Historian Peter Frankopan, author of the bestselling The Silk Roads, returns to Intelligence Squared to explore how historical patterns illuminate contemporary global challenges. Rather than viewing today's geopolitical tensions as unprecedented, Frankopan contextualises current events—from territorial ambitions and the war in Ukraine to China's rising influence, artificial intelligence, and competition for critical resources—within broader historical forces.
His analysis spans centuries of precedent: from the annexation of Texas in 1845 to the 1867 US purchase of Alaska from Russia, demonstrating that many apparent modern shocks have historical echoes. By understanding these patterns, Frankopan argues, we gain clarity about where the world is heading. This live Barbican Hall event includes an audience Q&A, offering a chance to engage directly with one of today's most influential historians on the forces shaping our future.
