The Economist World in 2017 Cover Released

sometimes I wonder if they're strictly trying to fuck with us

IMO, probably

I think that's very likely. We're not just that obscure Cambodian shitposting board anymore. We fucked with journalists directly over social media. They noticed us, they are now aware of us and what we represent. They've already tried to 'blow the whistle' several times, but we are too weird and esoteric for the general public to take seriously.

But to drop such bold references to us on the cover of a major magazine? Interesting.

You could ask if they expect a christian revolution as well.
Look at the page nailed to the towers door(an established order collapsing) it seems to mean reformation with the commis and christians in the background maybe symbolizing a struggle between theists and atheists over worldly influence?

There have been conspiracy theories for decades, long before Holla Forums and it would seem a little far-fetched that some graphic designers working for an economic journal would have insight into the esoteric world… the only other way I could see it if they're just sycophants who are doing master's bidding.

magus card ouroboros over the head is a staple symbol

Their version of Trump as judgment looks like my version of Trump as magus, (a.k.a. Nimble Navigator) I didn't think I was that well read into the symbols of the tarot, it's only a hobby.

I'd like to see a high res version to see the faces in the star card.

It's not necessarily a reference to us. Trump (by his own surname) makes one think of tarot, and "The magician" the card has that infinity symbol on it

There is a lot to this image to be sure… what I find funny is that they are memeing either consciously or unconsciously for Trump to become the true God Emperor of Terra.

The infinity loop above the magicians head was always there.

Seems relatively straightforward.

As the card itself portends, we see a collapse of the existing order. Opposing crowds form in the background to fill the power vacuum, on communist and one Christian, possibly representing traditionalism. Tower itself shows a cross and what seems to be a paper stuck to the door, possible reference to Martin Luther's theses and suggesting that the "current order" being struck down here is modern protestant Christianity waiting to be replaced either by a reversion to orthodoxy/catholicism or a switch to atheism.

Trump dominates the world figuratively through the ideas he represents. The Judgement card in tarot generally represents an awakening and a period of self-evaluation, and here it suggests that the world will re-evaluate its philosophy in light of the rebirth of fascist/authoritarian ideas (suggested by Trump holding crown jewels and thus appearing as a king).

Not really sure what to make of this one. Seems to suggest some kind of interconnectivity of virtually all aspects of the world (government, art, science), possibly a reference to the ultimate success of globalism.

References the anti-globalism movement, predicting that people will continue to protest super-national projects like the EU, TPP, etc.

Shows catastrophe by numerous means: we see mosquitos in the top left, possibly a Zika reference, a mushroom cloud reflecting a nuclear holocaust, and a dried river and wilted plants which could suggest some climate-related disasters. The red sun is probably intentional, but its meaning doesn't immediately strike me.

Focuses on the rise of new technologies, prominently VR and 3D printing, suggesting they will be important in the near future. Printer is printing houses; not sure what that's supposed to mean.

Here we see ballot boxes and European politicians on a wheel (apparently Geert Wilders, Marine Le Pen, and Angela Merkel). The implication of the card's title and the ropes binding the politicians to the wheel is that their election (or ejection) is random, but the smiles on Wilders and Le Pen contrast with Merkel's frown to suggest that nationalists will get the best of a chaotic election year in Europe.

Honestly can't make out much from the OP image, looks like just a bunch of portraits of (presumably) famous people.