2025 was certainly a tumultuous year, but the new year promises to bring even more drastic changes to the world at large. As we reflect on the past 365 days, it is important to recognize trends, lean on history, and prepare ourselves for some of the less-savory outcomes that we might see along the way.
Let’s dive into how the world changed in its last orbit around the sun, and what we should expect. Welcome to 2026.
An Empire in Decline
As an American citizen, I have seen significant shifts in how I perceive our society, as well as concern from others around the world at what is transpiring here. Never has it become clearer that, in the United States, the wealthy elite play by a different set of rules than the rest of us, and the President is no exception.
I would make the argument that, in a system in which laws fail to apply to everyone, then we must be prepared to concede that the rule of law does not exist as we have been led to believe. Of course, America can always point at its morals, and the sanctity of the principles on which it was founded, but the reality is that this nation has failed to fulfill its promises throughout its history, and continues to do so in 2026.
From massive violations in human rights to active participation in genocides to stripping millions of healthcare, it cannot be said that the United States operates with the best interests of its people at heart. In a capitalistic society, that is precisely what is prioritized - capital.
In 2025, the United States minted 103 new billionaires, and those at the top of the list amassed trillions, leaving the single-largest wealth discrepancy in the history of our country. Within that same time period, average Americans have seen a steady decline in their net worth as insurmountable debts have accumulated, inflation has drastically increased the cost of living, and unemployment has spiked, with the ‘strongest economy in the world’ losing over 1 million jobs in less than 12 months.
Moreover, there have been countless warning signs that America’s economy is beginning to crack, and simply looking at the stock market as a barometer of prosperity for the majority of its citizenry is foolish, at best. In a consumer-driven market, so much of the infrastructure is solely reliant on spending and economic velocity (the rate at which money changes hands), and economic data clearly denotes waning strength of the average US consumer. Furthermore, the detriment of perpetual money printing cannot be understated, and many experts warn that we are now entering a timeline in which the Federal Reserve is stimulating into a bubble, with AI at the center. If you find yourself interested in learning more about this topic, I highly recommend Ray Dalio’s latest publication on the detriment of debts for sovereign nations, or, for deeper insight into the consequences of irresponsible fiscal policy, Lawrence Lepard’s The Big Print. If you’re more of a history buff, the fall of Rome might also hold some interesting pearls of wisdom on what happens when an empire finds itself enraptured by uncontrollable debt.
Beyond its economic missteps, the United States has increasingly alienated itself from global discourse, and has made significant steps towards closing its borders to immigrants, tourists, and more, which promises to accelerate these dangers in 2026. As a nation built on the backs of slaves and immigrants and the displacement and genocide of indigenous peoples, I find it not only repugnant but unforgivable that so many Americans have adopted this world view. There can be no equality, due process, or even societal progress when those at the helm of our greatest institutions fail to steward these principles.
For those who are paying attention, it is clear that the United States, under the ‘leadership’ of Donald Trump, has become a fascist, far-right, authoritarian state, the greed and corruption of which knows no bounds. More troubling still is the lack of a response on the part of those who find themselves in power and opposed to the current regime. In a time when the Republicans control the Legislative and Executive branches of government, and the Supreme Court has demonstrated a disdain for justice and civil rights, the amendment of our nation cannot be achieved amicably or prudently through the current legal system.
As always, history has warned us of the ills of allowing the wealthy to usurp power from the People, and it is exclusively violence, bloodshed, and the unequivocal removal of those in power that has ever succeeded in bringing about new eras of change. Rome lived it. Germany lived it. The Ottomans lived it. Soon, the United States Empire is destined to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors.
Money, Money, Money
Although money is a fixture in our lives, the vast majority of people fail to understand it. In a time when global currencies are no longer tied to hard assets, like gold or silver, and a centralized financial system has yielded unprecedented control of society to those at the top, the price of being financially illiterate is higher than ever.
Although crypto and blockchain remain mystifying for many, the truth is that they have become a mainstay of the world economy, and the role of this revolutionary technology is set to grow exponentially in 2026. For years, the largest financial players, such as America’s monolithic banks and asset managers (ever heard of BlackRock?) have been quietly preparing for the replacement of the current financial system. Through unparalleled manipulation, surreptitious accumulation, and what the younger generations refer to as FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt), the ‘powers that be’ have not only laid the groundwork, but have made unmistakable strides in implementing an entirely new framework for how people of the world will transact with one another.
