Pulitzer Prize-winning author and UCLA professor Jared Diamond has a final book for his trilogy on the rise and fall of civilizations: “Upheaval: Turning Points for Nations in Crisis.”

Following “Guns, Germs, and Steel” and “Collapse,” Diamond reveals a new theory on how some countries were able to recover from widespread trauma while others did not. He explains that successful nations may have overcome crises through a process of “selective change” — a coping mechanism more commonly associated with personal trauma.

From Chile’s democratic downfall towards dictatorship, to the Soviet invasion of Finland, Diamond adds a psychological dimension to his historical research, along with a forecast of where the United States might be heading.

Host Larry Mantle speaks with Diamond about the making of his book and the most pressing global issues he sees in our world.

Jared Diamond will discuss his new book, “Upheaval” on Thursday, May 16 at 8pm, at the Aratani Theatre of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Downtown LA. For info, click here

Guest:

Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of many books including his latest, “Upheaval: Turning Points for Nations in Crisis”