Polycrisis

The term polycrisis, originally coined by French philosopher and sociologist Edgar Morin in his 1993 book Terre-Patrie,^[1] describes a complex situation where multiple, interconnected crises converge and amplify each other, resulting in a predicament which is difficult to manage or resolve.^[2] Unlike single crises which may have clear causes and solutions, a polycrisis involves overlapping and interdependent issues, making it a more pervasive and enduring state of instability.^[3][4][5] This concept reflects growing concerns about the sustainability and viability of contemporary socio-economic, political, and ecological systems.

Although the term was first introduced in the 1990s, it became widely popular in the 2020s to refer to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, war, surging debt levels, inflation, climate change, resource depletion, growing inequality, artificial intelligence and synthetic biology, and democratic backsliding.^[6][7][8]

Critics of the term have characterized it as a buzzword or a distraction from more concrete causes of the crises, suggesting that it may obscure specific, actionable problems and create a sense of overwhelming complexity that could hinder effective responses.^[7][9]

The idea of a polycrisis has its roots in the work of French philosopher and sociologist Edgar Morin, who introduced the term in his 1993 book Terre-Patrie (translated into English as Homeland Earth: A Manifesto for the New Millennium^[10] in 1999) to describe the intricate entanglement of crises that modern societies face. Morin emphasized that contemporary challenges are not isolated. Instead, they are interconnected, creating cascading failures if not addressed holistically. This perspective highlights the multifaceted nature of these crises including economic inequality, political instability, environmental degradation, and social unrest all of which reinforce and amplify one another.

The interconnectedness of these crises means that solutions in one area can often lead to unintended consequences in another, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates the overall situation. As Morin noted, this web of interlinked crises reflects a deeper structural vulnerability within socio-economic, political, and ecological systems.

The concept of polycrisis captures the complexity and interconnectedness of the challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. It underscores the need for new ways of thinking and acting that go beyond traditional problem-solving methods, embracing a systemic and integrated approach. As humanity grapples with multiple, overlapping crises, the recognition of polycrisis offers both a warning and an opportunity to forge a more sustainable and resilient future.

The concept of polycrisis aligns with the warnings issued in the Limits to Growth report,^[11] which suggested that unchecked economic growth and resource consumption would eventually surpass the Earth's carrying capacity.^[12] Human ecological overshoot—using resources faster than they can be replenished—has led to environmental degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss, which in turn threaten the stability and continuity of human societies.^[12]

During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it has become increasingly evident that liberal democracies exhibit stark internal contradictions, such as that of egalitarian ideals versus imperialistic practices, which undermine their legitimacy as leaders of the "rules-based" liberal international order.^[13] The rise of right-wing populism and the erosion of the Western social contract reflect a growing popular dissatisfaction with the political and economic systems in the West.^[14] These political shifts are often fueled by economic inequalities, perceived threats to national identity and social status, and disillusionment with traditional political elites.^[15]

The concentration of wealth and power among a small elite, as highlighted in works like Douglas Rushkoff's Survival of the Richest, contributes to the polycrisis by exacerbating social inequalities and undermining potential collective action to address the issues.^[16] The increasing gap between the wealthy and the rest of society raises questions about the sustainability of current economic models and the fairness of technological advancements that primarily benefit the elite.

The polycrisis also involves a deeper, philosophical reckoning with humanity's place in the world. As articulated in Vanessa Machado de Oliveira’s Hospicing Modernity, there is a small but growing awareness of the limits of human control and the need to accept ecological and biological realities.^[17] This fundamentally challenges the anthropocentric and individualistic narratives that have historically underpinned Western thought.

Critics of the polycrisis narrative argue that it can lead to fatalism and inaction, suggesting instead a focus on practical, incremental changes that can build resilience and adaptability.

Various thought leaders and figureheads in the technology space have aligned themselves with effective accelerationism and have forcefully critiqued concepts related to the polycrisis, arguing that the way to solve most, if not all, of the problems facing humanity is through further economic growth and the acceleration of tech development and deployment. In 2023, venture capitalist and tech magnate Marc Andreessen published the Techno-Optimist Manifesto, arguing that technology is what creates wealth and happiness.

Various scholars and thought leaders have proposed different frameworks for understanding and responding to the polycrisis. Some advocate for a radical rethinking of modernity and a transition towards more sustainable and equitable ways of living. This includes adopting ecological wisdom from Indigenous cultures, reimagining economic systems, and embracing a deeper connection with the natural world.