2025: A global turning point?

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a critical turning point in global geopolitics, and the European Union appears to have acknowledged this by pushing for heightened military cooperation and reduced reliance on American support. The EU’s White Paper emphasizes homegrown defense capabilities and marks a response to the mounting pressure from an assertive Russia and an increasingly distant United States. With leaders like Kaja Kallas underscoring the gravity of the moment, Europe is bracing for a transformed global order. Putin’s war in Ukraine, driven by fear of NATO’s expansion, and the support from nations like China and North Korea underline the brewing anti-Western sentiment. While most of the UN rejected Russia’s justification, the growing divide among global powers is undeniable.

This article looks into how historical shifts in global dominance—like the US rise post-WWI, isolationism in the 1930s, and the unipolar era post-1991—are again in motion. Technological advancements, changing power resources, and ideological shifts are challenging US hegemony. China’s economic surge and bold diplomacy after Georgia’s invasion, coupled with US missteps in the Middle East and economic downturns, have tipped the scales. Now, America’s edge hinges on its partnerships, especially with Europe and Japan. As the world repositions itself, 2025 may join the ranks of 1945, 1991, and 2008 as a watershed year, depending largely on how Washington—possibly under Trump again—handles the tectonic shift.

Overview:

The article by Dr. Mustafa Raza highlights the changing balance of global power in 2025, focusing on the European Union’s growing military assertiveness, US policy decisions, and the strategic responses of Russia and China. It traces historic milestones and identifies transnational, technological, and political forces shaping the emerging world order.

NOTES:

This article is a valuable resource for understanding the dynamics of global power transitions, specifically the decline of US dominance and the rise of Eurasian alliances. It helps contextualize concepts like unipolarity, multipolarity, and soft vs. hard power. The article  provides an in-depth analysis of the historical foundations of modern alliances, NATO’s evolving role, and how global norms are reshaped by conflict, economy, and diplomacy.

Relevant CSS Subjects and Topics:

• International Relations: Changing World Order, US Foreign Policy, NATO, Rise of China and Russia
• Pakistan Affairs: Impact of Global Realignment on Pakistan’s Diplomacy
• Current Affairs: 2025 as a Geopolitical Milestone, Role of EU, Global Alliances
• Political Science: Power Structures, Hegemony, Realism vs. Liberalism

Notes for Beginners:

This article explains how countries like the US, Russia, China, and the EU are constantly reshaping global politics. For example, after World War II, the US became so powerful that it influenced most of the world’s affairs. But now, China’s economy is growing rapidly, and Russia is becoming more aggressive. Europe is also trying to protect itself without depending too much on America. These changes show that power keeps shifting, and countries must adapt. A fact to remember is that the US once held nearly 50% of the world economy after WWII, but now it holds around 25%. If it stays close with Europe and Japan, it can maintain its influence. Otherwise, countries like China and Russia may gain more ground.

Facts and Figures:

• Post-WWII, US held 50% of global economy
• Current US share: approximately 25%
• China and Russia combined: about 20%
• Key years in global order shifts: 1945 (UN founding), 1991 (USSR collapse), 2008 (Financial crisis), and potentially 2025

To wrap up, This article is a powerful commentary on how history, politics, and economy intertwine to shape the destiny of nations. It reminds us that global power is not fixed; it flows like a tide, rising and falling with the choices leaders make. As we stand on the threshold of another possible global transformation.

Difficult Words and Meanings:

Pivotal – extremely important; Synonym: crucial, Antonym: insignificant

Annexation – forceful acquisition of territory; Synonym: seizure, Antonym: relinquishment

Normative – based on what is considered to be the usual or correct; Synonym: standard, Antonym: abnormal

Isolationism – policy of remaining apart from affairs of other groups; Synonym: detachment, Antonym: interventionism

Hegemony – leadership or dominance by one country; Synonym: supremacy, Antonym: subordination

Unipolar – dominated by a single power; Synonym: singular power, Antonym: multipolar

Sovereignty – supreme authority of a state; Synonym: autonomy, Antonym: dependency