The Fall of the US Empire - And Then What? Revisiting Galtung's Hypothesis in Light of the 2024 Election (Session 2: Asia/EU/Africa)
Johan Galtung famously predicted the fall of the Soviet Union ten years before it happened. This was followed up with another prediction… The fall of the “US Empire”.
In light of the 2024 election and Donald Trump’s victory, this interactive session revisits Galtung’s hypothesis, and explores the futures of the United States. Galtung used a contradictions based scenario method, drawing on the idea that “synchronizing contradictions” which go unresolved eventually lead to a severe disfunction and ultimately breakdown. His hope was that the end of US Empire would usher in a better situation for both Americans and for the world.
This interactive workshop explores his hypothesis in 4 parts:
We begin with a review of Galtung’s 15 contradictions;
We then will break into groups to explore the current state of these contradictions, e.g. which have lessened or deepened, and what contradictions Galtung may have missed;
We will then spend time envisioning preferred futures that systemically address the contradictions;
Finally we explore what voices and narratives in this issue are marginalised and need to be included in future explorations.
This is an interactive discussion, with small and large group conversations, which will include ideation and brainstorming via a Miro board. The session will be recorded and published.