The year 2025 unfolded under the weight of global uncertainty, political shifts and record-breaking events. According to the Agence France-Presse (AFP), these are the ten developments that left a decisive mark on the world.
1. Donald Trump’s Turbulent Return
The return of Donald Trump to the White House in January triggered a wave of executive action under his “America First” doctrine. Protectionist trade measures, mass deportations, cuts to federal agencies and clashes with the judiciary defined the opening months of his second term.
While Trump intensified diplomatic activity abroad, opinion polls showed growing domestic dissatisfaction, particularly over the cost of living. Electoral setbacks at local level have placed Republicans under pressure ahead of the 2026 midterms.
2. A Fragile Ceasefire In Gaza
After two years of devastating conflict, US-led pressure resulted in a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The truce enabled partial Israeli troop withdrawals, the exchange of remaining living hostages for Palestinian prisoners and increased humanitarian aid, although international organisations warn assistance remains far below needs.
Negotiations for a second phase, expected to lead to Gaza’s demilitarisation, remain uncertain amid ongoing accusations of ceasefire violations and continued regional tensions.
3. Painful Peace Efforts In Ukraine
Trump’s return also marked the first serious attempts to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, launched in 2022. Talks in Istanbul and a Trump–Putin summit in Alaska failed to yield breakthroughs, while sanctions on Russian oil were expanded.
Despite renewed negotiations late in the year and cautious Ukrainian optimism, territorial disputes remain unresolved. Fighting continued, with Russia advancing slowly in eastern Ukraine and both sides targeting energy infrastructure.
4. A Global Trade War
Citing unfair trade practices, Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs, including sector-specific duties on steel, aluminium and copper. Retaliatory measures followed, shaking global markets.
Hard negotiations eventually produced agreements with the EU and, later, China, easing tensions. However, talks with Canada collapsed after a campaign criticised by Washington. Some food tariffs were later lifted to ease domestic price pressures.
5. A New Pope: Leo XIV
On May 8, Robert Francis Prevost became the first American pope, taking the name Leo XIV following the death of Pope Francis. Born in Chicago and a former missionary in Peru, the 69-year-old pontiff pledged continuity on social justice, migration and environmental issues.
At the same time, he reassured conservative circles by restoring traditional liturgy at the Vatican, while ruling out short-term reforms on women’s ordination and same-sex marriage.
6. Generation Z Uprisings
From Latin America to Africa and Asia, young people led protests against corruption, inequality and restrictions on freedoms. Demonstrations in Peru, Morocco, Tanzania and Nepal escalated into broader political crises, while Madagascar’s president was overthrown following mass mobilisation.
A pirate flag from the manga One Piece became an unexpected global symbol of resistance across social media platforms.
7. Massive Investment In Artificial Intelligence
Spending on artificial intelligence surged to an estimated $1.5 trillion in 2025, according to Gartner, fuelling fears of a speculative bubble. Nvidia briefly reached a valuation exceeding $5 trillion.
Concerns grew over misinformation, copyright violations and job losses, particularly in tech and retail. In the US, new legislation was introduced after a lawsuit accused an AI chatbot of encouraging a teenager’s suicide.
8. A Spectacular Louvre Heist
On October 19, thieves disguised as workers entered the Louvre Museum in broad daylight, stealing crown jewels worth an estimated €88 million in just eight minutes.
The robbery exposed major security flaws at the world’s most visited museum. Four suspects were charged, but the stolen items remain missing.
9. US Strikes In The Caribbean And Pacific
Washington launched operations against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in around 100 deaths. Venezuela condemned the actions as a pretext to destabilise Nicolas Maduro’s government and seize oil reserves.
The US imposed a “full blockade” on sanctioned tankers linked to Venezuela and offered a $50 million reward for Maduro’s arrest.
10. Record Extreme Weather
2025 saw unprecedented climate extremes. Cyclone Melissa devastated Jamaica and flooded Haiti and Cuba. Southeast Asia endured successive typhoons, while deadly storms hit Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
Europe recorded its worst wildfire season on record, and lightning-triggered fires forced the closure of parts of the Grand Canyon during peak tourist season. Scientists warned that climate change continues to intensify both the frequency and severity of extreme weather.
Source: AMNA–MPB (via AFP)