Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals
the same fate awaits them both; as one dies, so dies the other.
All have the same breath. – Ecclesiastes 3:19

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What is an existential threat? A political analyst was talking about nuclear agreements between the US and Russia when she mentioned the ‘existential threat’ present. I don’t like the term, but I do understand the word threat. When I try to make sense of it, I come up with realish (wasn’t I not to use this word?) threat. Perhaps harbinger, or eminent, but not existential. If one wants to indicate a threat exists, it can be said plainly. The usage of ‘existential’ in this context is unpleasing. I believe the term is better saved for human experiences. It may be said if one is not fully absorbed, perhaps semi-absorbed into their situation, surrounding, etc. Or if one’s existence is muted, lessened, not grounded, etc. The word gestalt comes to mind when dealing with existential phenomena. I hear the phrase existential threat too much; it’s an interruption.
If America, the person, felt this way, I would tell her she thinks too much. Sometimes I’m completely fine, and I start to worry about this and that, money, success, etc – these are the existential threats. These inner feelings are not really happening; my surroundings are quite safe. The problem manifests with those that can live in a non-existent future. We humans all do it.