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KEI Network - Issue #196 - 2024 Highlights Review & 2025 Forecast Invitation




No recorded webinar last week - Justa Chat

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  2024 Highlights Review

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The event - a tie between Syria's collapse and Trump's resurrection
  • The word - "Polarization", highlighting the division in political and social spheres
  • The person - Taylor Swift, as a worldwide phenom, billionaire, and philanthropist. Donald Trump - close 2nd. Tried hard and continues to command global attention
  • The shocking statistic - US at war: 850,000 firearm-related deaths in the US since 2001: half by suicide (majority are men under 50, Canada too). Totals exceed total US military deaths - 750,000, in all it's wars plus the Civil War deaths - 750,000. Note. US performed abortions since 2001: 20,944,000
  • The issues - widespread and unrelenting global chaos: 

  GOVERNMENT

    • Social v economic political polarization
    • Institutional distrust and the failure of governing incumbents
    • Public debt levels amid increasing expectations of ageing populations
    • Regional military conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and growing tensions in South-East Asia

 SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC

    • Inter-national migration and crashing birthrates - FOR MORE
    • A post-Covid hangover including a decline in children's mental health
    • Wealth disparity concerns displacing public interest in social justice issues

 TECHNOLOGY

    • Rapid technological change in AI - data and energy - recovery of nuclear and growing interest in fusion
    • Massive funding and the proliferation of AI
    • Rise in cybercrime, AI aided disinformation and regulatory initiatives
    • Expanded use of drones for deliveries, demolition and destruction adding to sky-based drama over Northeast USA

  ECONOMY

    • Interest rates dropping to contain inflation
    • Cybercurrecies, stock market, and US dollar surge with optimism
    • Crushing long-term costs revealed to mitigate climate change
    • Recession avoided with concern turning to declining productivity
    • Chinese EV competition hurt sales in Europe and North America
    • China overproduction in manufacturing and resulting economic slowdown of international concern

  ENVIRONMENT

    • Climate change priorities displaced by issues of economic sustainability
    • Impact of an increase in storm frequencies, intensity, and costs
    • Increasing energy demand forecasts for electricity to fuel growth and AI data-processing are extending fossil fuel usage increasing environmental concerns.

Do you agree? Anything we missed? Comments welcome - Editor@KEInetwork.net

Navigating 2024 

The KEI Network newsletter in 2024 transitioned from an initial focus on emerging technologies and societal challenges to a deeper exploration of global chaos, and concluding with a call for reflection and action.

 

  • Early 2024: A Focus on Emerging Technologies and Societal Shifts: The year begins with a strong emphasis on rapid technological advancements such as quantum computing, AI, and fusion energy. There's an excitement about the potential benefits of these innovations, but also an undertone of concern about the societal implications. The newsletter also addresses immediate societal issues such as the erosion of values and challenges in education. The focus is on understanding the potential for change and disruption, both positive and negative.
  • Mid-2024: Navigating Civil Chaos and Systemic Issues: The narrative shifts towards a deeper exploration of the causes and consequences of what's described as "civil chaos". This includes discussions about the state of governance, particularly at the municipal level, and the challenges of managing complex systems. There is a focus on identifying root causes and proposing systemic changes. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and project management to address these issues. There's also increased attention to the impact of social media on public discourse and the spread of misinformation. - continued below

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84258596166?pw..

 

  • Summer 2024: Reflection and a Search for Balance: The summer months see a slight shift in tone, with a "summer lite" version of the newsletter and webinar reruns. There is an emphasis on the need to find calm amidst the chaos, and a greater focus on personal well-being, the importance of art and music, and the value of reflection. The newsletter also explores the clash of personal and public interests and the difficulties in achieving balance. This is a period of reflection on the major themes of the year, and an exploration of why these challenges persist.
  • Late 2024: Global Turmoil and the Paradox of Progress: As the year progresses, the focus widens to address global issues, including wealth inequality, political polarization, and the rise of authoritarianism. The newsletter explores the idea of a "paradox of progress," where technological advancements and societal development seem to be accompanied by increased instability and unrest. There's a critical look at the unintended consequences of technology, and an examination of the factors driving global chaos. The influence of US politics on the global stage is also highlighted.
  • End of 2024: A Call for Action, Critical Thinking and an Emphasis on Human Connection : The newsletter concludes by emphasizing the need for a more measured, thoughtful approach to innovation and calls for critical thinking and ethical considerations in a time of uncertainty. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of human connection and community, and notes the negative impacts of the "attention economy". The final newsletters also consider what happens when winning overshadows ethics and competence. The year ends with a call to pause, reflect, and embrace what could be.

The transition of interest moved from initial enthusiasm and concern about emerging technologies, through an in-depth look at the underlying causes of societal unrest and governmental dysfunction, to a final reflection on the complexities of global challenges and a call for more deliberate and ethical action. There is a consistent emphasis on the need for critical thinking, collaboration, and the importance of human values to navigate a rapidly changing world. The newsletter also suggests that these issues, while complex, are not insurmountable, and that thoughtful engagement and adaptation are key.

2025 Forecast invitation

In the spirit of the KEI Network, we'd like your forecast of what to expect in 2025. We will digest your views and generate a 2025 forecast from what you share in our first Newsletter for 2025 - Sunday January 5th.

   

Editor@KEInetwork.net