'Dr. Doom' Predicts AI Will Force Universal Basic Income Within 25 Years as Millions of Jobs Disappear

Economist Nouriel Roubini argues that taxing the winners of an AI boom, not shrinking benefits, is the way to keep workers afloat. (Credit: X/ @Nouriel)

Nouriel Roubini, the economist nicknamed 'Dr Doom' for predicting the 2008 financial crash, says artificial intelligence and robots will replace a large share of the workforce within 20 to 25 years, and that governments will eventually have to pay citizens a universal basic income.

He made the forecast in an interview on 17 July. Asked how policymakers might shore up Social Security, whose main trust fund is projected to run dry by 2032, he said raising the retirement age would not be enough to offset the jobs automation is set to erase.