Ray Dalio warns of potential civil unrest in US democracy

Ray Dalio, a prominent billionaire investor and founder of Bridgewater Associates, has expressed concerns regarding the stability of US democracy in light of the upcoming election. He highlighted the potential for civil unrest, particularly if the losing candidate, especially if it is Donald Trump, refuses to accept the election results. Dalio noted that this situation could lead to a polarized environment where compromise becomes increasingly difficult for both political sides. In his analysis, Dalio drew parallels to historical periods of economic crisis that resulted in the breakdown of democracies, citing examples from the 1930s to 1945. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the current political climate, which is marked by significant ideological divides reminiscent of past conflicts between the left and right. Dalio also pointed out that internal migration based on differing values is already occurring in the US, with individuals moving from states like California and New York to states such as Florida and Texas. This trend reflects a growing divide in political and moral beliefs among the population, further complicating the national landscape. Despite his concerns, Dalio refrained from predicting the election outcome, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the results. He concluded that while the likelihood of civil war is low, it cannot be entirely dismissed, and the potential for instability remains high as the nation approaches a critical juncture in its democratic process.