Global affairs studies examine the interdependence of states, economies, societies and cultures. It is the foundation for international politics and policy, and addresses the challenges of globalization in a world in which everything is connected.
As the year 2025 gets underway, a host of major issues will continue to challenge humanity. Already, governments must deal with twenty million forcibly displaced people; the spread of deadly diseases in sub-Saharan Africa; and a slowdown in economic growth across the world. In addition, they must grapple with the implications of the Trump administration’s America first doctrine and a policy of economic nationalism and bilateralism that could lead to trade disputes and retaliation against China and other trading partners.
These are just a few of the concerns that experts in global strategy and foresight identified when Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center surveyed them on their outlook for 2024-2029. The survey results point to some disturbing trends, including the likelihood of another devastating world war; a continuing decline in the capacity of governments and multilateral institutions to address humanitarian crises; and growing distrust of global governance and global institutions.