I am tired of mere metaphors

Could some of these forecasters just tell us what we might realistically expect to see when the global economy implodes (and what we can do to prepare for it)?

The success of the West in establishing a solid set of social, political and economic institutions and policies after World War Two was so durable that we came to believe that the arrangements made then would last forever, and that further change would be slow and evolutionary rather than quick and disruptive.
The success of central banks and governments at reining in inflation, easing recessions and achieving soft landings in the 1980s and 1990s further reassured us that while there were some problems and dangers here and there, our house stood on firm foundations and was structurally sound.
I still hope the old house can weather one more storm, but it is clear that we can no longer take that for granted.  The ground under the foundations is washing away; the wind threatens to rip off the roof, and cracks are appearing in load bearing walls. Sooner rather than later we are going to have to redesign and rebuild. [...] 

Ok. Foundations, storm, ground, wind, rain, roof. Got it... not. Anyway, here's the advice: 

 some of our most fundamental institutions and social policies are going to have to change.

Sure.  But um, could you be a teeny bit more specific?
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