Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio believes the United States is “on the brink” of a civil war with a 35% to 40% chance of it becoming a reality. In an interview with the Financial Times, Dalio warned that the country could descend into turbulent times.
Rather than a bloody battle, Dalio envisions a modern-day civil war as a widening chasm within the nation’s political system and culture. He predicts people will move to states aligned with their beliefs and refuse to follow decisions of federal authorities from the opposite political persuasion.
Dalio sees the upcoming presidential election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump as one of the most consequential in his lifetime. “Will there be an acceptance of the rules and an ability to work well under those rules?” he asked.
The billionaire investor suggests staying invested only in thriving innovative parts of the U.S. while moving the rest of one’s money to more stable countries. He named India, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and some Gulf states as potential destinations.
Dalio’s attendance at a Taylor Swift concert gave him a glimmer of hope for a future where political leaders unite rather than divide. “I saw how she brought people of all sorts — and many nationalities — together. It felt like it would have been impossible to fight,” he said jokingly adding that he’d consider supporting Swift if she ran for president and listened to great advisers.
Maybe Dalio’s thoughts on President Swift are a glimmer of hope that he’s wrong about other things. Or maybe a 50% accuracy rate would be acceptable here.
