PoliticsJuly 16, 2026
polycrisis
/ˌpɒliˈkraɪsɪs/
Definition
A state in which multiple global and national crises—such as economic, climate, and social issues—interact in a way that creates a cumulative impact greater than the sum of their individual parts.
Etymology
The term is a compound of the Greek prefix 'poly-' (many) and the Greek 'krisis' (decision or turning point). It gained popularity in the early 2020s to describe the complex, interconnected nature of modern systemic global shocks.
In the news
The author warns that while the UK faces a severe set of compounding problems, treating the situation solely as an overwhelming 'polycrisis' can lead to a sense of defeatism that paralyzes effective political action.
What can Andy Burnham actually do? | LSE British Politics
Read the full article ↗LSE Blogs