The Economist magazine has released a new cover dedicated to its forecasts for 2025. The cover features prominent global leaders, including newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Surrounding the figures are symbolic elements such as rockets, syringes, a dollar sign, a car, and a clock. In a letter published on the magazine’s website, The Economist editor Tom Standage outlined 10 major global trends he believes will shape the year 2025.
Key editorial predictions:
– Political tension: Trump may push Ukraine toward a deal with Russia and support Israel’s actions in conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. At the same time, a more transactional U.S. stance could exacerbate issues from what Standage calls the “quartet of chaos” — China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
– Taiwan and the South China Sea: It remains unclear whether the U.S. will intervene in potential conflicts with China in these regions.
– Other global challenges: The editor predicts a trade war with China, a boom in clean technologies, increased defense budgets and taxes, advancements in artificial intelligence, aging population issues, and potential unexpected events.
Trump’s victory:
Standage suggests that Donald Trump’s “stunning victory” will have widespread impacts, affecting areas from immigration to trade. His “America First” policies could cast doubt on the reliability of U.S. alliances, leading to geopolitical shifts, heightened tensions, and even the risk of nuclear proliferation.
The editor also notes that 2025 will be a year marked by voter expectations for change after elections, alongside significant geopolitical challenges awaiting the world.
