and equitable governance, drawing lessons from ancient Roman experiences that resonate today.
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Mike Duncan's Roman History Journey
- Mike Duncan discovered Roman history through childhood encyclopedias and later academic political philosophy.
- His passion led to producing the History of Rome podcast, exploring its rich thousand-year history.
Roman Norms and Republic Stability
- Romans governed through 'mos maiorum,' unwritten norms preserving political stability.
- Breakdown of these norms led to reliance on force and civil conflict, signaling republic collapse.
Escalating Cycle of Norm Violations
- Norm breakdown leads to tit-for-tat political escalations causing cycles of violence.
- Power struggles accelerate as rivals abandon constraints to avoid losing dominance.
