2025 proved to be a year of significant global upheaval, marked by political shifts, ongoing conflicts, and evolving international alliances. From a surprising return to power for Donald Trump to escalating tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the year presented a series of challenges to the established world order. This article examines ten key events that defined 2025 and shaped the geopolitical landscape, focusing on the impact of these changes and what they mean for the future. The year’s events underscore the increasing global instability and the need for careful analysis of emerging trends.
A Year of Turbulence: Key Events of 2025
The year began with lingering concerns over the war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. These conflicts, coupled with rising economic anxieties and a wave of political transitions, set the stage for a year of unpredictable events. The return of Donald Trump to the White House in January proved to be a pivotal moment, signaling a potential realignment of US foreign policy and a more assertive approach to international relations.
1. Trump’s White House Comeback and Reshaping of US Policy
On January 20th, Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term as President of the United States, defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. This victory followed former President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race in July 2024, citing concerns about his age and ability to govern. Trump’s expanded base of support, including young voters and Latinos, contributed to his resounding win at the polls.
Within his first 100 days, Trump signed 142 executive orders, a number exceeding any other president in US history, and continued at a rapid pace, reaching 225 by year-end. These orders prioritized national security, immigration restrictions, energy independence, and government efficiency, aiming to reverse many of the policies implemented during the Biden administration. Notably, the administration adopted a more critical stance towards the European Union, questioning its stability and direction.
2. US-Ukraine Alliance Strained Under Trump
Just a month into his second term, President Trump signaled a shift in US support for Ukraine. A contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28th, reportedly involving a shouting match, highlighted the changing dynamics. Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly demanded gratitude from Zelenskyy, while expressing skepticism about continued US aid.
Following the meeting, US military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine was temporarily suspended and then inconsistently applied. While aid was reportedly resumed in July, European officials expressed concerns about the long-term reliability of US support. Despite the initial tensions, Trump and Zelenskyy later held more amicable meetings, including one at Mar-a-Lago in December, where they discussed a potential 15-year security guarantee for Ukraine. Negotiations continue for a US-Russia peace plan, initially perceived as favoring Moscow, but now undergoing revisions.
3. The Impact of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
President Trump’s imposition of sweeping tariffs, dubbed “Liberation Day,” on nearly all countries in April 2025 sent shockwaves through global markets. The initial 10% duties were followed by the threat of country-specific tariffs, creating significant uncertainty for international trade.
After the initial market reaction, Trump suspended the second round of tariffs to facilitate negotiations. By July, the US had reached trade agreements with eight partners, including the EU, the UK, and Japan. A “truce” with China was also established, though tensions remain high. The EU agreed to a 15% tariff on its exports to the US in exchange for commitments to purchase US weaponry and energy, a move that sparked debate about the balance of power in transatlantic relations.
4. A New Papacy: Leo XIV and a Call for Peace
The Catholic Church elected a new Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV, in May 2025. His election followed the death of Pope Francis in April. Pope Leo XIV, born in the United States, has emphasized peace and reconciliation in his early addresses.
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV specifically mentioned the suffering in Ukraine and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He urged the world to embrace “peace that is unarmed and disarming,” reflecting a continued commitment to diplomacy and humanitarian efforts.
5. Shifting Alliances in West Africa
West Africa experienced a surge in military coups throughout 2025, further destabilizing the region. A takeover in Guinea-Bissau in November, coupled with an attempted coup in Benin, added to a pattern of political instability that began in 2020. These coups have been accompanied by the expulsion of French troops and diplomatic missions, and a growing alignment with Russia, including the Wagner Group (now Africa Corps). This expansion of the “coup belt” represents a significant challenge to regional security and international efforts to promote democracy.
The year’s events demonstrate a complex and rapidly changing global landscape. The implications of these developments, particularly the shifting power dynamics and the rise in geopolitical tensions, will continue to unfold in the years to come. Monitoring these trends and understanding the underlying causes of instability in Africa will be crucial for policymakers and analysts alike.
