American Spring - Richard Mills

Core Insights - The article discusses the potential for a political insurrection in the United States, drawing parallels to historical uprisings like the Arab Spring, driven by economic pressures and social unrest [6][88][93] Economic Factors - Food prices in the U.S. have seen significant inflation, with a 0.7% increase in December 2025, leading to an annual food inflation rate of 3.1% [19][39] - The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization reported a continuous rise in global food prices, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and supply chain issues from the COVID-19 pandemic [17][18] - In 2023, 33.6 million U.S. adults and nearly 14 million children lived in food-insecure households, indicating a growing crisis of affordability [24][25] Political Climate - The article highlights extreme political partisanship in the U.S., with a divide between democratic socialism and fascism, which could lead to civil unrest [9][10] - The recent killing of a protester by an ICE agent has sparked nationwide protests, reflecting deep societal divisions and potential for further unrest [8][85] Climate Change and Agriculture - Climate change is impacting agricultural productivity, with rising global temperatures leading to reduced food output and increased food insecurity [28][30] - The World Resources Institute warns that global warming and desertification could lead to mass starvation if not addressed [31][32] Inflation and Currency Devaluation - The U.S. dollar has depreciated nearly 10% over the past year, contributing to rising commodity prices and inflation [53][58] - Inflation has increased by 92% over the past 25 years, with essential goods like hospital services and food rising at rates higher than overall inflation [43][44] Social Unrest Potential - Historical precedents show that food inflation has been a catalyst for uprisings, suggesting that current economic conditions could lead to similar outcomes in the U.S. [23][88] - The article posits that a combination of high living costs, political discontent, and social issues could ignite an "American Spring" [87][93]