As we prepare to say farewell to 2025, I wanted to express my gratitude for your continued support and interest in Deep Dive News. Wishing you a prosperous New Year filled with happiness and success✨
Predictions are a tricky business, especially when the world is experiencing seismic geopolitical, social and technological shifts. This year-end edition distills insights and forecasts from analysts and academics, offering a snapshot of what issues are most likely to influence global dynamics in 2026.
Russia-Ukraine war: Will we see a breakthrough in talks between Moscow and Kyiv? Foreign relations experts remain doubtful. Think tank Chatham House says Ukraine will require tens of billions in loans to “adapt its economy to a protracted war”. Elsewhere, the Economist believes Vladimir Putin has no plan for winning. He’s waiting for Ukraine to run out of men, for Volodymyr Zelensky’s government to collapse, or for Donald Trump or Europe to lose patience.
Middle East at a crossroads: The complex region is moving in different directions, creating confusion and uncertainty. The Middle East Institute says “strategic rethinks” around Israel’s military actions and Iran’s declining capabilities may or may not occur. Separately, Arab leaders must understand how they want to engage with Syria’s new chief. Then for the wealthy Gulf states, the challenge is expanding their economic agendas while juggling diplomatic relations with the US, China, Russia, Israel and India.
Pressure on Venezuela: The White House wants Nicolas Maduro out of power and has been putting the squeeze on the Venezuelan president. But Maduro is resisting any attempts at regime change. According to CNN, Trump’s fighting words mean tensions will continue to escalate in the coming year.
China’s tech advancements: With Beijing’s blessing, Chinese companies are making enormous strides in AI and innovation. President Xi Jinping is set to further strengthen China’s domestic AI players and high-tech manufacturing, including robotics, electric vehicles and solar energy.
Washington’s tariff policy: The Council on Foreign Relations says the unpredictable trade levies will gradually hit the wallets of US consumers. Retailers are beginning to pass the costs onto shoppers, which will prompt them to cut back on spending. Monitoring inflation indicators and deciding interest rates won’t be easy for the next Federal Reserve chairman.
Now for a fun one. Saxo Bank’s annual ‘outrageous predictions’ never fail to amuse and, this time, its strategists have played around with the concept of Swiftonomics. Could the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding inspire proposals and babies? Saxo jokes that Swift and Kelce will step away from constant online branding to build a family, which might trigger a global boom in young people choosing to follow suit.
Thanks for reading! Take care and stay curious, Sara x
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