CFR examines what’s in store for foreign policy.

The Year Ahead

The new year promises to be pivotal after a transformative 2024. War continued in Ukraine and in the Middle East. Notably, a new transitional government took power in Syria, a country whose fate will significantly influence the region. Economic trends are uncertain, despite bullish optimism from business leaders. Democracies elected anti-incumbent parties and candidates, including Donald Trump, which will have profound impacts on U.S. foreign policy.

Experts from the Council on Foreign Relations provide their insights for 2025 and reflect on the challenges to come.

What We’re Watching Around the Globe in 2025

Michael Froman

As the saying goes, predictions are hard, especially about the future. To gain some insight into the year ahead, CFR President Michael Froman sat down with fellows to discuss what's ahead.

What We’re Watching Around the Globe in 2025

From Trump to Gaza: What CFR Fellows Are Watching

Edward Alden, Steven A. Cook, and Zongyuan Zoe Liu

In Foreign Policy, CFR fellows Edward Alden, Steven A. Cook, and Zongyuan Zoe Liu share one key issue that will have global implications in 2025. Explore what’s on their radar

From Trump to Gaza: More Issues CFR Fellows are Watching

Watch These Ten Elections in the New Year

James M. Lindsay

The year 2024 ended as the year of the challenger in elections throughout the world. Here are ten elections to see if the anti-incumbent mood carries into 2025.

Watch These Ten Elections in the Next Year

Global Summits to Watch

Ashley Ray and Julia Katsovich

Global summits give leaders an opportunity to come together to advance solutions and prepare responses. Explore the most anticipated 2025 summits

What’s at Stake for Africa

Michelle Gavin

The incoming Donald Trump administration should think twice before ignoring the Africa portfolio, which will present ample opportunities to assert or decline U.S. leadership. Read more on Africa in Transition

The Anniversaries We’ll Mark in 2025

James M. Lindsay

As 2024 comes to a close, here are ten notable historical anniversaries to mark in the new year. Discover what’s of note

The World Next Year: Wars, New Governments, and Stormy Weather

In this special year-end episode of The World Next Week podcast, Bob McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins sit down with the New York Times’ Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in Europe Steven Erlanger to review the biggest stories of the past year and discuss developments to watch in 2025.

Listen

Each year, we ask foreign policy experts to identify and evaluate thirty ongoing or potential conflicts based on how likely they are to escalate or occur in the next year, and their possible impact on U.S. interests. The next Preventive Priorities Survey will be released on January 8. To get 2025’s report of the conflicts to watch, sign up for the Center for Preventive Action newsletter.

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