Despite their claims that the cost savings and efficiency will benefit average people, the overarching goal of this rapid development proves to be far darker. In a world in which central banks have unilateral control over markets, countries, and the world’s population, the inception of an entirely digital economy promises to amplify that dominance. With the introduction of digital ID’s, digital currencies, and digital (or tokenized) assets, a dystopian future in which an individual’s financial life is dictated by those in power is inching ever-closer. In fact, this has been the subject of mass protests, most prominently in the United Kingdom, where tens of thousands have marched in opposition to the imposition of digital ID’s for citizens.
Make no mistake - the overhaul of the financial system by the elites is well underway, and the New World Order is forming beneath our feet. Let’s dive deeper on how to prepare for this eventuality.
Brave New World
For any who have been consistent readers of my content over the years, my adoration for Orwell’s 1984 has long been apparent. Contemporaries of Orwell, like Aldous Huxley, also penned cautionary tales for the future of humanity that seem destined to go unheeded. How is it that these authors, who created these works nearly a century ago, were able to so accurately predict the future? The answer is simple - the future lies in the past, and the ability of those in the present to recognize it.
Here’s how you can prepare yourself for the imminent changes in store for all of humanity. Only those who look forward will prosper.
The Root of All Evil
Money is truly the best example of a ‘necessary evil.’ Despite my disdain for it and its power to corrupt, we all must participate in this monetary system. So, here’s what you should know going into the new year.
Following record levels of growth in equities in 2025, it is often easy to believe that the gravy train will never run out of steam. However, as mentioned above, inflation promises to be a drain on economic health for those who do not own assets. Therefore, to hedge against the debasement of currency (not just the US dollar, but all major world currencies), it is imperative that you hold hard, tangible assets moving forward.
Assets like gold, silver, real estate, Bitcoin, or land are sure to appreciate in a time of inflationary policy. If you are holding a significant portion of your wealth in fiat currency, you are losing money. For instance, the purchasing power (how economists measure the strength of currency) of the US dollar has decreased by 10% in 2025 alone, and has lost nearly 90% of its value since 1971. This trend will not only continue, but accelerate as nations around the world continue to ‘print money’ and drive sovereign debt higher.
It should also be noted that this is why so many things seem to have jumped in price so rapidly. However, it is important to understand this key concept - the asset hasn’t become ‘more valuable,’ the currency has just become weaker.
In 2026, as the threat of uncertainty and a severe market crash loom, it is paramount to the financial future of everyone that we invest more than ever in assets that will appreciate over time, and hold less in currencies that can be printed into nothingness by a select group of unscrupulous bankers. I appreciate that so many are struggling with debt and cost of living, but it is time that we all educate ourselves on ways to survive these difficult conditions. Save more, invest, learn the system, and prepare for downturns - these are often the best times to capitalize on chaos and pave the way to a better future for yourself and your family. Even if you only have a few bucks to put towards it, buy some Bitcoin! Your future self will thank you.
AI - A Global Reckoning
As humans, one of the defining marks of our success as a species is our ability to adapt in unfavorable conditions. Yet, as our progress advances, so too does the speed at which changes come about. Artificial intelligence is perhaps one of the best examples of this.
A key aspect of artificial intelligence is the sheer breadth that it covers in terms of how it affects our lives. From robot companions that do your laundry to chatbots that have become a mainstay of every day life for hundreds of millions, AI is not only ubiquitous, but unavoidable. In fact, we cannot avoid it - we must adapt instead.
One of the primary concerns for many is how AI will affect the labor market, and what it means for future generations in regards to employment. These fears are well-founded, and it’s time to pay attention. The implementation of systems driven by AI has already displaced many human workers (although not always successfully), and this trend will only accelerate as the models and technology behind these systems become more efficient and efficacious. Therefore, those who wish to advance in their careers and safeguard themselves from being replaced by AI must embrace it. As head of Nvidia Jensen Huang has said, you won’t lose your job to AI, but you will lose your job to someone who uses AI.
In a more-practical sense, this means that you must dive deeper into these technologies in 2026. If you’re a programmer, learn to use AI-driven tools, like Github’s Copilot, to automate repetitive tasks, debug code, and dramatically increase your output. If you’re a college student deciding what your future career might be, make sure that you understand the future of that particular vocation - clerical jobs will quickly disappear, whereas jobs that demand physical expertise (physical therapists, nurses, electricians, plumbers, etc.) will become increasingly valued by society at large.
Be careful, however; the dangers of relying too much on AI are already evident. The ability to think critically about topics, write cohesively, and form your own opinions in 2026 will be invaluable. Additionally, the skill to identify AI-generated content and avoid its more-detrimental effects may prove to be the single most-important technique for survival in a world of automation.
