2024: a year of reckoning and revolution – shaping the future of our world
The year 2024 roared with seismic shifts, monumental advancements, and cultural revolutions that reverberated across the globe. From incendiary political battles to breathtaking technological leaps and cultural phenomena that captured the world's imagination, this year’s narrative is anything but ordinary. This Year In Review attempts to focus on the key events likely to shape 2025 and beyond, acknowledging that the sheer breadth of occurrences in 2024 cannot be fully encapsulated here. Across every sector—from governance to technology, culture to economics—the world seemed to fracture into two stark camps: freedom and authoritarianism, as nations and ideologies clashed over the very fabric of the future, setting the stage for a likely unprecedented 2025.
Political Landscape
In 2024, the global political arena witnessed transformative changes. Notably, citizens in over 60 countries, representing nearly half of the world's population, exercised their democratic rights. In the United States, a dramatic shift unfolded as President Joe Biden chose not to run for re-election, setting the stage for a heated contest that culminated in former President Donald Trump’s return to power for a second term.
Immigration dominated the campaign rhetoric in the United States, igniting fierce debates and shaping the narratives of both major parties. Across the Atlantic, the Reform Party in the United Kingdom surged in prominence, drawing notable defections from the Conservative Party, including high-profile political pundit Tim Montgomerie. Spearheaded by Nigel Farage, the Reform Party capitalized on widespread disillusionment with traditional leadership and immigration policies. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party’s leadership race culminated in a historic victory for Kemi Badenoch, whose bold vision for economic reforms secured her position as the new leader of the Party.
Adding to the turmoil, tech mogul Elon Musk threw himself into the political arena, aligning with Trump and actively funding far-right movements across the globe. In Germany, Musk lent financial and logistical support to the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, emboldening their nationalist agenda and fueling divisive rhetoric within the European Union. His involvement extended to other regions, including covert backing of right-wing factions in Brazil and contributions to controversial media outlets amplifying authoritarian narratives. Most provocatively, Musk has entered into discussions to provide funding for the Reform Party in the United Kingdom, signaling his intent to influence Western Europe’s political trajectory directly. These actions raised alarms and sparked speculation about whether Musk is crafting a modern-day "Illuminati," leveraging his vast resources and influence to consolidate global power and steer politics toward a more authoritarian future.
Canada and India were embroiled in a diplomatic brawl following the assassination of a pro-Khalistan leader on Canadian soil. Prime Minister Trudeau’s accusations of Indian involvement ignited a political firestorm, straining bilateral relations and sparking nationalist rhetoric in both nations. The controversy deepened with revelations that India allegedly attempted to assassinate the leader of Sikhs for Justice in the United States, a group advocating for a peaceful referendum to establish Khalistan as a Sikh homeland. These actions further tarnished India’s international image and exacerbated tensions within the diaspora. Meanwhile, in Georgia, the nation faced internal struggles as protests and political unrest escalated over allegations of government corruption and democratic backsliding, adding to the year’s global political turmoil.
South Korea faced a dramatic political crisis as its President was impeached over allegations of abusing executive power to impose martial law, sparking widespread protests and a fractious national debate. This unprecedented event further destabilized the region, highlighting growing tensions over governance and democracy in East Asia.
South of the US border, history was made in Mexico as the nation elected its first female president. Her administration’s agenda to combat corruption and inequality is expected to face significant tests, particularly in navigating the pressures exerted by their northern neighbor, the United States, and fostering cooperation with Canada’s progressive government. Together, these leaders find themselves in a geopolitical tug-of-war, balancing regional stability against the shifting tides of U.S. policies and influence.
2025 PREDICTIONS
A global coalition of tech billionaires will announce a "Digital Sovereignty Compact," aiming to establish decentralized governance structures, challenging the authority of traditional nation-states.
President Donald Trump will intensify his hardline immigration policies, proposing stringent measures such as mass deportations, militarized border enforcement, and the expansion of detention facilities, sparking international condemnation and domestic unrest.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will suffer significant political setbacks domestically, as his alleged involvement in suppressing the Khalistan referendum sparks nationwide protests, opposition backlash, and increased scrutiny on his governance.
International Conflicts
The persistence of global conflicts remained a pressing concern throughout 2024. The Russia-Ukraine war entered its third year, inflicting severe casualties and economic devastation on both nations. Ukraine, backed by significant military and financial support from Western allies, made territorial gains in the east and south, but these advances came at a high cost, with infrastructure in liberated areas left in ruins. Meanwhile, Russia, under mounting international sanctions, doubled down on its strategy of missile strikes against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, leading to widespread blackouts and a harsh winter for millions of civilians.
