OUR 2025 OUTLOOK
As we look ahead, there is a widespread recognition that we are entering a period of a new geopolitical order with the transition from a unipolar world to one where no single power predominates. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has shown that not all major powers adhere to a multilateral rules-based order and the duration and outcome of this conflict remain uncertain.
Instability looks set to be a durable phenomenon. As China continues to grow in economic and diplomatic strength, it is increasingly cooperating with other authoritarian countries to undermine democratic governance and challenge existing norms and frameworks. An axis involving Russia, China, North Korea and Iran is becoming increasingly apparent.
Last year was one of transition with over 50 elections being held across the world. In most cases in the developed world, election results provided a stronger showing of populist parties, not least in the US with a sweeping victory for former President Trump. Elections to the European Parliament provided a greater presence of right-wing parties but strong support from the EPP ensured President Von der Leyen was re-elected as European Commission President. In the UK, however, the Labour Party won by a landslide.
Going forward, our events will be focussed, where possible, on long term trends to 2030 and beyond, identifying possible areas for action both in the UK and in Europe. In some areas, such as climate change and demographics, long term trends are already evident while in other areas such as the digital transformation and economics and trade, future developments are less easy to identify. Our economic survival and vitality will depend on flexibility and adaptability in the light of events.
Preparations are already underway for the Summer University 2025 which has become the focal point of our activities in the months ahead. The title of this occasion is “Shaping our future towards 2040”. To assist Network coherence, we are ensuring that all events during 2025 will serve as preparation for this occasion bringing together network partners to Corpus Christi College in Oxford from 4-5 September 2025.
We eagerly anticipate your participation in our programme this year as we continue to investigate what these developments mean for our politics, economy, and society up to the year 2030 and beyond.