The article discusses the potential for a catastrophic conflict in 2025, particularly in the Pacific region. It suggests that China’s growing military presence and Taiwan’s increasing dependence on the US could lead to a confrontation between the two superpowers.
In the Middle East, Israel has been taking an aggressive stance against its enemies, including Iran and Hamas. The article notes that red lines have been crossed, with direct attacks between Israel and Iran for the first time. This escalation could lead to further conflict in the region.
The Ukraine war is also discussed, with Russia’s defense industrial machine allowing it to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses but not enough to take control of the entire country. The West has given Ukraine permission to fire long-range missiles into Russia, making the situation increasingly internationalized.
Sweden has joined NATO, which could lead to further tensions between Russia and the West. There have been incidents of “hybrid warfare” in the Baltic region, where Russia is suspected of damaging undersea communications cables.
The article also touches on the Middle East, mentioning that Iran and Israel have unfinished business, and that a new round of Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear program could be triggered by provocation. Syria is also discussed, with the possibility of it settling down into a successful, pluralistic nation or descending into factional infighting.
Finally, the article notes that IS-KP (Islamic State Khorasan Province) continues to be a threat in the Middle East and Europe, and that there will be pressure for a peace deal in Gaza. However, a grand bargain between Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the US is unlikely due to opposition from Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Overall, the article suggests that 2025 could be an eventful year with potential conflicts brewing in various regions around the world.