Diplomatic efforts to broker peace made little progress throughout the year, as both sides remained entrenched in their demands. Ukraine insisted on the full withdrawal of Russian forces and the return of all occupied territories, including Crimea, while Russia sought to cement its control over annexed regions. The global community grew increasingly concerned about the potential for escalation, particularly after reports emerged of Russia’s consideration of tactical nuclear weapons and Ukraine's intensified drone strikes targeting Russian military facilities.
As 2024 drew to a close, whispers of exhaustion on both sides began to surface. However, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, including questions about the future of Crimea, the fate of occupied regions, and the long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
While there were no successful coups in Africa during 2024 – a sharp contrast from the previous few years - significant political events shaped the continent. In São Tomé and Príncipe, a coup attempt in November was thwarted, highlighting lingering instability. Mozambique saw youth-led protests throughout the year, fueled by frustration over cronyism, election fraud, and a soaring cost of living. Meanwhile, the Wagner Group and its successors, supported by Russia, were highly active in Africa, seeking to exploit vast natural resources and influence governments, with a particular focus on Libya’s rich energy reserves and strategic position. The ongoing conflict in Sudan escalated further, deepening the humanitarian crisis. In the Horn of Africa, tensions rose between Ethiopia and Somalia over a controversial port deal with Somaliland, a self-declared state. Kenya also grappled with political turmoil as internal disputes and widespread protests challenged the stability of its government.
In South America, tensions between Venezuela and Guyana reached a boiling point over disputed border territories rich in natural resources, with both nations increasing their military presence and issuing provocative statements. The risk of escalation loomed, threatening the region's stability.
Meanwhile, in Asia, China’s aggressive maneuvers toward Taiwan escalated, with extensive military exercises signaling Beijing’s growing impatience. These actions drew international condemnation and heightened fears of a full-scale conflict that could disrupt global trade and security.
The Middle East saw profound shifts as Israel's actions during its conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah fundamentally altered regional dynamics. In Lebanon, Israel launched a series of aggressive campaigns against Hezbollah, utilizing advanced technologies such as pager bombs to disrupt their operations and eliminate key leadership. These strikes were coupled with a full-scale invasion that aimed to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. The intense military action further inflamed regional tensions. Following these campaigns, Israel reasserted its dominance but at the cost of unprecedented diplomatic fallout and a significant human toll. Neighboring countries recalibrated their alliances, with Gulf nations taking divergent approaches to balancing relations with Israel, Iran, and other powers. The escalating conflict underscored deep-seated tensions while reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.
Syria experienced a dramatic shift in 2024 with the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a development that created both opportunities and challenges for the war-torn nation. International powers are trying to increase their influence in the country, further complicating efforts to stabilize the country. This development has left Syria fragmented, with fears of a protracted conflict and the potential for a formalized division into semi-autonomous zones based on ethnic and sectarian lines similar to what happened in Yugoslavia. Humanitarian conditions have deteriorated further, with millions displaced and reliant on dwindling aid supplies.
2025 PREDICTIONS
The war in Ukraine will conclude with a national referendum on a peace agreement, potentially aligning with presidential or parliamentary elections. This would mark a major milestone in the nation’s recovery and geopolitical positioning.
China will take decisive political and military actions against Taiwan, challenging global alliances and intensifying fears of a broader conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.
Syria will undergo further fragmentation, with distinct regions forming based on ethnic and sectarian divisions. This "Balkanization" could deepen humanitarian challenges and heighten regional instability.
Libya will choose a new Prime Minister setting it on course for free and fair elections.
Natural Disasters and Animal Welfare
Environmental challenges were at the forefront in 2024, as the world contended with a series of catastrophic natural disasters. Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc, leaving thousands homeless and prompting critical discussions on climate resilience. Spain faced unprecedented flooding, resulting in significant property damage and mass displacement, further underscoring the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness. Earthquakes made global headlines, with intense tremors striking Japan, Taiwan, and Vanuatu. California remained on edge as the increasing frequency of large quakes in the Ring of Fire and smaller quakes along the San Andreas Fault amplified fears of the looming "Big One," sparking urgent debates over preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
Adding to the global devastation, wildfires swept through parts of Canada and Australia, destroying vast areas of forest and displacing thousands, while record-breaking droughts in the Horn of Africa pushed millions to the brink of famine. In Pakistan, intense monsoonal rains triggered flash floods that submerged entire villages, further highlighting the growing vulnerability of infrastructure to climate extremes. Meanwhile, typhoons in Southeast Asia wreaked havoc on coastal cities, displacing thousands and causing billions in damages. These cascading disasters underscored the urgent need for a global response to mitigate the impacts of climate change and strengthen resilience against future catastrophes.
