381. Musk, Bezos & The New East India Companies (Ep 1)
Empire: World History | 26 jul 2026 | 00:53:36
Are modern tech corporations the new East India Company? What is the dark history behind Silicon Valley? What do Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have in common with Cecil Rhodes?
In this episode, William and Anita explore the sinister origins of Silicon Valley and the striking parallels between today’s tech billionaires and historical imperialists. They discuss the rise of tech companies like PayPal, X and Amazon, and how they have followed the historical template set by the East India Company.
Summer sale is here: get an annual Empire Club membership for an extra 20% off with code SUMMER26. That's ad-free listening, early access, every bonus episode, and full access to our exclusive members' series. Sale ends August 31st, so grab it before summer's over.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @empirepoduk
Blue Sky: @empirepoduk
X: @empirepoduk
Assistant Producer: Imogen Marriott
Editor: Bruno Di Castri
Social Producer: Charlie Johnson
Producer: Anouska Lewis
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, William and Anita explore the sinister origins of Silicon Valley and the striking parallels between today’s tech billionaires and historical imperialists. They discuss the rise of tech companies like PayPal, X and Amazon, and how they have followed the historical template set by the East India Company.
Summer sale is here: get an annual Empire Club membership for an extra 20% off with code SUMMER26. That's ad-free listening, early access, every bonus episode, and full access to our exclusive members' series. Sale ends August 31st, so grab it before summer's over.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @empirepoduk
Blue Sky: @empirepoduk
X: @empirepoduk
Assistant Producer: Imogen Marriott
Editor: Bruno Di Castri
Social Producer: Charlie Johnson
Producer: Anouska Lewis
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices