Danse Macabre Spinning Faster*

This second paper on the theme of Danse Macabre Spinning Faster examines global dynamics using a framework constructed from the two axes: Power and Vulnerability crossed with Eros and Thanatos. The resulting four cells matrix offers an opportunity to examine afresh the world's political and social processes, particularly over the last two years. The paper develops the matrix using current events, identifies prevailing societal themes and generates hypotheses about global dynamics. Themes include examining increases in splitting, migration and tribalism, loss of trust in parliamentary democracy and the growth of presidential power, the maternal and paternal political environments, free speech, virtual reality, fake news and political correctness and the more negative impact of the internet. Three hypotheses are offered to try and understand current events: a) pressure on national and other boundaries; b) escaping from not knowing; and c) escaping from honest conversations because of the impact of guilt and shame. A Three Arches Model of development is offered to explain contemporary daily reality in the context of past, present, and future. A number of predictions are made. The reader is invited to engage with these ideas.