There is no disputing it: 2025 is the year of Trump.
Half the world’s population lives in countries that have recently been to the polls. The outcomes were stark, and many have been forced to reassess their views on key issues from geopolitics to sustainability and culture.
Incumbents in developed Western economies were the big losers – and while many reasons can be attributed to their loss, two things stand out:
A drop in living standards, caused largely by inflation.
Deep-seated concern at a failure to stem immigration.
Obviously, the most consequential result by far was in the United States.
There is no doubt Donald J. Trump aims to shake up America and the world order in 2025 – with far reaching effects on the global economy, international order, sustainability, AI, tech and culture.
The big question is: are we seeing a generational shift towards his way of thinking – or simply a temporary reverse in a world that remains in flux? In other words: will another electoral cycle see a backlash against the so-called “strong man” leaders with their disruptive worldview?
Some are bleak about the future, saying the world has taken a decisive turn for the worse. Others take a more positive and nuanced view, arguing that many of the key issues we face have become stuck, with debates increasingly politicised, attritional and running into the sand, with two implacably opposed tribes in a stand-off. They argue that a forced change can and should facilitate shifts in approaches and perspectives on all sides.
The issues will remain constant, but the language we use to talk to them and the terms of engagement will shift fundamentally. This, they believe, is clear on everything from international relations, to sustainability, tech and culture. We will discover if they are right in 2025.
The FGS Global Radar aims to set out where there is consensus, where there is a spectrum of debate and where there are clear predictions on what we can expect in 2025.
Explore the 2025 FGS Global Radar to gain insights and prepare for the future.
