Here is an amazing article from Benchtest 12.2014, circulated on 26 January 2015. Ten years later, every prediction has materialised as if David Murrin had a hand steering their realisation!

“James Rickards, an American lawyer,  regular commentator on finance, and the author of The New York Times bestseller Currency Wars, first acquainted the editor of this newsletter to the concept of financial war games, defined by James as a branch of 'asymmetric or unrestricted warfare'. The editor of the Benchtest newsletters consequently realised that there is a close linkage between politics and economic interests that should never be underestimated or ignored when interpreting and understanding economic events.

David Murrin, globally acclaimed scientist, asset manager, historian, lecturer and author ('Breaking the Code of History'), made 11 predictions for the next ten years [in 2014!] that are very interesting in the context of politics and economic trends.”

Here are these 11 predictions.

1. Decline of Western Dominance: Western power, particularly the U.S. and Europe, would continue to decline as emerging powers, especially in Asia, gain prominence. Western societies would struggle to adapt to a multipolar world.
2. Rise of China: China's rise to dominance, surpassing the U.S. economically and militarily. China would exert more influence globally and challenge U.S. supremacy in various regions, particularly in Asia.
3. Russian Expansionism: Russia under Vladimir Putin would become more aggressive, seeking to expand its influence in its near abroad and challenge Western interests, especially in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet republics.
4. Middle East Instability: Instability in the Middle East, driven by sectarian conflicts, failing states, and the collapse of old power structures leading to prolonged chaos and violence in the region.
5. European Union Crisis: The EU would face significant internal strife, with challenges from nationalist movements, economic disparities among member states, and growing scepticism about the EU project.
6. Energy Shifts: Shifts in global energy markets, with new technologies such as fracking and renewable energy reshaping energy supply chains, reducing Western dependence on Middle Eastern oil, and affecting global energy politics.
7. Global Financial Crises: Another major financial crisis, possibly larger than the 2008 financial meltdown, driven by debt bubbles and systemic issues within the global financial system.
8. Technological Disruption: Rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and robotics, fundamentally transforming industries and economies, and possibly contributing to social unrest due to job displacement.
9. Demographic Changes: Demographic shifts, particularly aging populations in developed nations, would strain social welfare systems and contribute to economic stagnation.
10. Climate Change Impact: Climate change would have an increasing impact on global politics and economics, particularly as extreme weather events and resource shortages lead to migration crises and conflicts over water and food.
11. Social Unrest: Rising inequality and the failure of governments to adequately address the needs of their populations fuelling increased social unrest and political instability in both developed and developing countries.

To read more about this, visit David's website here...

Important notice and disclaimer
This article summarises the understanding, observation and notes of the author and lays no claim on accuracy, correctness or completeness. RFS Namibia (Pty) Ltd does not accept any liability for the content of this contribution and no decision should be taken on the basis of the information contained herein before having confirmed the detail with the relevant party. Any views expressed herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of RFS.