2025 Voodoo is a term used to describe a hypothetical scenario in which the global economy collapses due to a combination of factors, including a global pandemic, climate change, and political instability. The term was coined by economist and author James Rickards in his 2020 book, “The Road to Ruin: The Global Risks That Could Derail the 2020s.”
Rickards argues that the world is on the brink of a major crisis that could lead to a global depression worse than the Great Depression of the 1930s. He cites a number of factors that could contribute to such a crisis, including:
- The global pandemic of COVID-19, which has caused widespread economic disruption and job losses.
- Climate change, which is leading to more extreme weather events and rising sea levels, which could damage infrastructure and disrupt supply chains.
- Political instability, which is on the rise around the world, and could lead to conflict and war.
Rickards warns that if these factors converge, it could lead to a global economic collapse that would be unlike anything seen before. He urges policymakers to take action to prevent such a crisis from happening.
The concept of 2025 Voodoo has been met with skepticism by some economists, who argue that it is too simplistic and does not take into account the resilience of the global economy. However, Rickards’s warning has been taken seriously by policymakers and investors, and it is a reminder of the risks that the world faces in the coming years.
1. Global pandemic
A global pandemic is a widespread outbreak of a disease that crosses international boundaries and affects a large number of people. The COVID-19 pandemic is a recent example of a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread economic disruption and job losses. It has also led to travel restrictions and border closures. These factors have contributed to the economic downturn that is associated with “2025 Voodoo”.
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Economic disruption
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread economic disruption. Businesses have been forced to close, and many people have lost their jobs. This has led to a decline in economic activity and a rise in unemployment. The economic disruption caused by the pandemic is a major factor in the “2025 Voodoo” scenario.
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Travel restrictions
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to travel restrictions and border closures. These restrictions have made it difficult for people to travel for business and leisure. This has led to a decline in tourism and a disruption of global supply chains. The travel restrictions are another factor that is contributing to the economic downturn associated with “2025 Voodoo”.
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Border closures
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to border closures. These closures have made it difficult for people to cross borders for work, study, or family reunification. The border closures are another factor that is contributing to the economic downturn associated with “2025 Voodoo”.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a major factor in the “2025 Voodoo” scenario. The pandemic has caused widespread economic disruption, travel restrictions, and border closures. These factors are contributing to the economic downturn that is associated with “2025 Voodoo”.
2. Climate change
Climate change is a major factor in the “2025 Voodoo” scenario. Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events and rising sea levels, which could damage infrastructure and disrupt supply chains. These factors could lead to a global economic collapse.
Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, can cause widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses. This damage can lead to economic losses and disruptions. For example, Hurricane Katrina caused an estimated $160 billion in damage in the United States. The 2011 Thailand floods caused an estimated $45 billion in damage. The 2019-2020 Australian bushfires caused an estimated $10 billion in damage.
Rising sea levels can also damage infrastructure and disrupt supply chains. Sea level rise can cause flooding, erosion, and salinization of coastal areas. This can damage roads, bridges, railways, and ports. It can also contaminate freshwater supplies. For example, the city of Miami is spending millions of dollars to raise roads and install pumps to protect against flooding caused by sea level rise.
The economic impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world. The World Bank estimates that climate change could cost the global economy $2 trillion per year by 2050. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that climate change could reduce global GDP by 2-3% by 2060.
Climate change is a serious threat to the global economy. It is a major factor in the “2025 Voodoo” scenario. Policymakers need to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and to adapt to the changes that are already happening.
3. Political instability
Political instability is a major factor in the “2025 Voodoo” scenario. Political instability can lead to conflict and war, which can disrupt trade and investment. It can also lead to government instability, which can make it difficult for businesses to operate and for investors to protect their investments.
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Conflict and war
Conflict and war can disrupt trade and investment. They can also lead to the destruction of infrastructure and the loss of life. For example, the Syrian civil war has caused an estimated $388 billion in damage to the Syrian economy. The war has also displaced millions of people and created a humanitarian crisis.
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Government instability
Government instability can make it difficult for businesses to operate and for investors to protect their investments. For example, the political instability in Venezuela has led to a decline in foreign investment and a sharp increase in inflation.
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Economic sanctions
Economic sanctions can also be a major factor in political instability. Economic sanctions can be used to punish countries for human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation, or other violations of international law. However, economic sanctions can also have unintended consequences, such as harming the civilian population and destabilizing the government.
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Cyber attacks
Cyber attacks can also be a major factor in political instability. Cyber attacks can be used to disrupt critical infrastructure, steal sensitive information, or spread propaganda. For example, the Russian government has been accused of using cyber attacks to interfere in the 2016 US presidential election.
