It is not as though 2025 was an inconsequential year. Many strategic trends came into focus, particularly around the (finally) visible collapse of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). But 2026 will see the clarification of even more events of global consequence.
Significant elections and changes in governments since December 1, 2023. Last updated May 25, 2026.
The overarching strategic US-PRC trajectory seems largely unchanged: the PRC in continued decline and the US in continued strategic consolidation. US allies are making separate plans to manage their strategic space to a greater degree.
Türkiye is attempting to control the global landscape of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) through the United Nations in order to exert coercive policies and pressure on countries within its sphere of influence and interest.
Geography is patently a critical factor in strategic thinking, not just because of the physical limitations and possibilities it unveils, but because of the psychological impact of geography upon its inhabitants.
