The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters PREVIEW: Realpolitik #31 | The Age of Empires
Jan 27, 2026
A survey of a collapsing post‑World War order and the rise of new imperial powers. A framework of sovereignty pillars like currency, energy, food, and military is introduced. Turkey’s economic levers, regional reach, and military tech are examined. China’s commercial expansion, resource vulnerabilities, and strategic limits are explored alongside Russia‑China alignment and Central Asian ambitions.
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Sovereignty's Four Pillars
- Firas Modad defines sovereignty as four essentials: an independent currency, energy, food, and a competent military.
- These elements determine whether a state can act as an empire and pursue independent national interests.
Japan's Historical Resource Drive
- Firas Modad recounts Japan's historical imperial drives to secure energy by conquering nearby territories.
- He uses this example to show empires can acquire resources through conquest when domestic supplies lack.
Turkey's Path To Regional Power
- Turkey pursues sovereign trade and regional control while minimizing external debt exposure.
- Firas Modad argues Turkey can secure energy, food, population growth, and military capacity to become an empire.