Global Economic Crisis: Causes and Impact

The global economic crisis is a phenomenon that affects various aspects of life, from the financial sector to social welfare. The root causes of these crises are often complex and interrelated. One of the dominant causes is financial market instability. Fluctuations in stock prices, bubbles in the property sector, and the national debt crisis can create widespread uncertainty. For example, the subprime mortgage crisis in the US in 2008 shook the global financial system due to increasingly tight market interconnections. Another factor that is often overlooked is inappropriate monetary policy. Prolonged low interest rates can encourage debt growth, both at the individual and corporate level. When interest rates are raised to deal with inflation, there is often a wave of bankruptcies. In addition, geopolitical tensions such as trade wars and regional conflicts can also cause a decline in foreign investment and trigger an economic crisis. The impact of the global economic crisis is very broad. First, unemployment has increased significantly. This is caused by many companies laying off employees (PHK) to reduce operational costs. Furthermore, there was a decline in people’s purchasing power. Economic uncertainty reduces consumption of goods and services, which in turn worsens business performance and economic growth. The crisis also affects the social sector. Economic inequality often widens, with vulnerable groups such as workers, small farmers and low-income people being the most affected. As unemployment increases, cases of extreme poverty also increase, creating a negative cycle that is difficult to break. Environmental aspects must also not be forgotten. In crisis situations, attention to sustainability and environmental issues often decreases. Many countries may sacrifice green policies to restore their economies in the short term. This can cause more severe environmental damage and lead to an ongoing environmental crisis. In the context of globalization, the economic crisis does not only impact one country; they have a domino effect that can affect other countries’ economies. Developing countries often experience a more pronounced economic recession, due to their dependence on exports of goods and foreign investment. When international markets are shaken, incoming investment flows are hampered, exacerbating economic problems in these countries. Therefore, a multilateral approach is important in facing and responding to the global economic crisis. Cooperation between countries, through international organizations such as the IMF and World Bank, can help create market stability and facilitate recovery. Fiscal policies oriented towards reducing disparities and increasing social protection are also key in mitigating the impact of the crisis. The community also has an important role in overcoming this crisis. Awareness of investing in economic resilience, diversifying sources of income, and supporting local products can help strengthen the domestic economy. With a holistic and collaborative approach, the challenges of the global economic crisis can be faced more effectively.