2024 Preview: Elections, War, and Technology
The new year beckons, and with it, the yearly urge by international policy analysts to identify what could be the defining events of 2024. This year promises to be rich in major events, both for Europe and the world. Here are some key themes to watch: 1. Election year: There will be elections in key countries, including India, Taiwan, Russia, the EU (not a country, but the European Parliament still represents 450 million people) and the United States. Of these, the US Presidential elections in November will be the most closely watched, given that Donald Trump is once again a front runner and is promising revenge if elected. 2. The Rise of the Right in Europe: Europe will face its own internal struggles in the form of the European Parliament elections. The recent rise of right-wing and extremist parties poses a serious threat to the current consensus in Brussels, should they gain a sizable parliamentary representation. This could lead to a shift in EU policies and governance, with im