We in the Developed countries live at the edge of a cliff

Last week, Spain and Portugal plunged into darkness. No internet. No mobile networks. No card payments. No warning. It was a lesson for the rest of us about what would happen when the things we take for granted don’t work anymore.

Modern civilization is far more fragile than we assume.

What held up our world used to be communities, tradition, and basic know-how. Today, it’s electricity, internet, and supply chains — all invisible, all interdependent, and shockingly brittle.

When one fails, the others start to topple.

When all three fail? You’re staring down the edges of collapse.

What Happens When the Lights Don’t Come Back On?

If that blackout in Iberia had lasted not hours but weeks, here’s what you’d see in a modern Western city:

Days 1 — 3: Confusion and Panic

• ATMs and mobile payments fail.

• Refrigeration stops.

• Cell towers run out of battery backup.

• People line up for water, fuel, and food — but there’s no resupply.

Weeks 2 — 4: Breakdown

• Water stops flowing in high-rises.