Political instability is a serious threat to the global economy. It is a major factor in the “2025 Voodoo” scenario. Policymakers need to take action to promote political stability and to reduce the risk of conflict and war.
4. Economic collapse
Economic collapse is a major component of the “2025 Voodoo” scenario. It is a situation in which the global economy experiences a catastrophic decline, leading to widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. Economic collapse can be caused by a number of factors, including global pandemics, climate change, political instability, and financial crises.
The connection between economic collapse and “2025 Voodoo” is clear. If the global economy collapses, it will be very difficult to prevent a global depression that is worse than the Great Depression of the 1930s. This is because a global economic collapse would lead to a loss of confidence in the global financial system. This would make it difficult for businesses to get loans and for consumers to get credit. As a result, economic activity would decline and unemployment would rise.
There are a number of real-life examples of economic collapse. The Great Depression of the 1930s was a global economic collapse that led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. The Great Recession of 2008 was a global financial crisis that led to a sharp decline in economic activity and a rise in unemployment. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to a global economic downturn, which is still ongoing.
Understanding the connection between economic collapse and “2025 Voodoo” is important because it allows us to take steps to prevent such a collapse from happening. Policymakers need to take action to address the risks of global pandemics, climate change, political instability, and financial crises.
5. Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that began in the United States in the 1930s. The global gross domestic product (GDP) decreased by an estimated 15% between 1929 and 1932. During the Great Depression, national income, tax revenue, profits, and prices fell, while foreign trade fell by more than half. Unemployment in the United States reached 25%, and in some countries reached 33%. By the middle of the 1930s, some economies had begun to recover. However, the Great Depression’s effects continued until the outbreak of World War II.
The Great Depression is a major component of the “2025 Voodoo” scenario because it is an example of a global economic collapse. The “2025 Voodoo” scenario is a hypothetical scenario in which the global economy collapses due to a combination of factors, including a global pandemic, climate change, political instability, and financial crises. If the global economy collapses, it could lead to a global depression that is worse than the Great Depression of the 1930s.
There are a number of real-life examples of how the Great Depression led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. In the United States, the unemployment rate reached 25% at the height of the Great Depression. In Germany, the unemployment rate reached 33%. The Great Depression also led to a sharp decline in economic activity and a rise in poverty. In the United States, the gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 30% between 1929 and 1933. The Great Depression also led to a rise in social unrest. In the United States, there were a number of riots and protests during the Great Depression.
Understanding the connection between the Great Depression and “2025 Voodoo” is important because it allows us to take steps to prevent such a collapse from happening. Policymakers need to take action to address the risks of global pandemics, climate change, political instability, and financial crises.
6. Resilience
Resilience is the ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. It is a key factor in the “2025 Voodoo” scenario, as it will determine how well the global economy can withstand the challenges that lie ahead. There are a number of facets to resilience, including:
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Economic resilience
Economic resilience is the ability of an economy to withstand and recover from shocks. This includes the ability to maintain economic growth, employment, and financial stability in the face of challenges such as global pandemics, climate change, and political instability. Economic resilience is important for the “2025 Voodoo” scenario because it will help to determine how well the global economy can withstand the challenges that lie ahead.
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Social resilience
Social resilience is the ability of a society to withstand and recover from shocks. This includes the ability to maintain social cohesion, trust, and cooperation in the face of challenges such as natural disasters, conflict, and economic crises. Social resilience is important for the “2025 Voodoo” scenario because it will help to determine how well societies can cope with the challenges that lie ahead.
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Political resilience
Political resilience is the ability of a government to withstand and recover from shocks. This includes the ability to maintain political stability, legitimacy, and effectiveness in the face of challenges such as political crises, corruption, and terrorism. Political resilience is important for the “2025 Voodoo” scenario because it will help to determine how well governments can respond to the challenges that lie ahead.
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Environmental resilience
Environmental resilience is the ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from shocks. This includes the ability to maintain biodiversity, ecosystem services, and natural resources in the face of challenges such as climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. Environmental resilience is important for the “2025 Voodoo” scenario because it will help to determine how well the global economy can withstand the challenges that lie ahead.
Resilience is a key factor in the “2025 Voodoo” scenario. The more resilient the global economy is, the better it will be able to withstand the challenges that lie ahead. Policymakers need to take action to build resilience in all of these areas.
7. Policymakers
Policymakers play a crucial role in the “2025 Voodoo” scenario. They have the power to take action to address the risks of global pandemics, climate change, political instability, and financial crises. By taking these actions, policymakers can help to prevent a global economic collapse.
