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This book explores innovative ways in which different media, communicative fields, and creative practices are making a difference in a world increasingly defined by systemic, deepening, and compounding crises. It examines how these practices can contribute positively to a broader understanding of our planetary predicament and promote the cultural flourishing of new ideas and regenerative […]
Communicating a World-in-Crisis Read More »
This policy brief explores how the humanitarian sector must adapt to increasingly complex polycrisis . It presents key recommendations for reimagining humanitarian aid to prevent a slide into permacrisis, emphasizing the need to shift from reactive, centralized models to locally led, systems-based approaches. Central to this transformation is empowering local actors through meaningful leadership, dismantling
Humanitarian Aid in the Polycrisis: Local and Systems Thinking Approaches 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 authors explore the polycrisis concept as the interaction of multiple global crises, arguing that focusing solely on causal links does not fully capture the politics of knowledge about the polycrisis. They highlight the challenge of managing deep scientific and political uncertainties in the Anthropocene and propose that the polycrisis research program adopts decision-making under
The Polycrisis and the Uncertainty Possibility Space Read More »
Michael J. Albert explores the debate on “polycrisis,” with proponents viewing crises as interconnected shocks, while Marxist critics argue that this obscures the capitalist roots by treating them as separate and loosely connected. He develops an approach combining Marxism, complexity theory, and neo-Gramscian political economy. Using the European Union’s ongoing polycrisis as an example, Albert
Capitalism, Complexity, and Polycrisis: Toward Neo-Gramscian Polycrisis Analysis Read More »
The authors examine polycrisis as a defining challenge of the Anthropocene, identifying human behavioral traits—particularly maladaptations—as fundamental drivers. Through a systematic literature review, they highlight warfare, resource overexploitation, and cognitive biases as key contributors. By mapping the traits underlying these maladaptations, the study proposes leverage points to mitigate cascading crises and enhance global resilience.
Human Behavioural Traits and the Polycrisis: A Systematic Review Read More »
This report presents the findings of the Munich Security Index 2025—an index of global risk perceptions in the G7 and “BICS” countries. It examines the implications of multipolarization in the international order, emphasizing that current trends indicate the negative effects of greater multipolarity are prevailing, as widening divisions among major powers and competing governance models
Multipolarization – Munich Security Report 2025 Read More »
The GAR 2025 report examines the likely future impacts of the world’s costliest hazards by 2050, considering different demographic trends, urbanization patterns, and climate scenarios. Drawing on new modelling tools and dozens of global examples, it warns that continued risk creation will outpace our ability to reduce it unless disaster risk reduction is embedded into
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 »
In this episode, Nate Hagens talks with Birgitte Bischoff, the European Regional Director for The Red Cross, about her vision for the future of humanitarian work and the challenges and opportunities for more proactive and prepared planning. They highlight the importance of individual volunteers, and the integration of a systems thinking approach at The Red
Navigating International Crises: The Evolving Challenges for Humanitarian Organizations Read More »
