The Year the World Changed: Understanding the Shift in Global Order

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Video originally published on December 31, 2025.

The year 2025 will be remembered as a pivotal moment in history, marking the end of the US-led global order and the beginning of a new era. This year has seen significant changes across the globe, from the rise of new players on the international stage to the eruption of conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The events of 2025 have been decades in the making, with social movements gathering strength, governments operating at cross purposes, and discontent bubbling across the globe. As the world moves into a new chapter of history, it is essential to understand the factors that led to this shift and what it means for the future.

Key Takeaways

How 2025 Changed the World.

Introduction.

When the year 2025 is written into the history books, it’s going to be remembered as one of those years when everything changed.

A Historic Inflection

The year 2025 has been described as a historic inflection point, marking a significant change in the global order. This change has been building for decades, with the US-led order facing challenges from rising powers such as China and regional players such as Russia and Iran. The US-led order, which has been in place since the end of the Cold War, has been characterized by a rules-based international system, with the US at its center. However, this order has been facing increasing pressure, with many nations feeling that it does not serve their interests. The events of 2025 have brought these tensions to a head, leading to a significant shift in the global order.

The US-Led Order

The US-led order, which has been in place since the end of the Cold War, has been characterized by a rules-based international system, with the US at its center. The US has used its power to back up global coalitions, hold sway over less-developed countries, and place itself at the center of global institutions such as the United Nations, the IMF, and the World Bank. However, this order has been facing increasing pressure, with many nations feeling that it does not serve their interests. The US has been accused of using its power to impose its will on other nations, and of ignoring the concerns of rising powers such as China. The US-led order has also been criticized for its failure to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

The Rise of New Players

The events of 2025 have seen the rise of new players on the international stage, including China, Russia, and Iran. These nations have been increasingly assertive in their foreign policy, challenging the US-led order and seeking to promote their own interests. China, in particular, has been rapidly expanding its global influence, through its Belt and Road Initiative and its growing military presence. Russia has also been seeking to expand its influence, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Iran has been seeking to promote its own interests in the region, particularly through its support for militant groups such as Hezbollah. The rise of these new players has significant implications for the global order, as they challenge the dominance of the US and seek to promote their own interests.

The US Steps Down

The US has been stepping down from its role as a global superpower, with significant implications for the global order. The Trump administration has been pursuing a policy of isolationism, withdrawing from international agreements and institutions, and imposing tariffs on other nations. The US has also been reducing its military presence in various regions, including Europe and the Middle East. This has created a power vacuum, which has been filled by other nations such as China and Russia. The US has also been seeking to promote its own interests, particularly through its support for Israel and its opposition to Iran. The US steps down from its role as a global superpower has significant implications for the global order, as it creates a power vacuum and allows other nations to promote their own interests.

The New Global Order

The events of 2025 have marked the beginning of a new era in global politics, with significant implications for the future. The US-led order has been replaced by a more multipolar world, with various nations seeking to promote their own interests. The rise of new players such as China, Russia, and Iran has significant implications for the global order, as they challenge the dominance of the US and seek to promote their own interests. The US has been stepping down from its role as a global superpower, creating a power vacuum that has been filled by other nations. The new global order is characterized by a more complex and multipolar world, with various nations seeking to promote their own interests. This has significant implications for the future, as nations will need to navigate this new landscape in order to promote their own interests and address global challenges.

The New Rules of Geopolitics

The year 2025 has marked a significant shift in the global order, with the United States relinquishing its role as a world leader and embracing a more transactional approach to geopolitics. This shift has been characterized by a focus on naked self-interest, with nations prioritizing their own economic and strategic interests over international cooperation and human rights. The US has begun to set these new rules in stone, with the release of its new National Security Strategy, which emphasizes a 'pragmatic' and 'America First' approach to foreign policy.

The Rise of Multipolarity

As the US steps back from its role as a global leader, the world is transitioning into a state of multipolarity, where several major centers of power are emerging. This includes the US, China, Europe, Russia, and India, among others. In a multipolar world, nations are no longer bound by a single set of rules or a dominant power, and instead must navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries. This shift has significant implications for global governance, international relations, and conflict resolution.

Regional Powers on the Rise

Regional powers such as the UAE, Israel, and Turkey are taking advantage of the new international situation, deepening their control over proxy networks and pursuing their own strategic interests. This has led to an increase in conflict and instability in regions such as the Middle East and South Asia, as nations compete for influence and resources. The impact of these conflicts is being felt on the ground, with civilians caught in the crossfire and humanitarian crises escalating.

The Future of Global Conflict

In a multipolar world, conflicts are likely to become more frequent and complex, involving multiple nations and proxy forces. The international community's ability to intervene and resolve conflicts is being eroded, as nations prioritize their own interests over collective security. This has significant implications for global stability and security, and raises questions about the future of international cooperation and conflict resolution.

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Jackson Reed

Jackson Reed creates and presents analysis focused on military doctrine, strategic competition, and conflict dynamics.

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