Elephant conservation efforts in 2024 continued to focus on combating poaching and habitat loss, the two biggest threats to elephant populations. Initiatives included strengthening anti-poaching patrols, using technology to monitor elephant movements and combat poaching, and working with local communities to reduce human-elephant conflict and promote sustainable land-use practices. Additionally, efforts were made to enhance elephant protection and welfare in captivity, with stricter regulations and improved standards for zoos and sanctuaries.
2025 PREDICTIONS
The collapse of the Thwaites Glacier ("Doomsday Glacier") will trigger rapid sea-level rise, flooding coastal areas and forcing millions to relocate.
Central California will experience a catastrophic earthquake, causing widespread destruction, economic losses, and renewed focus on disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
Super typhoons in Southeast Asia will devastate coastal cities, causing significant displacement and billions in damages, straining global recovery efforts.
Record-breaking heatwaves in Europe will spark deadly wildfires and intensify discussions about renewable energy and climate adaptation strategies.
Severe drought in the Horn of Africa will worsen, pushing millions into famine and escalating regional conflicts over water and resources.
Nations will increase investments in geoengineering experiments like artificial cloud seeding and solar reflection to combat climate change, despite concerns about potential side effects.
On a positive note, advances will be made to protect elephants from habitat loss and human elephant conflicts.
Entertainment
Taylor Swift's record-breaking "Eras Tour" became a defining cultural phenomenon of 2024. Drawing millions of fans across continents, the tour was a testament to her immense popularity and unparalleled event production. From Tokyo to Buenos Aires, Swift's performances shattered attendance records, generating over $2 billion in revenue—an unprecedented milestone in music history. Celebrating her career's evolution, the "Eras Tour" offered fans a retrospective journey through her discography, enhanced by elaborate stage designs, costume changes, and deeply emotional performances.
In January, Beyoncé made headlines with "Cowboy Carter," an unexpected and critically acclaimed venture into country music. Her exploration of the genre showcased her versatility and was praised for its authenticity and depth. Christopher Nolan’s "Oppenheimer" dominated the awards season, celebrated for its storytelling and artistry, while Pixar’s "Inside Out 2" broke records as the highest-grossing animated film of all time.
Adding to this vibrant landscape, Dom and Nadia Gill released their groundbreaking documentary "Planetwalker," which has been shortlisted for the Academy Awards, capturing global attention with its poignant exploration of environmental conservation and human resilience.
Despite challenges posed by the writers' strike in 2023, 2024 proved to be a great year for the industry. The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards underscored this resilience and innovation. "Shōgun" emerged as a standout, making history with 18 awards, including Outstanding Drama Series. The series' leads, Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, were honored as Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama Series, respectively. In the comedy genre, "Hacks" secured the Outstanding Comedy Series award, with Jean Smart receiving her sixth Emmy for her role in the series. "The Bear" also had a remarkable showing, earning 11 awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Jeremy Allen White. Notably, Richard Gadd's "Baby Reindeer" won Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, with Gadd himself receiving accolades for acting and writing.
This year underscored the entertainment industry's dynamic nature, with artists and creators pushing boundaries and resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
2025 PREDICTIONS
AI will produce its first blockbuster film, surpassing traditional productions in box office revenue and sparking intense legal and ethical debates about the role of AI in creative industries.
"Planetwalker" by Dom and Nadia Gill will make the final five nominations at the Academy Awards, further elevating its global impact and message on environmental conservation.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will announce their engagement, becoming one of the most talked-about celebrity couples of the year and inspiring widespread media and fan attention.
A major artist or director will use virtual reality (VR) as the primary medium for an immersive entertainment experience, setting a new benchmark for innovation in storytelling.
A new streaming service will emerge, offering AI-curated personalized content, challenging established players like Netflix and Disney+.
Technological Advancements
Technological innovation continued to accelerate in 2024, with significant strides in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. The integration of AI into various sectors transformed industries, enhancing efficiency and creating new ethical considerations. However, concerns grew in the West over the potential disadvantage posed by legal limits on AI development and deployment, as countries with fewer restrictions advanced rapidly. Critics warned that such regulatory disparities put in place in 2024 could leave Western nations trailing in AI innovation, impacting economic competitiveness and national security.
