On November 19, the Center for Statecraft and Strategic Communication hosted a book talk with historian and internationally recognized author Johan Norberg, who together with our postdoctoral fellow Fredrik Sixtensson discussed his latest work, Peak Human.

In Peak Human, Norberg examines seven of history’s most remarkable civilizations: ancient Athens, the Roman Republic, Abbasid Baghdad, Song China, Renaissance Italy, the Dutch Republic, and the modern Anglosphere. Each represents a distinct golden age marked by cultural flourishing, scientific achievement, and economic progress. During the discussion, Norberg explored what allowed these societies to thrive, why their golden ages eventually came to an end, and what these historical trajectories might teach us about safeguarding the strengths of our own era.

The event concluded with questions from the audience and reflections on the broader implications of historical analogy for today’s global political and economic environment.