The Economist publishes its risk calendar for August

The Economist's August risk calendar sparks controversy online

August begins, and with it comes the publication of The Economist's traditional calendar of global threats. An infographic that, month after month, breaks down the dangers looming over the world: from geopolitical tensions to natural disasters. But this month's edition has drawn an unexpected reaction. Not so much because of the threats themselves, but because of the way they are presented and the interpretations they have provoked.

The graphic includes a series of icons representing different potential crises. According to the reactions, floods, a possible tsunami, and at least four pictograms that have left more than one person baffled can be identified. The lack of clarity in the iconography has been one of the main targets of criticism: "There are at least 4 icons nobody knows what they are," some point out.

Beyond the visual confusion, scepticism is the dominant note. "They list all the threats and... well, that way they're always right," sums up one of the most shared reactions. The idea that covering all the options guarantees some hit is nothing new, but the recurrence of these monthly calendars fuels distrust. Conspiracy theories are also not lacking: some see the hand of powerful groups seeking to sow antiestéticar in the publication.

At the opposite pole, political irony has also made an appearance. While some blindly trust government management to weather any crisis, others predict that Spain would be one of the hardest-hit countries and, at the same time, a pioneer in applying repressive measures. The question hanging in the air is whether these forecasts, being so generic, end up undermining the credibility of those who issue them.

All in all, The Economist's August calendar has fulfilled its function: generating conversation. Whether the threats will materialise or not is another matter. But the seed of doubt, and of debate, has already been planted.