This article argues how fossil fuels are both the main driver of the polycrisis and a significant barrier to effective climate action. It highlights how the global economy’s dependence on oil, gas, and coal not only fuels climate change but also reinforces political inertia through industry influence, misinformation campaigns, and lobbying efforts. The article underscores […]
Fossil Fuels as the Cause of the Global Polycrisis Read More »
The author explores the concepts of systemic risk, polycrisis, and catastrophic risk, explaining how interconnected failures can cascade across diverse systems, threatening global stability. He emphasizes how systemic risk and polycrisis expose both the vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities of our global systems. The article illustrates that while a single failure can trigger widespread collapse, history
Systemic Risk and the Polycrisis Read More »
The author explores the ongoing instability in the United States and its global repercussions, framing 2025 as a year of escalating crises. From geopolitical tensions to tech transfers, mineral extraction, and climate disasters, these disruptions underscore a broader shift in global power dynamics. While the U.S. pursues isolationist and authoritarian policies, other nations are working
David Motadel explores the concept of historical inflection points, where major events irreversibly reshape societies. He argues that such turning points are often symptoms of deeper structural transformations and that addressing today’s crises requires understanding and resolving their root causes—a process that unfolds over decades rather than in singular, defining moments.
Are we at a turning point in world history? Read More »
This article examines the concept of polycrisis, focusing on its key characteristics—feedback loops, blurred boundaries, and complex interconnections. It offers practical guidance for practitioners, highlighting the need for adaptive risk management, resilient response frameworks, and attention to the psychological impact of prolonged crises.
What is a Polycrisis and what is the Impact on Business Continuity Practitioners? Read More »
The authors explore the complexities of the Syrian revolution within the broader context of the global polycrisis, emphasizing the interconnected social, political, and environmental factors that fueled its trajectory.
How the Syrian Revolution Started Over 14 Years Ago – and Why It isn’t Really Over Yet Read More »
Jesse Damiani analyzes the Los Angeles fires, emphasizing their devastating impact on the city’s infrastructure and communities. He argues that these types of unprecedented weather events are symptoms of a broader “ecological overshoot,” which he identifies as the primary driver of a state of collapse. Damiani also explores strategies for resilience and adaptation to navigate
Adam Tooze explores the concept of polycrisis as a framework for understanding the complex and interconnected challenges we face in the modern era. He critiques the reliance on traditional social theories from the 20th century, arguing that they often underestimate the unprecedented scale and speed of contemporary issues. Tooze emphasizes the value of the concept
Chartbook 343 : Polycrisis & the Critique of Capitalocentrism Read More »
Adam Tooze examines the stagnation in global poverty reduction, emphasizing the challenges of a polycrisis context. He highlights that, after significant declines, progress in reducing absolute poverty has stalled, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of people living in absolute poverty has surged.
Chartbook 330: Africa & Absolute Poverty in an Era of Polycrisis. Read More »
Jeremy Brecher examines how the era of neoliberal globalization, which initially facilitated economic growth in developing nations through global trade and investment, is now giving way to a polycrisis marked by escalating global inequality and poverty.
Inequality and the Polycrisis Read More »
