Especially significant, though, is the political turmoil in the United States and Britain (as the United Kingdom is often informally known). Why? Because the Bible foretold that this turmoil would exist within these two nations—at the very time when a heavenly government set up by God would intervene in man’s affairs.

But where in the prophecy does the Bible predict political turmoil? Note that the feet of the image were made “partly of iron and partly of clay.” (Daniel 2:33) That mixture was different from the solid metals that made up the rest of the image, indicating that there would be one world power that would be different from the others. How? Daniel’s prophecy explains:

According to the prophecy, the world power represented by the feet of the image would experience political turmoil. Its strength would be compromised, that is, weakened from within, by its own people.

The feet of the image are made “partly of iron and partly of clay,” a combination that is inherently weak. (Daniel 2:42) Today, the power of both the United States and Britain is weakened by elements within their own societies. For example, both countries experience internal conflicts among their own citizens. People violently protest for their rights. Their elected representatives often fail to reach a majority agreement. Because their people are so divided, both governments are at times unable to implement their policies effectively.

Consider further the meaning of some details of Daniel’s prophecy and how they are being fulfilled today:

Prophecy: “The kingdom will be divided, but some of the hardness of iron will be in it.”—Daniel 2:41.

Meaning: Although they contend with internal political divisions, the United States and Britain maintain powerful military forces. Because of that, they can act with authority, with a strength like iron.

Fulfillment

In 2023, the United States and the United Kingdom jointly spent more on military expenditures than the next 12 biggest spenders combined.—Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

“The UK-US defence co-operation . . . has evolved to become the most robust, deepest and advanced partnership of any two countries. . . . We work together, we stand together, we fight together.”—Strategic Command, U.K. Ministry of Defence, April 2024.

Prophecy: “As the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom will be partly strong and partly fragile.”—Daniel 2:42.

Meaning: Despite their military strength, the United States and Britain are restricted by the way their democratic political setup has been shaped. Without the approval of a clear majority, these governments sometimes struggle to fulfill their plans.

Fulfillment

“Divisions within American politics are also constraining [the United States’] ability to deliver on the global stage, from security to trade, according to some political analysts.”—“The Wall Street Journal.”

“Unprecedented political turmoil [has] distracted politicians, limiting the ability of the civil serviceb to progress the [British] government’s reform agenda.”—Institute for Government.

Prophecy: “They [the kingdom] will be mixed with the common people, but they will not stick together.”—Daniel 2:43, footnote.

Meaning: Ordinary people may have a say in their governments, but the result has not fully satisfied officials or voters.

Fulfillment

“Today, Americans’ views of politics and elected officials are unrelentingly negative.”—Pew Research Center.

“People’s trust in governments and politicians, and confidence in their systems of government is as low now as it has ever been over the last fifty years, if not lower.”—“National Centre for Social Research.”

Benefit from Daniel’s prophecy about political turmoil

The Bible accurately foretold today’s political turmoil in the United States and Britain, and learning about it will give you a different perspective of current events.

• You will come to understand why Jesus wanted his followers to be neutral when it comes to this world’s politics. (John 17:16) And you will further understand why Jesus, as God’s choice of ruler for his Kingdom, stated: “My Kingdom is no part of this world.”—John 18:36.

• You will be encouraged by the hope that the time for God’s Kingdom to take action is near, along with all the blessings that rulership by God promises to mankind.—Revelation 21:3, 4.

• You will be confident about the future, relieved of the anxiety that international rivalries will ruin our world.—Psalm 37:11, 29.

Daniel’s prophecy shows that the United States-Britain alliance, represented by the feet of the image, will be the last human world power to dominate mankind. What comes next will be a perfect government that rules from heaven—God’s Kingdom!