In this interview, Dr.Thomas Homer-Dixon reflects on his intellectual journey from studying political science and human conflict to developing a broader framework for understanding interconnected global crises. He explains the concept of polycrisis as the synchronization of multiple, linked crises rather than a coincidence of separate shocks, suggesting that today’s converging disruptions may reflect deeper […]
Reflections by Thomas Homer-Dixon Read More »
In this episode, Nate Hagens introduces a new recurring segment, Uncomfortable Questions in Unstable Times, focused on examining foundational assumptions about growth, stability, and societal purpose. He explores what might change if societies shifted their primary objective from economic growth to systemic stability, and considers how such a reorientation could reshape political incentives, cultural norms,
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In this Cross Currents conversation, ASRA members discuss the systemic risks threatening global health security, including pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, climate-driven health crises, and fragmented global governance. They emphasize the need to move beyond siloed, reactive responses toward integrated, multi-level strategies that address the root causes of health insecurity. Key themes include the urgency of fostering
How Systemic Risks Threaten Global Health Security (And What We Can Do) Read More »
In this presentation, David Miliband, President of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), highlights recommendations from the IRC’s 2026 Emergency Watchlist. He notes that near 240 million people are in humanitarian need, most concentrated in just 20 countries, and warns that today’s crises are increasingly internationalized, prolonged, and fueled by climate stress, conflict economies, and diplomatic
How can Crisis-affected Countries Survive in the ‘New World Disorder’? Read More »
This session from the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum explores how to achieve prosperity within planetary boundaries amid accelerating climate and ecological crises. With a keynote by Johan Rockström and contributions from panelists André Hoffmann, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Sumant Sinha, Ramon Laguarta, and Andrew Forrest, the discussion highlights that seven of nine
How Can We Build Prosperity within Planetary Boundaries? Read More »
This article explores why young Canadians are increasingly reporting feelings of despair amid what experts describe as a global polycrisis. Drawing on personal testimonies, it reflects on how a generation shaped by constant exposure to global tragedies, political uncertainty, and systemic challenges amplified by social media is experiencing heightened anxiety and hopelessness. Unlike past eras
World of Woes: How the Global Polycrisis is Shaping Canada’s Youth Read More »
The Cross Current series explores the dynamics, disruptions, and discoveries shaping our world. Experts from diverse disciplines engage in cross-sector conversations to deepen understanding of the interconnected risks driving today’s polycrisis.
Cross Currents Conversation Series Read More »
In this symposium, experts explore the Anthropocene as a scientific, cultural, political, and economic paradigm shift, examining the trajectories of the Great Acceleration and the current state of the biosphere, and critically reflecting on key frameworks shaping global debate: planetary boundaries, tipping points, planetary stewardship, and the planetary commons.
The Anthropocene Paradigm Shift Read More »
This episode features Christophe Yvetot, representative to the EU of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), who explores how innovation, clean tech, and global partnerships can turn today’s polycrisis into a springboard for sustainable growth.
Industry as the Solution in a Polycrisis Read More »
In this conversation, Thomas Homer-Dixon introduces the Cascade Institute’s Polycrisis Core Model (PCM), a novel framework designed to map and analyse interactions among 11 critical global systems, each with multiple potential future states. The model employs cross-impact balance (CIB) analysis to evaluate over four million internally consistent scenarios, ultimately identifying 11 distinct “attractor” states. These
Mapping the Hope Attractor: A Conversation with Thomas- Homer Dixon Read More »
