2025: A World Grappling with One Crisis After Another as Global Order Faces Multiple Challenges

Introduction

The world order is experiencing significant upheaval as China and Russia challenge long-standing power structures in Asia and Europe, while other global leaders increasingly sense the crumbling of traditional constraints.

Multiple Crises Unfolding

The International Rescue Committee’s 2025 Emergency Watchlist has identified critical situations in several nations, including Sudan, Syria, and Myanmar, where the combined effects of conflict, climate change, and economic instability are creating severe humanitarian needs.

Economic challenges persist globally, with most chief economists expecting conditions to remain unchanged or weaken. The IMF forecasts a modest 3.2% growth rate for 2025, notably below the 2000-2019 average of 3.8%.

Humanitarian Emergencies

Of the 5.6 million articles published on humanitarian crises in 2024, nearly half focused on Gaza alone, leaving many other emergencies overlooked. This lack of media attention often results in insufficient funding for critical assistance, affecting countless lives including mothers, fathers, and children who struggle without adequate aid.

Global Security Concerns

Humanitarian crises are multiplying and worsening amid funding constraints and lack of sustained focus from major powers. State-based armed conflict, including proxy wars, civil wars, coups, and terrorism, has emerged as the greatest risk for 2025, with cybersecurity threats and misinformation adding to these concerns.

Looking Forward

While the current global situation appears challenging, particularly highlighted by events like the war in Gaza and major-power divisions at the UN, there remains hope. The international community still has opportunities to agree on modest initiatives to curb violence and maintain stability in various crisis zones.