What Does The Economist Know About 2025 That We Don’t?

Decoding the Cryptic Symbols and Hidden Warnings on The Economist Cover for 2025

The annual The Economist “World Ahead” cover has dropped, and if history is any guide, it’s less about what’s obvious and more about what’s lurking under the surface. The 2025 cover is no exception, filled with cryptic imagery and themes that leave us guessing. But as preppers, it’s our job to see what others miss, connect the dots, and prepare for what’s coming—because those who wait for mainstream confirmation are always too late.

Here’s my breakdown of the most striking symbols on the cover and what they might mean for the year ahead:

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Vaccines and the Threat of Another Pandemic

Front and center is the image of a syringe. After the COVID-19 plandemic, we’ve all seen how governments and corporations used public health as a lever for control. A new pandemic—or even the fear of one—could bring back lockdowns, mandates, and vaccine campaigns. This isn’t just about health; it’s about power and control.

The push for more vaccines might also indicate advances in biotechnology, like mRNA being used beyond viruses. Cancer treatments, for example, are already being researched with this tech.

But the real question is: will this be voluntary, or will governments once again try to force compliance under the guise of "the greater good"? As preppers, this is a clear reminder to have your medical preps in order, including natural immune boosters and first aid supplies.

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Rockets, Missiles, and Nuclear Warnings

The combination of rockets and nuclear symbols is hard to ignore. Are we looking at the possibility of a major conflict? The Ukraine-Russia war continues to escalate, and tensions with China over Taiwan show no signs of cooling. The cover might be hinting at the possibility of more hypersonic missile use by Russia or even direct conflict between global superpowers.

But there’s another angle here: space. Rockets also point to the “new space race,” where countries and corporations are scrambling to dominate the skies. Whether it’s Elon Musk’s SpaceX or China’s ambitious lunar programs, outer space is becoming the next battlefield.

For us on the ground, this means prepping for the unthinkable. Fallout shelters, radiation detection gear, and knowing where your nearest safe zones are might be more important in 2025 than they’ve been in decades.

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The Eye: Big Brother is Watching

The all-seeing eye is one of the most chilling symbols on the cover. It screams surveillance. With AI technology advancing faster than most people can comprehend, governments and corporations have more tools than ever to monitor, track, and control us. From facial recognition cameras to AI-driven social credit systems, privacy is disappearing faster than you can say “freedom.”

This isn’t a futuristic threat; it’s already here. China’s surveillance state is well-documented, and the West is slowly adopting similar tools under the pretext of "safety" or "efficiency." As preppers, this is a wake-up call to protect our digital footprints. Use encrypted communication, invest in Faraday bags for your electronics, and, if possible, reduce your reliance on Big Tech altogether.

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Climate Engineering and Energy Wars

Another theme hinted at on the cover is climate geoengineering. This might be the year when governments openly push for weather manipulation under the banner of fighting climate change. Whether it’s seeding clouds to “reflect sunlight” or dumping iron into oceans to capture CO2, these experiments come with risks they don’t want to talk about.

Energy is another flashpoint. The electric car on the cover might signify the continued push for renewable energy. But with the world still dependent on oil and gas, this transition isn’t going to be smooth. Supply chain disruptions and skyrocketing energy costs could leave the average person scrambling to keep the lights on.

Prep by diversifying your energy sources now. Invest in solar panels, backup generators, and wood stoves. If energy becomes a weapon in 2025, you don’t want to be caught without options.

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Dark Cityscape: The Blackout Threat

At the top of the cover is a haunting, shadowy cityscape. It looks ominous and lifeless, like a city plunged into darkness. Could this be a hint at widespread blackouts in 2025?

With cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure on the rise, and many power grids already pushed to their limits, the possibility of a major blackout isn’t far-fetched. Whether it’s a deliberate attack, a natural disaster, or simply the result of overburdened energy systems, a large-scale blackout could cripple modern society overnight.

Imagine no power for weeks—or even longer. Food spoils, communication systems go down, and transportation grinds to a halt. For preppers, this is a stark reminder to have alternative power sources like solar chargers, batteries, and hand-crank radios. Stock up on long-term food storage and water purification supplies, because when the lights go out, it’s every man for himself.

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Trump, Putin, and Xi: A Geopolitical Storm

The cover prominently features Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping, a clear nod to the unstable political landscape ahead. Trump’s return to the political arena will shake things up not just in the U.S. but globally. How will America’s allies and enemies respond?

Putin and Xi remain symbols of resistance to Western dominance, and their growing partnership could reshape the balance of power. This isn’t just politics; this is about the potential for new alliances, trade wars, and possibly proxy conflicts. The uncertainty means preppers should stay informed, because what happens overseas often impacts us here at home—whether it’s higher prices, supply chain disruptions, or worse.

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What Preppers Should Take Away From This

The Economist doesn’t make covers like this without a purpose. It’s a roadmap—not just of what’s obvious, but of what’s possible. For preppers, the message is clear:

1. Stay Ahead of Health Crises: Stock up on medical supplies and prepare for potential mandates or shortages. For antibiotics and other prescription medication checkout Jase Medical Use code CREEKMORE10 for $10 off of your order.

2. Prepare for Conflict: Whether it’s regional wars or something larger, make sure your family has a plan. Plan to BUG-IN but also know your bug-out routes and have a safe place to retreat to if needed.

3. Guard Your Privacy: In a world of increasing surveillance, take steps now to protect your data and communications.

4. Diversify Your Preps: Energy, food, and water security should be top priorities. If disruptions hit, you need to be self-reliant. To see all of my current recommended gear go here.

5. Plan for Blackouts: From cyberattacks to failing infrastructure, power outages could become the new normal. Prep your home for extended periods off-grid.

The future may be uncertain, but the signs are there for those willing to see them. The question is, will you act now—or wait until it’s too late?

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Stay vigilant and keep prepping. Because while the elites plan for their survival, we’re responsible for ours.

- M.D. Creekmore