Dr. Thomas Madden is a historian, author, and professor of history at Saint Louis University whose work focuses on the ancient and medieval worlds, the Crusades, Venice, and the history of republics. In his latest book, The Fall of Republics, he examines why republics rise, endure, and collapse, tracing lessons from Carthage, Rome, and Venice to the American Founding and the U.S. Constitution. His work explores how political division, institutional breakdown, and the erosion of civic norms can weaken republics over time. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Privacy Isn't Paranoia. It's Protection. Download Glacier - https://theglacierapp.com Get Behind the Scenes content exclusively at https://patreon.com/vigilanceelite. Ridge’s biggest sale of the year is here! Head to https://Ridge.com/SRS to get up to 49% off, plus holiday extras like gift bags and classic cuff beanies on qualifying orders while supplies last! #Ridgepod Get 47% off your first order of kēpos, the award-winning daily gut health supplement, plus free gifts valued at $62 at https://trykepos.com/SRS Start your free trial at https://shopify.com/srs For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at https://Mengotomars.com/srs Dr. Thomas Madden Links: Website - https://www.thomasmadden.org Substack - https://maddentf.substack.com X - https://x.com/maddentf The Fall of Republics - https://www.amazon.com/dp/069119582X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices