2025 and the need for political solutions

by | Jan 4, 2025 | Editorial and Analysis

BREAKING News

The new year is groaning under the previous one’s heavy legacy. Donald Trump is returning to power, Germany is holding early elections on February 23 and in France political uncertainty reins. Since Wednesday, the war in Ukraine has come closer for many Europeans, as the supply of Russian gas through Ukraine has stopped.

With no one knowing whether Syria will take the road of reconciliation and reconstruction or of bloodshed without end, the Middle East has become even more unpredictable. Israel has regained its power of deterrence, which Hamas’ rampage appeared to have destroyed. Its often-criminal behavior, though, shows that Israel believes its survival depends on military dominance and the elimination of every possible danger.

This, however, cannot be maintained for ever. The day after in the Middle East (as in the Russia-Ukraine clash), if and when it comes, will demand understanding between nations that are now at war with each other.

As things look in the world today, it is difficult to believe that 2025 will offer such an option. Indeed, if relations between the United States and China take a turn for the worse, the economic consequences (at least) will be very difficult for every country.

And it is not just relations between states that are difficult. Tensions between voters in democratic countries are leading to results such as Trump’s second presidency and the rise of extremist political forces in Germany, France and other European countries. Anger and fear benefit those who invest in problems getting worse and in division, provoking personal and social dead-ends – and violence.

In western societies, prosperity, security and hope are no longer givens. This worsens their demographic problems, which, in turn, exacerbate the shortage of labor and the failure of social security systems. Importing labor may help the economy, but it worsens social and political problems. In 2024, US voters highlighted the inability of liberal politicians to convince them with the solutions that they proposed.

2025 will show whether the Europeans are capable of adopting policies that will help them avoid this trap. There are no ready-made solutions.

 

https://www.ekathimerini.com/opinion/1257707/2025-and-the-need-for-political-solutions/

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Dynamis Media Group llc, NeaProini.gr or NeaProini.us. Any content provided by our authors and/or contributors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

Breaking News