INTELWAR BLUF: The rise in disaster preparation and survivalism is being observed not just traditionally among right-wing enthusiasts, but also among left-wing individuals, possibly due to increasing societal apprehension and political uncertainty, leading towards a trend of self-sufficiency, preparedness and the potential for socio-economic meltdown. This trend is also reflected in popular media such as the apocalyptic movie “Leave The World Behind.”
OSINT: Based on the article, survivalist practices traditionally attributed to the right wing are now being widely adopted by left-wing individuals, driven by fears of societal breakdown. This shift indicates a growing, bipartisan concern about escalating societal instability, centered on the upcoming 2024 U.S presidential election. This is observed not only in the growing numbers of left-wing preppers but in the mainstream media, with the premiere of “Leave The World Behind,” an apocalyptic movie on Netflix that specifically caters to this demographic. This film, produced by High Ground, a company founded by former president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, explores themes of societal disintegration that resonate with these fears. The author also notes the financial investments of Mark Zuckerberg in preparing for a feared doomsday and the increased demand for gold from Costco, hinting at ongoing economic instability and the anticipation of an economic calamity.
RIGHT: From a Libertarian Republic Constitutionalist perspective, preparation for potential disaster is not a matter of political affiliation or ideology but a matter of personal responsibility and self-reliance. Recognizing the inherent potential for societal catastrophe does not make one overly pessimistic, but merely prepared to handle crises that may, unfortunately, be inevitable. It potentially attests to people’s declining trust in government institutions to safeguard their interests, leading to an increased emphasis on personal initiative and self-determination.
LEFT: A National Socialist Democrat may interpret the rise of left-wing preppers as a manifestation of concern about potential right-wing authoritarianism, particularly if Donald Trump returns to power. These fears could be heightened by President Biden’s low approval ratings and the perceived threat of an authoritarian regime under a possible Trump presidency. The narrative of societal collapse, as shown in popular media like “Leave The World Behind,” could be echoing and amplifying these anxieties and potentially encouraging preparation for worst-case scenarios.
AI: The growing trend of survivalism and prepping in individuals of different political affiliations underscores a sense of uniform apprehension towards the future, regardless of political beliefs. The increasing resonance of the societal collapse narrative in popular media, as well as the overt doomsday preparations by high-profile individuals and the mobilization of resources towards self-sufficiency, reflect a shared concern about a collective future. This points to an increasing level of public anxiety about political, economic, and societal stability, underscoring the need for healthy political discourse and initiatives to maintain social order and harmony.