Ten Global Events That Shaped the World in 2025

The year 2025 was marked by major political upheavals, fragile ceasefires, ongoing wars and dramatic global developments, according to a year-in-review by Agence France-Presse (AFP), which identified ten events that defined the past 12 months.

Donald Trump
At the top of the list was the return of Donald Trump to the White House for a second term in January. The Republican president launched a wave of measures under his “America First” doctrine, including protectionist trade policies, mass deportations of undocumented migrants and sweeping executive orders. While some decisions were blocked by the courts, Trump targeted political opponents, challenged the media and rolled back diversity programs, even as opinion polls showed growing public dissatisfaction over the cost of living.

Ceasefire in Gaza
Another defining moment was the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, reached under US pressure nearly two years after the war erupted following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The truce enabled partial Israeli troop withdrawals, exchanges of hostages and prisoners, and increased humanitarian aid, though shortages persist. Tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of violations and violence continuing in the region.

War in Ukraine
Painful efforts to end the war in Ukraine also shaped the year. Trump’s return spurred renewed diplomatic attempts, including direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul and a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Despite some progress reported late in the year, no breakthrough was achieved, while fighting continued and Russia advanced slowly in eastern Ukraine.

US Tariffs
AFP also highlighted the global trade war sparked by new US tariffs imposed by Washington on imports, prompting retaliatory measures and tense negotiations. Although agreements with the European Union and China eased tensions later in the year, the dispute rattled global markets and added pressure on economies worldwide.

First American Pope 
In May, the Catholic Church entered a new era with the election of Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost became the first American pope, pledging to continue the social mission of his predecessor while reassuring conservatives on doctrinal issues.

Youth-Led Protests
Youth-led protests across Asia, Africa and Latin America marked another major trend. Members of Generation Z took to the streets over living conditions, corruption and political exclusion, with movements in countries such as Peru, Nepal, Madagascar and Tanzania leading to resignations, crackdowns and even the overthrow of leaders.

AI

Massive investments in artificial intelligence dominated the technology sector, with global spending projected to reach $1.5 trillion in 2025, according to Gartner. While soaring valuations fueled fears of a speculative bubble, concerns also grew over job losses, misinformation and the social impact of AI.

Louvre Museum Robbery
One of the year’s most spectacular crimes was the daring daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris in October, when thieves posing as workers stole crown jewels worth an estimated €88 million in just minutes, exposing security gaps at the world-famous institution.

US Military Strikes
The United States also drew attention for military strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific aimed at drug trafficking networks, operations that reportedly killed around 100 people and drew criticism over their legality. Washington accused Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro of leading a cartel and imposed a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers.

Wild Weather
Finally, record extreme weather events underscored the growing impact of climate change. Deadly floods, powerful storms, devastating cyclones in the Caribbean, typhoons in Southeast Asia and widespread wildfires in Europe and the United States marked another year of escalating climate disasters.

Together, these ten events painted a picture of a turbulent 2025, defined by political shifts, unresolved conflicts, technological leaps and mounting environmental challenges.