Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, recently spoke to the Financial Times about his worries over the growing divide in American politics and culture.
He believes there’s a 35% to 40% chance that the U.S. could be headed for a modern-day civil war.
However, Dalio clarified that this conflict would likely be more about people moving to states that align with their beliefs and ignoring federal decisions they disagree with, rather than an actual bloody battle.
Dalio sees the upcoming 2024 presidential election, which is expected to be a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, as a major test for American democracy.
He wonders if the country will be able to accept democratic rules and work well together, given how divided things have been in recent elections.
It is a time when the domestic order is on the brink of civil war, when there are irreconcilable differences over wealth and values, when there are win-at-all-cost fights for power, when there is a loss of truth in the media and a rise in propaganda, and when democratic orders… pic.twitter.com/OsMZjZsou8
— Ray Dalio (@RayDalio) March 7, 2024
But amidst all these concerns, Dalio found a surprising source of hope: a Taylor Swift concert.
He was amazed by how the pop star managed to bring together people from all walks of life and create a sense of unity that made conflict seem impossible.
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“I say this partly as a joke, but if she ran for president and would listen to great advisers, I’d consider supporting her,” Dalio said, half-jokingly pointing out Swift’s ability to bring people together.
