Last week's extraordinary webinar "Forecasting Global Energy Consumption in the Age of Climate Change" can now be viewed HERE https://youtu.be/UnAnwaSZyvY The messages were clear: forecasting energy consumption and achieving a transition to NetZero for reversing climate change are very complex and warrant serious action at both the political and personal levels.
A World at the Crossroads: Navigating the Paradox of Progress and Protests
The following simulated interview by KEI of Perry Kinkaide is derived from an article published by Troy Media HERE The interview initiates KEI's series of articles for November exploring what is driving the Global Paradox of progress and protests The series concludes with a panel of the series writers to discuss an AI generated podcast integrating all their articles. See also HERE "Imagine you were born in 1900."
Perry Kinkaide, Editor and Host of the KEI Network's newsletter and associated webinars.
KEI: Perry, thank you for joining us. You've been closely following the unfolding crises around the world. Let’s start with the bigger picture. How would you describe the state of the world right now?
Perry Kinkaide: It's a paradox - we live in the best and the worst of times. On one hand, global welfare has never been better in terms of technological advances, advances in health and education, economic growth in certain regions, and improved overall living standards for many. Yet, at the same time, we’re seeing increasing turmoil—protests, mental health crises, and rising inequality. These public and personal challenges are reshaping societies and economies, often in destructive ways.
KEI: You mentioned rising inequality as a critical issue. How is that playing out on a global scale?
Perry Kinkaide: The economic strain is palpable, especially in light of inflation, energy price surges, and disruptions to supply chains—made worse by the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Central were raising interest rates to combat inflation, but this risked pushing some economies into recession. China's economic slowdown has triggered a $1.07 trillion USD economic stimulus. Developing nations, already burdened by debt, are at the greatest risk of financial collapse, which is only widening the gap between the rich and poor. People are experiencing job insecurity and declining living standards, fueling social unrest.
KEI: In regions like Latin America, the war on drugs has been a longstanding issue. How does this intersect with the broader economic challenges you’re describing?
Perry Kinkaide: Latin America is a key example. Countries like Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala are dealing with economic instability worsened by the war on drugs. Drug cartels, gangs, and state forces continue to clash violently, devastating communities and driving migration. In the U.S., the opioid crisis adds to the challenge, putting immense strain on public health systems. It’s all interconnected—economic collapse, violence, and migration.
KEI: The mental health and homelessness crises seem to be worsening globally, especially in the U.S. How do you see these issues evolving?
Perry Kinkaide: In the U.S. and here in Canada especially, these crises are deeply tied to economic inequality. We’re seeing a lack of affordable housing and insufficient mental health care. Vulnerable populations, often already marginalized, are falling through the cracks. The ripple effect of these issues—homelessness, untreated mental health disorders—creates long-term social and economic consequences for entire communities.
KEI: Let’s pivot to environmental concerns. We've recently explored the climate crisis as another significant factor contributing to global instability. How is that manifesting in terms of displacement and migration?
Perry Kinkaide: Frequent and severe natural disasters—wildfires, hurricanes, floods, droughts—are disrupting ecosystems and food security. The severity of these events is amplified by the extraordinary growth of coastal cities and populating of once vacant forests. In places like Haiti, this is further exacerbated by political instability and gang violence, leading to mass displacement. We’re seeing a rise in climate refugees globally, which is only adding to the migration challenges already facing Europe and North America. And despite global efforts, such as the Paris Accord, we’re still struggling to align economic interests with environmental priorities.
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KEI: You’ve also mentioned demographic shifts as another major challenge. Can you expand on that?
Perry Kinkaide: Absolutely. In developed countries birthrates are collapsing and aging populations are placing huge pressure on healthcare and pension systems. Japan is in the throes of adapting to depopulation as is China, now adjusting to the consequences of it's one-child policy. Meanwhile, developing nations have large youth populations facing high unemployment and few opportunities. This demographic imbalance is driving migration and fueling political and social tensions. In the U.S., for example, the southern border is a flashpoint, with many migrants fleeing violence and economic collapse in Central America.
KEI: Rapid urbanization in developing countries is another issue. What are the consequences of this, especially in regions like Africa and Latin America?
Perry Kinkaide: Infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with population growth in many urban areas, especially in Africa and Latin America. This has created significant inequality and a lack of access to basic services, which are breeding grounds for social unrest. Criminal networks—gangs and cartels—are stepping in where governments can’t, exploiting the gaps and further destabilizing these regions. It’s a vicious cycle of instability.
