Jerm and EM Burlingame tackle the deep cultural conflicts between East and West, drawing on EM’s military experience in Afghanistan where operations aimed at village stability and self-sufficiency. They explore the historical roots of these clashes, the lingering effects of colonialism, and the ongoing battle between individualism and collectivism, highlighting stark differences in how group life is perceived across regions. EM stresses the vital role of civilisation and cultural identity in holding societies together, while slamming Western society for not recovering from the madness of World War I. He warns that hyper-individualism is driving its collapse, made worse by resentful individuals corrupting institutions over time. Their discussion also touches on mental health, masculinity, the future of civilisations, an economic depression ongoing since 2011 impacting millions, and likens modern financial elites to the ancient Roman Praetorians controlling society, all shaped by the intricate mix of multiple cultures and shared histories.
Bio: EM Burlingame is an American commentator with a varied background in tech finance and military operations. Known for his insights on cultural and societal issues, he draws from his experience in Afghanistan to comment on East-West conflicts, individualism versus collectivism, and the state of Western civilisation.
Website: https://emburlingame.substack.com