Why History Rhymes: Atul Singh on Media, Education & the Future of Civilization

What happens when global institutions weaken, inequality rises, and citizens lose trust in leadership?

According to Atul Singh, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Fair Observer, we enter a moment that doesn’t repeat history, but one that dangerously rhymes with it.

In this deep and thought-provoking episode of Connected Conversations, host Elena Petrova speaks with Atul about the lessons history offers us, the failures of modern media, and what we must do to rebuild an informed and empowered global society.

Learning from History - or Not

Atul opens with a stark observation: “Humans don’t learn from history. Or if we do, it’s only to learn not to learn.” He recalls the 2003 Iraq War as a painful example—where historical context was ignored, with devastating consequences.

But there are exceptions. Atul points to the post-WWII Marshall Plan as a moment when the U.S. did learn—from the failures of WWI—to rebuild a stable world order. His message is clear: history doesn’t have to repeat, but it often rhymes when we’re not listening.

Why He Founded Fair Observer

Frustrated by the state of global media, Atul launched Fair Observer to combat three key problems:

1. Too much noise, not enough depth

2. Lack of historical and cultural context

3. Ideological and national echo chambers

Fair Observer now features over 3,000 authors from 90+ countries, offering fact-checked, multi-perspective insights that cut through the noise.

A Personal Journey Across Worlds

Atul’s own path is as diverse as the ideas he shares. A former lawyer in London, military officer in volatile Indian border areas, mountaineer, poet, and entrepreneur - he blends rigorous education (Oxford, Wharton) with life experience across continents and social classes.

From bus rides across rural America to living with mechanics and observing pain at the working-class level, his view of society is both global and grounded.

A Fractured Global Moment

Atul believes we’re living through a moment more like 1914 than the Cold War. Institutions are collapsing. Trust is eroding. Debt is skyrocketing. And the international order built post-1945 is unraveling.

According to him, we face "medieval" conditions: a return to personal power, populism, and societal fragmentation.

What Comes Next: A Crisis, Then Rebirth

Despite the looming economic and social crises, Atul remains cautiously hopeful. He sees three major opportunities for reinvention:

• Civic Engagement: Citizens re-engaging in politics and governance

• Economic Responsibility: Moving beyond corruption and debt cycles

• Educational Reform: Valuing trades, humanities, and social cohesion

These are not guaranteed, but they are possible—if we choose to learn.

Final Reflection

Atul Singh’s episode reminds us that truth is rarely simple, but always essential. In a world filled with noise, this conversation dares to seek clarity, context, and connection.