In this podcast episode, historian Edward Watts explores the decline of the Roman Republic and draws striking comparisons to the current challenges facing the American Republic. He points out that both societies share systemic issues like economic inequality, corruption, and dwindling trust in public institutions. Watts highlights the alarming rise of political violence in the U.S. compared to ancient Rome, underscoring the vulnerability of democratic systems and the risk of a similar downfall if these problems go unaddressed. He argues that Rome's ability to adapt and embrace diverse talents contributed to its endurance, warning against focusing solely on individual solutions instead of pursuing comprehensive systemic reforms.