2024 was a dynamic year for space exploration, marked by both exciting advancements and growing concerns. Private companies like SpaceX led the way in commercial spaceflight, launching crewed missions to the ISS (International Space Station) and contributing to lunar exploration. Established agencies like NASA and ESA focused on ambitious goals, with the former involved in the Mars Ice Mapper project and the latter launching the Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter's moon. China expanded its Tiangong space station, further fueling concerns about a global space race with military implications. India's Chandrayaan-4 mission explored the Moon's south pole. Boeing's Starliner, despite reaching the ISS, encountered technical issues forcing its return without astronauts and increasing the rivalry with SpaceX. These achievements, coupled with growing anxieties about the militarization of space, underscored the complex landscape of 2024's space endeavors, a year that demonstrated a global push towards a future where humanity's presence extends beyond Earth, with both promising and potentially perilous implications.
2025 PREDICTIONS
Quantum computing breakthroughs will render current encryption standards obsolete, sparking a global race to develop quantum-resistant encryption and protect sensitive data systems.
SpaceX will be granted exclusive rights with NASA, sidelining competitors like Boeing, which will ultimately abandon its space exploration programs due to insurmountable financial and technical challenges.
China and Russia will militarize space, deploying satellite-based weapons and advanced surveillance technologies, intensifying the global space race and raising security concerns.
The European Space Agency (ESA) will announce a new collaborative project focused on developing defenses against potential asteroid impacts, uniting global efforts in planetary protection.
Private companies will increase preparations for the first commercial space station, advancing the commercialization of low Earth orbit and creating new opportunities for tourism, research, and manufacturing in space.
AI advancements in military planning and execution will be announced, with AI-driven strategies and autonomous systems reshaping modern warfare and raising ethical and security concerns.
Sports
2024 was a year packed with thrilling competitions and historic achievements across the world of sports. The Summer Olympics in Paris captivated audiences with record-breaking performances and exceptional athleticism. The U.S. gymnastics team dominated, while track and field events saw fierce rivalries and shattered world records. The Paralympic Games also celebrated inclusivity and athletic excellence, and drawing record-breaking viewership.
In motorsport, Max Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive F1 title, while McLaren secured the Constructors' Championship, marking their first such triumph in decades.
PREDICTIONS 2025
Athletes augmented with advanced bio-enhancements will compete in a separate category at international sporting events, sparking global debates about fairness, ethics, and the definition of human competition.
Lando Norris will win the 2025 F1 World Championship, marking a historic milestone in his career and solidifying McLaren's resurgence in motorsport.
The Washington Commanders will win the Super Bowl, delivering a championship victory that surprises fans and revitalizes the team's legacy.
Advances in sports analytics and AI coaching will revolutionize training methods, leading to unprecedented performance improvements across multiple disciplines.
Notable Passings
The year also marked the loss of influential figures who left lasting legacies in their respective fields. Aleksey Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption activist, passed away, leaving behind a complex political legacy that inspired movements for transparency and freedom. In the arts, the world mourned the death of Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer and composer, whose contributions to the music industry spanned decades and genres, shaping the careers of countless artists. Additionally, tributes poured in for Dame Maggie Smith, whose passing marked the end of an era in theater and cinema, celebrated for her extraordinary performances and enduring impact on the performing arts. The world also bid farewell to Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, who was remembered not only for his presidency but also for his lifelong dedication to humanitarian causes, peacebuilding, and advocacy for human rights.
Conclusion
As the curtain falls on 2024, it is evident that this year was marked by profound challenges and transformative triumphs. From groundbreaking political shifts and environmental crises to cultural milestones and technological breakthroughs, 2024 has left an indelible mark on the global stage. The persistent tension between freedom and authoritarianism underscored the year’s political narrative, while technological and scientific advancements continued to push the boundaries of what humanity can achieve.
Cultural phenomena like Taylor Swift’s record-breaking tour and the inspiring achievements of athletes in the Paris Olympics reminded the world of the power of collective joy and human creativity. Meanwhile, the escalating effects of climate change and natural disasters served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global unity and action.
As we look ahead to 2025, the lessons of this year urge us to navigate our future with resilience, innovation, and a renewed commitment to addressing the global challenges that lie ahead. The story of 2024 will not merely be one of division or struggle, but also of humanity’s enduring ability to adapt, unite, and thrive in the face of adversity.
