Renowned expert Dr. Luke Kemp warns that a global collapse is imminent, citing the trajectories of past societies and the dangers of enriched elites, climate change, nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, and killer robots. In his new book “Goliath’s Curse,” Kemp argues that self-termination is the most likely outcome due to human nature.
According to Kemp, the rise and fall of 400 societies over 5,000 years reveal a pattern where people are fundamentally egalitarian but led to collapse by status-obsessed elites. He calls this phenomenon “Goliaths,” describing kingdoms and empires built on domination, such as the Roman empire. These Goliath states require three specific types of fuel: surplus food, weaponry monopolized by one group, and “caged land” where people cannot migrate away.
Kemp highlights that inequality is the curse of these societies, which ultimately lead to their demise. He points out that increasing wealth inequality consistently precedes collapse, citing examples from the Classical Maya to the Han dynasty in China. The expert believes that today’s global society is more interconnected and unequal than ever, posing a significant threat.
The current Goliath, according to Kemp, is the global capitalist system, which he argues will lead to surges in violence as elites try to reassert their dominance. He warns that people are heavily reliant on this system for services and would fall if it collapses. Furthermore, the threats facing humanity today are far worse than in the past, with climate change, nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, and killer robots posing catastrophic risks.
Kemp proposes solutions to avoid global collapse, including creating genuine democratic societies through citizen assemblies and juries, taxing wealth, and rejecting domination-based relationships. He emphasizes that it is not about human nature but rather the actions of small groups competing for profit and power. The expert remains pessimistic about our prospects but urges individuals to take action by stopping destructive behaviors and working towards democracy.
As Kemp notes, “Collapse isn’t just caused by structures, but also people. If you want to save the world then the first step is to stop destroying it.” With his warning signs of global collapse ahead, Dr. Luke Kemp’s book serves as a call to action for individuals and societies to rethink their priorities and work towards a more equitable future.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/02/self-termination-history-and-future-of-societal-collapse