What will be the flashpoints of 2025?
Chatham House
The world has seen its fair share of geopolitical tensions and conflicts in recent years. From the devastating wars in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, to the threats made by Donald Trump over Greenland and the Panama Canal, there are certainly a number of places to keep a close eye on in the coming year.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, fueled by Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatist forces, continues to simmer and has the potential to escalate further. Meanwhile, the long-running tensions in Sudan and Gaza show no signs of resolution, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
Beyond these regional conflicts, the unexpected and often unpredictable actions of world leaders like Donald Trump have the potential to create global ripples. His threats over Greenland and the Panama Canal highlight the delicate balance of geopolitical power and the need for careful diplomacy to navigate these complex situations.
As we move forward, it will be crucial to monitor these flashpoints and understand the underlying dynamics at play. Only by staying informed and engaged can we hope to work towards a more stable and peaceful world.

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What will be the flashpoints of 2025? by Chatham House

From the devastating wars in Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza to Donald Trump’s threats over Greenland and the Panama Canal, what are the places to watch this year? Bronwen Maddox is joined by Gideon Rachman, the FT’s chief foreign affairs commentator, Leslie Vinjamuri, the director of our US and America’s programme and Renad Mansour, a senior fellow for our Middle East and North Africa programme.