(24/12/25 – updated with China info)
TThe world today is marked by profound uncertainty, a lack of direction, and societal unrest. While such turmoil is not unprecedented, understanding the historical cycles that led us here is critical to navigating our future. From my personal experiences in the post-WWII era, I see clear patterns that reveal both the promises and pitfalls of freedom, individualism, and globalisation.
When I was born, the world had 2.5 billion inhabitants; now, it has over 8 billion. This demographic explosion underscores many of the challenges our societies face today. Although history never repeats itself precisely, it can offer valuable lessons to help us confront the complexities of our time.
A brief prelude: before and during WWII
Before the 20th century’s world wars, societies were dominated by authoritarian systems. Monarchs, religious leaders, and empires exercised control, often at the expense of individual freedoms. The wars exposed the failures of these rigid structures and colonial systems, creating an urgent need for a new global order.
The post-WWII order: a time of renewal
The post-WWII period ushered in an era of unprecedented cooperation and growth. Anchored by institutions like the UN, NATO, and the IMF, the global order fostered peace, stability, and economic progress. Nations worked together to rebuild a shattered world, lifting millions out of poverty and transforming societies through education, healthcare, and innovation.
However, the world order established during this period is now dissolving, much like a giant kaleidoscope, as Samir Puri describes in the magazine ‘History’ in the article ‘Westlessnes’. The US, once the unequivocal leader, now shares the stage with rising powers such as China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, reflecting a shift towards a multipolar world. This “great global rebalancing” underscores the decline of Western dominance and the rise of new centres of influence.
The impact of neo-liberalism: fragmentation and inequality
The 1980s marked the rise of neo-liberalism, a political and economic ideology that prioritised free markets and deregulation. This shift accelerated globalisation and wealth creation but also deepened societal inequalities:
• Erosion of the social contract: Neo-liberal policies reduced public investment in essential services, increasing vulnerability.
• Rising inequality: Wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, exacerbating social divides.
• Weakening of communities: Market-driven policies emphasised competition over cooperation, eroding communal bonds.
These trends created fertile ground for populist leaders to exploit societal fears, further fragmenting communities and undermining trust in global cooperation.
Migration, refugees, and climate crises
Migration, driven by economic need and geopolitical instability, has become a central flashpoint in today’s societal unrest:
• Economic and cultural anxieties: Migrants are often viewed as threats to jobs, culture, and resources, even when evidence contradicts such fears.
• Exploitation of fears: Politicians and populist leaders weaponise migration narratives, amplifying xenophobia and polarisation.
Meanwhile, climate change looms as a defining issue of our time. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecological collapse are displacing millions, exacerbating existing tensions. This “time of disasters,” as El Ali calls in the magazine ‘Philosophy Now’ it, poses existential threats to human civilisation.
Key phases in the post-WWII cycle
1. 1945–1960s: reconstruction and cooperation
Establishment of international institutions to rebuild war-torn societies.
Economic and technological advancements improving living standards.
2. 1960s–1980s: cultural revolution and individualism
Movements challenging traditional hierarchies and authority.
A shift from collective responsibility to personal liberty.
3. 1980s–2000s: neo-liberalism and globalisation
Market-driven policies intensifying inequality and alienation.
Communities becoming fragmented as individualism and competition intensified.
4. 2000s–present: migration, climate crises, and polarisation
Refugee movements, environmental disasters, and rising nationalism creating instability.
Technological and geopolitical shifts exacerbating tensions.
The Rise of China.
The necessity of crises: the path to renewal
History reveals that societies often wait for crises before taking meaningful action. These moments, while painful, frequently serve as catalysts for:
• Change: Exposing systemic flaws and forcing societies to adapt.
• Leadership renewal: Elevating leaders capable of uniting people through challenging times.
• New directions: Shaping policies and systems that align with contemporary realities.
The devastation of WWII, for example, led to the establishment of the post-war global order. Similarly, today’s crises—climate change, inequality, and migration—may compel us to embrace new global paradigms.
How we got here
The relentless pursuit of individual rights and freedoms, combined with the impacts of neo-liberalism and globalisation, has paradoxically contributed to alienation and disintegration. Communities that once shared common values now compete for recognition and resources, and technology often exacerbates these divisions.
This fragmented environment allows leaders who exploit fear and division to thrive, further destabilising already fragile systems.
A path forward: balancing freedom, equity, and sustainability
To navigate these challenges, humanity must recalibrate its priorities:
• Ethical innovation: Aligning technology and economic growth with societal and environmental well-being.
• Equity in access: Bridging divides through education and infrastructure investment.
• Collective action: Strengthening multilateral governance to address global challenges like climate change.
• Leadership with vision: Fostering unity and inspiring hope in an increasingly fragmented world.
Personal reflections
As I reflect on the historical cycles of power and crisis, it’s clear that we stand at a pivotal moment in history. The rise of multipolarity and the existential threat of climate change demand urgent action and collective wisdom.
While crises have often been necessary for renewal, the stakes today are unprecedented. Humanity’s ability to balance innovation with equity and sustainability will determine whether we can thrive in this transformative era or succumb to its pressures.
Paul Budde