The nine events that defined 2024: A year of joy and sorrow

From the fall of autocratic governments, with nearly half the world's population voting in democratic elections as well as the shocking impact of various climate disasters, 2024 has been a year that will forever be remembered in the history books

Here are nine events that defined 2024, and whose consequences will be felt well into 2025 and beyond.

Donald Trump Wins the US presidency

In a historic and polarising election, Donald Trump reclaimed the US presidency in 2024, marking his return as the one of the most powerful men in the world for a second time. His victory, attributed to a fractured opposition and a reinvigorated base, has sent ripples through global politics. Domestically, Trump's policies have reignited debates on immigration, trade, and foreign policy. Internationally, allies and adversaries alike are recalibrating their strategies in response to his leadership style, with renewed tensions evident in relations with China and Iran in addition to allies such as Panama and and Denmark. Trump's return has further polarised the US, intensifying cultural and political divides.

Global elections and the rise of the Right Wing 

2024 was not only a year of elections, but may well become known as 'the' year of elections. The rise of what used to be extreme right wing politics into positions of power around the world has highlighted the growing dissatisfaction with traditional political establishments. In Europe, far-right parties gained traction in Italy and Germany, while Latin America witnessed a resurgence of leftist governments. India's elections underscored deepening communal and economic divides, and Africa saw significant strides in democratic participation, particularly in Nigeria.

Global Warming and its increasingly obvious impacts

2024's record-breaking heat waves has brought the accelerating impact of global warming into the public's eye in an undeniable way. Major cities like Phoenix, Paris, and Sydney experienced unprecedented temperatures, disrupting daily life and causing thousands of deaths. Bangladesh itself reached peak temperatures of 44 degrees celsius, resulting in many victims of heatstroke and dehydration. Agricultural yields also plummeted, worsening global food insecurity. These extreme weather events intensified calls for urgent climate action, though international consensus remains hampered by actors safeguarding their own interests. 

The attempted assassination on Donald Trump and the iconic photo that came from it

An attempted assassination on Donald Trump during a rally in Michigan captured global attention, especially due to a now-iconic photograph of Secret Service agents shielding him amidst chaos. The image, widely shared, became a symbol of political division and resilience. The incident highlighted the increasing security concerns that have become increasingly necessary as political divisiveness, conspiracy theories, and fake news have begun to influence both national discourse and international perceptions of US stability.

Cloudstrike outage and global chaos

A massive outage of Cloudstrike, a leading cloud services provider, in mid-2024 disrupted industries worldwide. Critical infrastructure, financial markets, and communication systems were paralysed, causing billions in losses. The outage exposed vulnerabilities in global digital dependencies, prompting governments and corporations to reevaluate cybersecurity strategies. Public trust in tech giants and their resilience has eroded significantly.

Bangladesh's student-led revolution and the fall of Sheikh Hasina

As the world grappled with the Cloudstrike disaster, Bangladesh witnessed a dramatic student-led revolution that shook the country to its core, culminating in the fall of the Awami league government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India. Protests against corruption, economic mismanagement, and authoritarian rule galvanized millions. An interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is now in place, with young leaders pushing for democratic reforms and accountability. 

The fall of Assad and the new Syrian government

The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in 2024 marked a turning point for Syria. A coalition-backed interim government is now striving to rebuild the nation, focusing on reconciliation and infrastructure development. However, challenges persist, including sectarian tensions and the remnants of extremist groups. International support remains critical but cautiously supportive as Syria navigates this fragile transition.

The expanding middle east conflict

Renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in 2024, driven by border disputes and fighter activities. In the midst of Israel's brutal and constant attacks on the Palestinian people, a new front opened resulting in significant casualties and displacement for the Lebanese, drawing widespread international condemnation. A fragile ceasefire is now in place, however deep-rooted animosities remain, and regional stability in the Middle East remains uncertain as Israel's opportunism continues with US backing.

South Korea's President Yoon's sudden and unexpected declaration of martial law

In a move that shocked and confused the world, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law in response to escalating protests over economic inequality and corruption. South Korea is held as an example of Asian democracy, and the move brought back unwanted memories to many Koreans of when they last fell under brutal military rule. While widely condemned, this incident also highlighted the Korean people's belief in democracy as they defied soldiers in order to help their politicians fulfill their duties and vote down the declaration of martial law. Despite this, the fallout has destabilised the nation, with calls for Yoon's resignation and fears of a regression in democratic progress.