225. George Friedman and the smart minds around him have compiled the top 5 trends that will shape 2014.
I feel comfortable casting the highlights without much change:
- An enduring detente between Iran and the United States
- The rise of nationalist and extremist parties in Europe
- Russia and Germany bargain over Central/Eastern Europe and energy policy
- China's return to strongman politics
- Domestic turmoil and economic stress in India and Turkey
The United States will attempt to balance power in the Middle East through its strategic negotiations with Iran; the rise of nationalist and euroskeptic parties will be felt in this upcoming year’s elections; the Chinese president will continue to consolidate more power under himself. Barely missing the list but still notable: the end of the FARC insurgency in Colombia, escalating violence in Nigeria, and Mexico's return to political gridlock.
