What's happened
2025 was marked by global crises, social upheaval, and resilience. Challenges ranged from geopolitical conflicts and economic struggles to environmental threats, with societies responding through protests, cultural moments, and journalism. Despite hardships, small acts of hope and resilience persisted worldwide.
What's behind the headline?
Deepening Polycrisis and Societal Response
2025 exemplifies how societies are navigating a 'polycrisis'—multiple overlapping crises—by fostering resilience through cultural expression and journalism. The global order is fragmenting, with divisions deepening amid climate stress, geopolitical conflicts, and economic instability. The rise of protests in Nigeria over insecurity and economic hardship signals a shift towards civic activism that transcends partisan politics, indicating a demand for accountability.
The persistent environmental threats, such as water scarcity in Kabul, underscore the long-term risks of climate change, which will likely intensify in the coming years. Meanwhile, the resilience shown through cultural moments, like the recovery of stolen art and traditional hobbies, highlights the importance of cultural identity in maintaining societal cohesion.
The year’s events suggest that while crises will continue, societies will increasingly rely on civic engagement, journalism, and cultural resilience to adapt. The global community should prepare for ongoing instability but also recognize the potential for grassroots movements to shape future reforms. The next year will likely see these tensions escalate, with civic activism and environmental challenges at the forefront, shaping the trajectory of global stability.
What the papers say
The Guardian highlights the emotional and intellectual fatigue of 2025, emphasizing the importance of journalism and cultural resilience amid crises. Elif Shafak notes the deepening divisions and the role of small moments of hope. All Africa discusses Nigeria's political and economic struggles, protests, and social activism, illustrating how societal discontent is shaping national discourse. These perspectives collectively underscore a year marked by turmoil but also by resilience and civic engagement, with each source offering a different lens on the global and regional impacts of 2025's crises.
How we got here
The year followed a period of rapid social, economic, and environmental changes, driven by geopolitical tensions, climate stress, and technological shifts. Many nations faced internal struggles, protests, and reforms, amid a backdrop of global instability and shifting alliances. Nigeria, for example, experienced political unrest and economic hardship, while international crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and Afghanistan highlighted ongoing conflicts. The year also saw a rise in civic activism, especially around gender-based violence and governance issues, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction and calls for reform.
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Common question
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What Were the Biggest Crises of 2025?
2025 was a year marked by significant global upheavals, from geopolitical conflicts to environmental challenges. People are wondering what major crises defined the year and how societies responded. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about the key crises of 2025, how resilience was demonstrated worldwide, and what lessons we can learn from this tumultuous year.
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What Were the Major Global Events of 2025?
2025 was a year marked by significant crises, political upheavals, and moments of resilience worldwide. From international conflicts and military actions to social movements and environmental challenges, this year shaped the global landscape in profound ways. Curious about the key stories that defined 2025? Below, we explore the top headlines, responses from nations, and the social movements that influenced the year’s trajectory.
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