A prominent philosopher has made a striking prediction regarding the long-term effects of President Donald Trump’s administration on global stability. In a recent essay published on his Substack titled “RealTime Technopocalypse,” ethics philosopher Émile P. Torres expressed concern that the ongoing issues exacerbated by Trump’s policies could lead to a significant shift in the Doomsday Clock, currently set at 89 seconds to midnight. This is the closest the clock has been since its inception in 1947, designed to gauge the collective risk of civilization facing a doomsday event.
Torres argues that Trump’s actions, including withdrawing from international climate agreements and contributing to global instability, particularly through incidents involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, have provided compelling reasons for the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists to consider moving the clock forward. According to Torres, “My guess is that the Bulletin will only move the minute hand forward by one second. However, I also wouldn’t be surprised if they chose to push it several seconds closer to midnight.”
The Bulletin has indicated that the global situation is more precarious than it was during the Cold War. Torres emphasizes that humanity is currently facing a rapidly escalating series of unprecedented global threats. He cites the deteriorating international security environment as significantly influenced by Trump’s administration, asserting that the predicament is “dire.”
In addition to the immediate implications of Trump’s policies, Torres highlights a troubling prediction about the future. He suggests that the current period may represent the “least crazy” the world will experience for the foreseeable future, largely due to the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. “So, buckle up! Things are going to get even bumpier,” he warns, reflecting a sense of urgency about the consequences of inaction.
This assessment serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of political decisions and global stability. As the world grapples with climate issues and international relations, the implications of leadership choices will continue to resonate for years to come. The full essay can be accessed through Torres’s Substack platform.
