December has come again, and with it the time to reflect on the past year, take stock of what we have learnt and decide on the focus for the year to come.
In 2012, we caught a glimpse of the emergence of a multipolar world, we pondered on possible economic models of the future, while noticing a strong surge of national pride in the UK thanks to the queen’s diamond jubilee and the olympic games.
What about 2013? The world has been sliding further from past models and behaviours. Everywhere, the need, the urge for change is getting stronger.
In the west, the US is facing a couple of firsts – an embarrassing budget debacle and being on the verge of transforming the global balance of power in the energy sector with impending independence.
The EU is in an increasing shambles, and the following question is at the forefront: what does leadership means for Europe?
And what is happening with France? A president at an all-time low popularity, and the emergence of new movements – such as “les pigeons”, protesting entrepreneurs – are strong signs of a growing and somewhat refreshing current of contestation. Are they the seeds of a new revolution?
The Middle East is stuck in a state of flux – the continuing civil war in Syria, Libyan power struggles and questions about Egypt. The entire region is struggling to make sense of what is to come, and posing another question: who will benefit from this state of disarray?