The Economist has launched its annual “The World Ahead 2025” special issue for 2025, offering insights and predictions about critical global themes expected to shape the coming year. Here are the key points and themes covered in this edition:

Key Themes for 2025

  1. America’s Choice: The implications of President Trump’s re-election will resonate globally, affecting policies from immigration to international trade.
  2. Voters Expect Change: With significant political shifts worldwide in 2024, new and existing leaders are under pressure to deliver on their promises or face potential unrest.
  3. Broader Disorder: The U.S. may adopt a more transactional approach to foreign policy, influencing global dynamics and potentially encouraging assertive actions by other nations.
  4. Tariffying Prospects: Heightened trade tensions, especially between the U.S. and China, could reshape international trade relationships and strategies.
  5. Clean-tech Boom: Led by China, the surge in exports of clean technology like solar panels and electric vehicles could significantly impact global energy markets and emissions.
  6. After Inflation: With inflation pressures waning, Western economies must now navigate fiscal challenges, including managing deficits and possibly increasing defense spending.
  7. Age-old Questions: The election of the oldest-ever U.S. president-elect sparks conversations about age limits for leaders, contrasting with demographic trends across the globe.
  8. Crunch Time for AI: As vast sums are invested in AI technologies, the sector reaches a critical juncture in proving its economic value and practical applications.
  9. Travel Troubles: Global travel faces new hurdles due to political conflicts, changing regulations, and ongoing debates about tourism’s impacts.
  10. Life of Surprises: The year may bring unexpected developments, with potential wild cards like solar storms or significant archaeological discoveries.

Notable Contributions

  • Guest Articles: Contributions from global leaders in politics, business, and academia, including Edgars Rinkevics, Javier Milei, and Fei-Fei Li, enrich the edition with diverse perspectives.
  • Superforecasting Predictions: Predictive insights from the Good Judgment team explore probable global scenarios.
  • Global Gerontocracy: An interactive graphic examining the implications of aging leadership across the world.

Availability

  • Digital Release: Available from November 21st.
  • Print Edition: Included in The Economist’s November 23rd weekly issue and available as a standalone issue in various global regions throughout late November and early December.

“The World Ahead 2025” by The Economist promises to equip readers with a detailed understanding of the potential changes and challenges on the global stage in the coming year, underscoring the publication’s commitment to providing in-depth analysis and foresight in an ever-changing world.