From AI threats to deadly epidemics: Politico names the events that could change the world in 2025
Table of contents
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Potential black swans of 2025
- A cyberattack of unprecedented proportions
- Secret deal on Iran
- Territorial conflicts in the United States
- A new epidemic
- Trump and Xi Jinping's alliance
- A breakthrough in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- Global market crash
- Climate action as the norm
- Geopolitical changes
- A breakthrough in the Middle East
- Infrastructure vulnerability
- South Korea's nuclear programme
- Biological threats in the US army
- The overthrow of Lukashenko
- Breakthrough in quantum computing

15 futurists, scientists, analysts and various experts expressed their versions of unlikely but significant events that could happen this year
The American publication Politico has presented a list of events that experts have called ‘black swans’ for 2025. These are rare and unlikely scenarios that could have a significant impact on the global political and economic environment. The forecasts are based on the opinions of futurists, scientists, foreign policy analysts and other experts.
Potential black swans of 2025
A cyberattack of unprecedented proportions
Experts believe that the largest cyberattack in history could paralyse key global infrastructure. The main tool for such attacks could be generative artificial intelligence, which is becoming more accessible and cheaper.
Secret deal on Iran
The scenario assumes that russian president vladimir putin convinces Iran to suspend its nuclear weapons development, leading to a five-year truce. In return, the United States and Israel will have to abandon military aggression against Iran.
Territorial conflicts in the United States
It is expected that the Greater Idaho movement, which seeks to transfer 15 Oregon counties to Idaho, may cause mass protests and clashes. The issue of territorial division may become a national issue.
A new epidemic
The world may face a new infectious disease, similar to the flu, which will lead to thousands of deaths and a new economic downturn reminiscent of the COVID-19 crisis.
Trump and Xi Jinping's alliance
Despite the confrontation between the US and China in the past, the 2025 scenario envisages cooperation between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping for the sake of economic stabilisation and an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
A breakthrough in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
A solution to the conflict can be achieved through the creation of two states, which will require a reshuffle of the leadership on both sides and the active participation of Arab countries.
Global market crash
Artificial intelligence can become an instrument of financial collapse by spreading disinformation and provoking panic on the stock exchanges. This includes creating rumours about company management, fabricating news about product recalls or security threats, or creating false evidence of financial fraud.
Climate action as the norm
Climate change and investments in clean energy may push society to take global action to protect the environment.
Geopolitical changes
Technological advances such as quantum computing may lead to unexpected alliances and changes in the global economic landscape.
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A breakthrough in the Middle East
Peace talks could lead to stabilisation in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon, creating conditions for democratic development in the region.
Infrastructure vulnerability
Cyberattacks or natural disasters could cause serious damage to energy and communications networks, affecting the entire world.
South Korea's nuclear programme
South Korea's unexpected announcement that it is developing nuclear weapons could shock the global community.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung makes a statement that stunned the world: the country is a nuclear power, and it is using Article X of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to withdraw from the treaty.
Biological threats in the US army
A potential outbreak of avian influenza in the military could undermine US military capabilities and change the global security balance.
This prediction is based on the argument that the US army could enter the era of the unvaccinated. The flu is spreading across the country and the globe, and more and more military personnel are falling ill. From Mexico to China, East Asia, Europe and Russia, militaries and governments are launching vaccination campaigns. Foreign governments are calling in vain for protective measures and vaccines on bases. Military cooperation is disrupted. The European public finally begins to call for defence spending. As the bird flu spreads, generals begin to warn that American combat power is being depleted by illness and death, and the US military is becoming increasingly incapacitated.
The overthrow of Lukashenko
The negative consequences of russia's war with Ukraine may lead to the weakening of Alexander Lukashenko's power in Belarus.
Breakthrough in quantum computing
China may make a technological leap, depriving the US of the ability to protect sensitive data, which will change global security standards.
We remind you! The war in Ukraine remains one of the most discussed topics, and forecasts for its end vary considerably. Experts express their opinions on the possibility of the war ending in 2025.
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