15. Persistent Economic Instability
Chronic economic turmoil is a hallmark of civilizations on the brink. Episodes like the Weimar Republic’s hyperinflation or the Soviet Union’s systemic economic collapse highlight how financial chaos undermines all aspects of society. Prolonged instability—whether from resource depletion or monetary failure—can paralyze governments and erode public confidence. IMF reports detail the far-reaching effects of sustained economic crises in both the past and present.
