Thus the popular acronym for “the end of the world as we know it,” which is often used by survivalists around the globe, but especially in America, where the survivalist movement is thriving nowadays. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are not far behind. Neither is Russia, for that matter. Disaster preparedness includes emergency medical and self-defense training, stockpiling of food and water, self-sufficiency training, building of shelters and retreats, relocation to safer places in view of different types of TEOTWAWKI, and so on. The roots of the movement go to the early decades of the Twentieth Century, but the threat of climate change has given it new wings. Acronyms abound among survivalists: BOB is “bug-out bag,” BOV is “bug-out vehicle,” and EDC is “everyday carry.” In addition, WTSHTF stands for “when the shit hits the fan,” WROL stands for “without rule of law,” and YOYO stands for “you’re on your own.” The only problem with TEOTWAWKI is in its ending, though. How in the world can we prepare for a world we know nothing about? The only meaningful solution to the riddle is tribal mode of existence, which is well within our comprehension. Even more, it is still in our bones. For some strange reason, survivalists hardly ever mention the return to good old tribal life. They focus on individuals or small groups of like-minded individuals, who can survive only as such. But survival in the long run is inconceivable without an entire community capable of reproducing itself. This is where my book on climate change and what is to be done about it will be of value to the movement.[1] TMOE or “tribal mode of existence” beckons warmly once again. And we know it very well, indeed. I hope the new acronym will catch on with survivalists quickly enough.

Footnote

1. What is to Be Done? Climate Change for Beginners, Belgrade: HESPERIAedu, 2014.