US Debt Soars as Tech Layoffs Mount and Global Tensions Flare

Geopolitical risks rise as US-China rivalry intensifies, Venezuela sees regime change, and South Asian conflict escalates

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:07pm

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In this global roundup, experts Atul Singh and Glenn Carle survey a turbulent month marked by a surge in US debt, a shakeup in the tech industry, and escalating geopolitical tensions around the world. From the US-China rivalry to conflicts in Latin America and South Asia, the stories point to a global system becoming more unstable and militarized.

Why it matters

The rapid increase in US debt, the layoffs in the tech sector, and the geopolitical tensions highlighted in this report all signal that the global economy and political landscape are becoming more fragile and unpredictable. These developments have far-reaching implications for businesses, governments, and citizens worldwide.

The details

The US debt has crossed $39 trillion, less than five months after it first hit $38 trillion in late October 2025. This debt has nearly doubled since 2017, with interest costs now exceeding $1 trillion per year. The symbolism of the US failing to reduce its debt, as promised by President Trump, is seen as a worrying sign. In the tech sector, Block (which owns Cash App and Square) announced it would cut 4,000 jobs, more than 40% of its workforce. This is part of a broader trend of automation and AI displacing workers, with driverless cars now more visible than ride-sharing vehicles in San Francisco. However, the defense tech industry is thriving, with Swarmer, a drone software company, seeing its shares rise over 1,000% after its IPO. Geopolitically, tensions are flaring on multiple fronts. The US has re-established relations with Venezuela after removing President Maduro, while France is boosting its nuclear weapons capabilities. Conflict has also erupted between Afghanistan and Pakistan over the disputed Durand Line. Meanwhile, China's economy is slowing but still repositioning strategically, while Germany's export-driven economy is struggling.

  • In late October 2025, the US debt first hit $38 trillion.
  • In less than five months, the US debt has now crossed $39 trillion.
  • In January 2017, when President Trump took office, the US debt was $19.9 trillion.

The players

Atul Singh

The editor-in-chief of Fair Observer, a global affairs media platform.

Glenn Carle

A retired CIA officer who now advises companies, governments, and organizations on geopolitical risk.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who promised to eliminate or sharply reduce the national debt.

Nicolás Maduro

The former president of Venezuela who was removed from power and taken as a prisoner to New York.

Delcy Rodríguez

The new leftist president of Venezuela who has been working closely with Washington to open up investment in the country's oil industry.

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What they’re saying

“The US debt has crossed $39 trillion, less than five months after it first hit $38 trillion in late October 2025. When US President Donald Trump first took office in January 2017, this debt was $19.9 trillion.”

— Atul Singh and Glenn Carle, Editor-in-Chief and Senior Partner

“This increase in US debt and the rate of increase of this debt is 'really dangerous territory' and Americans are overlooking warning signs amid the louder drama elsewhere in the world.”

— Glenn Carle, Senior Partner

“Even under the best conditions, rebuilding Venezuela's oil sector would require years of effort and cost billions of dollars.”

— Glenn Carle, Senior Partner

“AI tools have 'changed what it means to build and run a company,' and that most firms would soon make 'similar structural changes,' i.e., fire lots of employees.”

— Jack Dorsey, CEO of Block

“The next 50 years will be an era of nuclear weapons.”

— Emmanuel Macron, President of France

What’s next

The judge in the case against Nicolás Maduro will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This report highlights the growing fragility of the global economic and political landscape, with the rapid rise in US debt, tech industry layoffs, and escalating geopolitical tensions all pointing to a world that is becoming more unstable and unpredictable. Policymakers and business leaders will need to navigate these turbulent waters carefully in the months and years ahead.