With that said, you must also prioritize your mental and physical health, both of which are prone to the adverse effects that manifest as a result of over-using these technologies. Although it might seem fun to create a virtual pen pal on ChatGPT, consider finding an actual one, and writing letters by hand (I know, the concept of using a pen and paper!). The ability to communicate with our fellow humans is one of the most-profound and rewarding aspects of life, and, if we fail to preserve it, AI, and all that comes with it, promises to fill the void.
In terms of some more-generalized advice, make sure that you live in the physical world, not just the digital one. Find hobbies, meet new people, experience nature, learn new cultures and languages, and prioritize novel experiences. At the core, this is what makes us human, and the ability to adapt to change unquestionably stems from our ability to interact with and understand our surroundings.
Predictions - Speed Round
As promised at the inception of this article, I’d like to list off some predictions I have for 2026. Let’s begin.
1. Trump will not finish his term as President
Whether it comes as a result of declining health, impeachment, or otherwise, I firmly believe that Trump will not be in office by the time the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2026. In addition, I suspect that the United States will further its ambitions to impose Martial Law, and repress its citizens via new methods of surveillance and social barriers. Liberty and justice for all, indeed!
2. The world will witness its first trillionaire
This one seems a bit obvious, as we have recently seen Elon Musk’s wealth exceed $750 billion in 2025. However, the implications of having a single person with a net worth that eclipses the wealth of entire nations and populations are dire. How does humanity endure when the ultra-wealthy refuse to participate in tackling critical issues, like hunger, homelessness, climate change, and more?
3. The AI bubble will burst
I know that many bearish investors are foaming at the mouth at the prospect of a market fallout. Although I am not so zealous in regards to the sure economic collapse this will precipitate, I do believe that the market is incredibly concentrated and over-heated. Thus, I believe that by the end of 2026, we see a 30%+ correction in the market, leading to high inflation, high unemployment, and government bailouts of major tech companies on the forefront of AI. Many in the financial sector believe that increased stimulus by the Federal Reserve may stave off this market correction, but, as discussed above, the gravy train only goes so far. Make sure to hedge your investments! Gold, silver, and inverse ETFs (see SQQQ) have the potential to help average investors weather the storm.
4. More governments will be toppled
The recent cases of Bulgaria, South Korea, and Nepal have not only shown that regimes can be overthrown by the people, but that many nations are much closer to this reality than we could have imagined. I also firmly believe that this is an eventuality in the United States, as economic hardship continues to threaten the livelihood of its citizens. If I had to predict which European countries might be next in line, I’d have to say that France and England are in store for a tumultuous 2026.
5. Bitcoin will hit $200k
I know that many crypto enthusiasts believed that Bitcoin would ‘go to the moon’ in 2025, but unfavorable conditions, including limited liquidity and market manipulation by centralized exchanges, inhibited its progress, at least in terms of price. However, I see 2026 as the year of crypto, during which we will see a revolution in traditional finance, as well as majors like Ethereum and Bitcoin outperforming nearly all other sectors in equities. With the transition by major banks to using Ethereum as a settlement layer for stablecoins (think digital dollars), as well as the tokenization of virtually all assets (real estate, stocks, gold, land, etc.), practically all people in the world will find their financial lives significantly digitalized in 2026. My advice - learn about the technology behind Bitcoin, and how to preserve and protect your wealth using it. Also, get a cold-storage wallet - it’s better than carrying a gold bar around in your pocket!
6. China will become the world’s leading economy
Following my visit to China earlier this year, along with extensive research on their efforts in regards to the future advancement of their society, I feel confident that the ‘sleeping dragon’ will take its rightful place at the forefront of the world. China is not only a leader in major areas like technology and energy, but also holds the keys to the future. With control over rare earth minerals and precious metals (check out the price of silver in Shanghai), dominance over the global supply chain and manufacturing, an educated and burgeoning population, record development and investment in infrastructure, and a willingness to fill the void left in the wake of the retreat of the United States on the world stage, China looks poised to take the spotlight. Decades of careful planning and a unified vision have paid off, and will only serve to increase the gap between China and the United States, which has failed to invest in its citizenry, infrastructure, education, and more in pursuit of military and economic dominance at all costs. Just ask US taxpayers.
That’s all I care to predict for now, but be sure to come back to this post in 12 months to see how wrong I was! If you’ve made it this far, I wish you a successful 2026! Keep livin’.
