What Will the World Look Like in 2026?

Looking ahead to 2026, the world seems to be heading into a period of great uncertainty. The old ways of doing things are fading, and a new, less stable order is taking shape. The United States, Russia, and China are each staking out their own spheres of influence, and even mid-sized powers like Turkey and Saudi Arabia are trying to make their mark. The U. S. is still the only country with the ability to act on a global scale, but the idea of a unified international community is fading fast. Institutions like the UN Security Council, once seen as pillars of global stability, are becoming little more than symbols of a bygone era. Europe is still committed to a rules-based world, but its internal divisions limit its ability to take meaningful action. The situation in Latin America is particularly tense. The U. S. has made its presence felt in Venezuela, sending a clear signal that it is willing to use force to get its way. However, with U. S. elections coming up, it is unlikely that American troops will be sent into action in the region. Instead, the U. S. will rely on threats and intimidation to assert its influence. Russia and China are watching these developments closely. While they publicly condemn U. S. actions, they are likely pleased to see America embracing a more aggressive approach to global politics. This could embolden them to use their own military might to achieve their goals.The war in Ukraine is likely to end in 2026, but the outcome is far from certain. Russia has shown a willingness to endure great suffering in pursuit of its objectives, while Ukraine is struggling to keep up. A negotiated settlement seems likely, but any guarantees made will probably be worthless in the long run. China is also ramping up its military activities in the region, using intimidation tactics to assert its claims in the East and South China Seas. Taiwan will look to its neighbors for support, but it is unclear how effective this will be in the face of Chinese aggression. The Middle East remains a hotbed of instability, with no end in sight to the conflict in Gaza. International efforts to stabilize the region are underway, but progress is slow. The best hope for positive change may come from Syria, where the situation is gradually improving. In Africa, the U. S. has made some progress in ending conflicts, but the situation remains dire. Sudan's civil war is likely to lead to the country's division, while fighting in the Eastern Congo could threaten to overthrow the government. Nigeria is also struggling to contain extremist violence, despite pressure from the U. S. While these scenarios are not certain, one thing is clear: the world is heading in a new direction, one that is less stable and more unpredictable than anything we have seen in recent decades. The optimistic vision of a peaceful, unified world that was popular in the 1990s now seems like a distant dream.