The world in 2021 was made for significant changes, particularly with Donald Trump’s departure from the presidency, which was expected to alter the face of geopolitics. The climate crisis and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic were predicted to have a huge impact on all nations, while some countries faced unique challenges.

In terms of global politics, the shift in U.S. leadership was anticipated to bring about a new era of international relations. The climate crisis, meanwhile, was expected to continue dominating the global agenda, with nations working to meet the goals set out in the Paris Agreement.

Some of the key areas of focus for 2021 include:

Energy and Climate: Global energy use is projected to increase, with a shift towards renewable energy sources and away from fossil fuels. However, the pace of this transition is uncertain, and the world was still far from meeting its climate goals.

Global Governance: The COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need for international cooperation and effective global governance. The World Health Organization and other global institutions are expected to play a critical role in coordinating responses to the pandemic.

Economic Recovery: The global economy is slowly recovering from the pandemic, but the pace of recovery vary significantly across regions and countries.

Global Challenges Ahead

The climate crisis remain a pressing concern, with the world running out of time to cut emissions and prevent catastrophic global heating.

Geopolitical tensions between the US and China continue to simmer, with the US seeking a less confrontational approach under President Joe Biden.

Populist strongmen, including Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, face tests to their leadership.

Regional Outlook

United States: President Biden prioritizes tackling COVID-19, aiming to reopen schools and vaccinate 100 million people within his first 100 days.

Europe: The EU face internal difficulties, including the departure of Angela Merkel and rising Euroscepticism.

Africa: A new generation of leaders emerges, with Uganda’s Bobi Wine and Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed representing change.

China: After containing COVID-19, China focuses on economic growth and global influence, despite concerns over human rights abuses.

China is expected to recover socially and economically from the COVID-19 outbreak, but its international relationships have worsened significantly. The country faces scrutiny over its handling of the pandemic, and the World Health Organization is set to investigate the origins of the virus in Wuhan. China’s authoritarian stance on ethnic minorities and border disputes also remains a concern.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces opposition from former allies and corruption charges amidst the country’s fourth general election in two years. The outcome may not significantly alter the status quo on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Latin America, particularly Brazil and Venezuela, is poised for great moments this 2021. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s popularity may wane without Donald Trump’s support, while Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s grip on power remains firm despite economic and humanitarian crises.

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity endures despite ongoing farmers’ protests against new agricultural laws. His government’s Hindu nationalist agenda is likely to continue, potentially reshaping India’s political landscape.