KEI: Governance appears to be in crisis, too. We’re seeing declining trust in democratic institutions and the rise of populism. What’s driving that?
Perry Kinkaide: Political polarization is a huge factor. Many governments are struggling to manage the rising tensions within their societies. Populist and authoritarian movements are gaining ground, which weakens democratic institutions and the rule of law. Disinformation campaigns, often fueled by both state and non-state actors, are further eroding trust. This is a huge and growing issue fueled by access to social media and was particularly evident during the global pandemic and now during for example the U.S. election. Corruption compounds this, particularly in already unstable regions like Central America and parts of Africa.
KEI: On the international stage, are global institutions, like the United Nations, equipped to deal with these crises?
Perry Kinkaide: Unfortunately, no. We’re seeing international institutions like the UN and the World Trade Organization falter under the weight of nationalistic and protectionist agendas. The response to global crises—whether it’s pandemics, cyber threats, or environmental disasters—has been fragmented. The rate at which new technologies are being embraced such as AI, alternative energies, even materials such as plastic in the last century warrant strong international cooperation, the absence of which leaves many regions vulnerable to further destabilization.
KEI: Conflict continues to be a major driver of instability. The wars in Ukraine and Middle East, for instance, have had global repercussions. How do you see this situation playing out?
Perry Kinkaide: The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have been devastating—not just in terms of human lives but also in its impact on global food and energy supplies. Millions are being pushed into poverty and hunger. In the Middle East, Iran's war with Israel through it's proxies of Hama and Hezbollah and that of the Houtis in Yemen disrupting oil transport through the Red Sea, are examples of how regional conflicts can quickly escalate into humanitarian crises. Meanwhile, in Central America and Haiti, gangs have taken control of areas where the state has effectively collapsed. These criminal networks thrive in the chaos, driving mass displacement and worsening the global migration crisis.
KEI: Territorial disputes and nuclear threats, such as those involving the South China Sea, Taiwan, and North Korea, also pose significant challenges. Do you think these will escalate?
Perry Kinkaide: It’s hard to say, but the risks are certainly there. These disputes, if left unresolved, can quickly spiral into larger conflicts. Warlords, non-state actors, and governments seeking to assert control all contribute to the ongoing instability in regions like Africa and the Middle East. The international community needs to be vigilant and proactive in addressing these threats.
KEI: You’ve often spoken about the risks and opportunities presented by technological advancements. How do you see technology influencing these global dynamics?
Perry Kinkaide: Technology is a double-edged sword. On one hand, advancements like fusion energy, genetic engineering, and cellular therapies could revolutionize industries and healthcare. The social and economic impact will be transformative. But again the rapid pace of technological change is outpacing regulatory frameworks. Just look at AI—it’s transforming sectors from finance to healthcare, but it also brings risks like job displacement, bias, and misinformation. These technologies hold extraordinary promise, but they are also disruptive. The challenge is ensuring that they don’t exacerbate inequality or create new societal risks.
KEI: Do you see ethical concerns arising from these advancements, particularly in healthcare?
Perry Kinkaide: Yes, particularly with life extension technologies. As we develop treatments that can extend lifespan and improve quality of life, access becomes a huge concern. The US is in the throes of such a debate right now as related government intervening in women's reproductive health. Wealthier populations will benefit first, leaving vulnerable groups even more marginalized. These are difficult ethical questions that society needs to address sooner rather than later.
KEI: To conclude, how do you think we should approach these overlapping global crises?
Perry Kinkaide: We’re facing an unprecedented convergence of opportunity and crises—economic, environmental, demographic, and political—and they’re all interconnected. If we don’t find a way to address these issues holistically, we risk further destabilization. At every level, we’re being challenged to find peace, civility, and, as some say, joy. That’s why KEI is dedicating November to exploring this global paradox. We want to understand why so much conflict, dissent, and unhappiness persist, and what options we have to navigate this complex landscape. It’s a critical moment. If we don’t act, we risk descending further into chaos. Some view the situation here in Canada as dire https://www.profstonge.com/p/canadas-worst-decline-in-40-years
KEI: Thank you, Perry. We look forward to the November series - next week exploring wealth disparity, continuing this important conversation.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84258596166?pw..
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84258596166?pw..
We are always interest to learn of your perspectives and consider articiles and webinars from others in the Network.
Editor@KEInetwork.net
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