The year 2025 was dominated by continuing wars, rising political tensions and mounting warnings over climate change, with diplomatic efforts struggling to contain crises that showed little sign of resolution.
Armed conflicts persisted across several regions, while natural disasters — particularly in parts of Asia — killed thousands of people and caused billions of dollars in damage. Experts said the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events reflected the accelerating impact of climate change and delays by governments in addressing it.
In global politics, the return of Donald Trump to the White House quickly reshaped international dynamics. The U.S. president imposed tougher trade policies and higher tariffs, fuelling new tensions in the global economy, while also seeking to position himself as a mediator in some of the world’s most entrenched political conflicts.
In the Middle East, tensions between Iran and Israel escalated to unprecedented levels. During the summer, the two sides engaged in direct confrontation, with Israeli air strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities and Tehran responding with missile and drone attacks. The fighting ended after 12 days with a ceasefire, but core disputes remained unresolved.
In Gaza, another ceasefire was announced after nearly two years of war. A three-phase plan backed by the United States and endorsed by the United Nations Security Council was put forward, but its implementation remained uncertain. Hamas was not disarmed, Israeli strikes continued, and a deepening humanitarian crisis continued to affect hundreds of thousands of people.
In eastern Europe, the war in Ukraine entered its fourth year. Russia intensified missile and drone attacks but made limited gains on the ground. Ukraine sought to shift the balance through surprise operations, even as international pressure mounted for Kyiv to accept a ceasefire on unfavourable terms. Moscow demanded recognition of occupied territories and Ukraine’s abandonment of NATO membership, while Kyiv insisted on firm security guarantees to prevent future Russian attacks.
In South Asia, India and Pakistan again came close to a wider conflict. Following a deadly attack in Kashmir, the two nuclear-armed neighbours exchanged strikes. Although a ceasefire was later restored, the underlying dispute remained unresolved.
Southeast Asia also saw renewed border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia. An initial ceasefire collapsed quickly, but after weeks of clashes, the two sides agreed once again to halt hostilities.
Beyond conflict, major global events also drew attention. At the Vatican, the election of Pope Leo XIV as the first American pontiff captured worldwide interest. In his first remarks, he called for an end to wars and urged greater efforts toward peace.
Overall, 2025 was a year shaped by war, political instability and escalating climate risks — underscoring how global crises not only persisted but, in many cases, grew more complex and severe.