For example, policymakers can take action to strengthen the global financial system. They can also take action to promote economic growth and job creation. In addition, policymakers can take action to address the risks of climate change and political instability.
The understanding of the connection between policymakers and “2025 Voodoo” is important because it allows us to take steps to prevent a global economic collapse. By taking action to address the risks of global pandemics, climate change, political instability, and financial crises, policymakers can help to ensure a more prosperous and stable future for all.
FAQs on “2025 Voodoo”
The term “2025 Voodoo” refers to a hypothetical scenario in which the global economy collapses due to a combination of factors, including a global pandemic, climate change, and political instability. This scenario has been discussed by economists and policymakers, and it is a reminder of the risks that the world faces in the coming years.
Question 1: What are the key factors that could contribute to the “2025 Voodoo” scenario?
Answer: The key factors that could contribute to the “2025 Voodoo” scenario include a global pandemic, climate change, political instability, and financial crises.
Question 2: What are the potential consequences of the “2025 Voodoo” scenario?
Answer: The potential consequences of the “2025 Voodoo” scenario include a global economic collapse, widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest.
Question 3: What can policymakers do to prevent the “2025 Voodoo” scenario from happening?
Answer: Policymakers can take action to address the risks of global pandemics, climate change, political instability, and financial crises. By taking these actions, policymakers can help to prevent a global economic collapse.
Question 4: Is the “2025 Voodoo” scenario a realistic possibility?
Answer: The “2025 Voodoo” scenario is a hypothetical scenario, and it is difficult to say how likely it is to happen. However, the factors that could contribute to this scenario are real and present, and it is important to be aware of the risks.
Question 5: What can individuals do to prepare for the “2025 Voodoo” scenario?
Answer: Individuals can take steps to prepare for the “2025 Voodoo” scenario by saving money, building up an emergency fund, and learning how to live off the grid.
Question 6: What are the key takeaways from the “2025 Voodoo” scenario?
Answer: The key takeaways from the “2025 Voodoo” scenario are that we need to be aware of the risks that the world faces in the coming years, and that we need to take action to prepare for these risks.
The “2025 Voodoo” scenario is a reminder that the world is interconnected, and that events in one part of the world can have a ripple effect on the entire global economy. It is important to be aware of the risks that we face, and to take steps to prepare for these risks.
Preparing for “2025 Voodoo”
The “2025 Voodoo” scenario is a reminder that the world is interconnected, and that events in one part of the world can have a ripple effect on the entire global economy. It is important to be aware of the risks that we face, and to take steps to prepare for these risks.
Tip 1: Save money.
One of the best ways to prepare for an economic collapse is to save money. This will give you a financial cushion to fall back on if you lose your job or if the economy takes a downturn. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses.
Tip 2: Build up an emergency fund.
In addition to saving money, it is also important to build up an emergency fund. This fund should be set aside for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. Aim to save at least $1,000 in your emergency fund.
Tip 3: Learn how to live off the grid.
If the economy collapses, it is possible that the power grid and other essential services could be disrupted. It is important to be able to live off the grid in case of an emergency. Learn how to grow your own food, generate your own power, and purify water.
Tip 4: Be prepared to barter.
If the economy collapses, it is likely that the value of money will decline. In this case, it will be important to be able to barter for goods and services. Learn what skills and items you can offer in exchange for what you need.
Tip 5: Get involved in your community.
In the event of an economic collapse, it will be important to have a strong community to rely on. Get involved in your community now, and build relationships with your neighbors. This will make it easier to cooperate and support each other in the event of a crisis.
Summary:
By following these tips, you can prepare for the “2025 Voodoo” scenario and protect yourself and your family from the worst effects of an economic collapse.
The “2025 Voodoo” scenario is a reminder that we need to be aware of the risks that the world faces in the coming years, and that we need to take action to prepare for these risks.
Conclusion
The term “2025 Voodoo” refers to a hypothetical scenario in which the global economy collapses due to a combination of factors, including a global pandemic, climate change, and political instability. This scenario is a reminder of the risks that the world faces in the coming years.
The key points of this article are as follows:
- The factors that could contribute to the “2025 Voodoo” scenario are real and present.
- The potential consequences of the “2025 Voodoo” scenario are severe.
- Policymakers can take action to prevent the “2025 Voodoo” scenario from happening.
- Individuals can take steps to prepare for the “2025 Voodoo” scenario.
The “2025 Voodoo” scenario is a reminder that we need to be aware of the risks that the world faces in the coming years, and that we need to take action to prepare for these risks. By taking action now, we can help to prevent a global economic collapse and ensure a more prosperous future for all.
