Year Ender 2025: 10 Global Flashpoints That Shaped A Turbulent Year And Point To An Uncertain 2026

The year 2025 was turbulent, marked by wars that refused to end, political upheavals, climate crises, and shifting alliances. As the world prepares to enter 2026, here are ten defining geopolitical events that shaped the global landscape.

Donald Trump Returns to the White House

In January 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States after winning the 2024 election. His return signaled a sharp shift in U.S. domestic and foreign policy. Trump’s administration quickly moved to renegotiate trade deals, impose tariffs on China, and reassert a nationalist agenda. Allies in Europe expressed concern about NATO commitments, while rivals like Russia and China recalibrated their strategies in response.

Russia–Ukraine War Stalemate

The Russia–Ukraine conflict, ongoing since 2022, remained one of the most significant wars of 2025. Despite heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine, neither side achieved decisive gains. Western sanctions continued to isolate Moscow, while Ukraine relied on military aid from the U.S. and Europe. Civilian casualties mounted, and millions remained displaced. The war highlighted the fragility of European security and the limits of diplomacy.

Israel–Hamas Conflict and Regional Fallout

The Middle East remained volatile as the Israel–Hamas war dragged on. Sporadic ceasefires collapsed, and regional powers like Iran and Egypt struggled to mediate. The humanitarian toll in Gaza worsened, with international agencies warning of famine conditions. The conflict also strained Israel’s ties with Western allies, while Arab states debated their role in peace efforts.

Sudan’s Humanitarian Disaster

Sudan faced one of the year’s worst crises. The Rapid Support Forces intensified attacks in Darfur, displacing thousands. Camps overflowed, and aid agencies struggled to deliver relief. The violence highlighted Africa’s instability, with Sudan joining a growing list of nations plagued by civil strife and weak governance.

China–Taiwan Flashpoints

Tensions between China and Taiwan escalated as Beijing conducted large‑scale military drills around the island. The U.S. and its allies increased naval patrols in the Indo‑Pacific, raising fears of confrontation. Taiwan’s leadership vowed to resist pressure, while global markets braced for disruptions in semiconductor supply chains.

Trade Wars and Tariffs

Global economic relations were strained as the U.S. and EU imposed new tariffs on China. Beijing retaliated, sparking fears of a prolonged trade war. Supply chains already weakened by the pandemic faced further stress, and inflationary pressures persisted worldwide. The disputes underscored the fragility of globalization and the rise of protectionism.

African Coups and Instability

West Africa continued to experience political upheaval. Coups and attempted coups destabilized nations like Niger and Burkina Faso. Regional blocs such as ECOWAS struggled to restore democratic order. The instability threatened economic growth and fueled migration crises.

Climate Disasters and COP30 in Brazil

Extreme weather events struck across continents. Floods devastated parts of Asia, wildfires raged in North America, and droughts crippled Africa. At COP30 in Brazil, leaders debated climate finance but failed to reach consensus. Developing nations demanded more support, while industrialized countries resisted binding commitments. The summit highlighted the widening gap between rhetoric and action.

Nepal’s Gen‑Z Protests

In September, Nepal witnessed massive youth‑led protests against corruption and a social media ban. The demonstrations toppled the government, marking one of South Asia’s most dramatic political upheavals of the year. The unrest reflected the growing power of digital activism and generational frustration with entrenched elites.

Decline of Global Cooperation

Analysts noted that 2025 marked a further decline in multilateral cooperation. Institutions like the UN and WTO struggled to remain relevant amid polarization. The “end of the American‑led world order” became clearer, with fragmented alliances and rising nationalism dominating global politics.