When I am asked if I am optimistic or pessimistic about the future, I respond that I am an optimist by nature. However, this quote captures the pessimism part of my response, fueled by similar sentiments from this World Economic Forum quote in their 2025 global Risks Report:

“Deepening divisions and increasing fragmentation are reshaping international relations and calling into question whether existing structures are equipped to tackle the challenges collectively confronting us. Levels of global cooperation across many areas of geopolitics and humanitarian issues, economic relations, and environmental, societal and technological challenges may reach new lows in the coming years.”

I’ve talked about the catalysts of our past that forced global cooperation. I believe catalysts will emerge again. How about you: are you optimisitic or pessimistic about the future? Let me know via this poll.