America is crumbling like Safavid Iran
The article draws parallels between the decline of the Safavid Empire and contemporary America. It highlights how both empires experienced initial success followed by significant challenges, particularly in military engagements. The author suggests that America's reliance on fiscal mechanisms mirrors the Safavid approach to maintaining power and influence.
- ▪The Safavid Empire thrived for nearly 250 years, from 1501 to 1736, at the crossroads of major silk trade routes.
- ▪Under Shah Abbas the Great, the empire achieved remarkable architectural and cultural splendor despite limited resources.
- ▪The Safavid reliance on silk trade tariffs allowed for extensive military funding and fiscal stability, a strategy that may resonate with modern American practices.
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America is crumbling like Safavid Iran The Safavids depended too much on their currency A scene from the court of the Safavid Shah Suleiman. (History/Universal Images Group/Getty Images) A scene from the court of the Safavid Shah Suleiman. (History/Universal Images Group/Getty Images) Thomas Peermohamed Lambert May 18 2026 - 12:01am 6 mins Imagine, if you will, an empire. It is founded at a time of massive political upheaval, by a group of pioneers who set out from the old country in search of somewhere to practice their peculiar religious orthodoxies in peace. Quickly, these pioneers sweep across a vast landmass, from sea to shining sea, incorporating territory into their colonies and either assimilating or exterminating its native population.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at UnHerd.
