Global trends 2025: a transformed world
On 20 November 2008, the US National Intelligence Council published a report (Global trends 2025: a transformed world) which seeks to provide US policymakers with a view of how world developments could evolve over the next 15 years, identifying opportunities and potentially negative developments that might warrant policy action.
Acknowledging that there are many possible "futures", the report presents a range of possibilities and potential discontinuities. Some of the report’s preliminary assessments are highlighted below:
- The whole international system - as constructed following WWII - will be revolutionised. Not only will new players - Brazil, Russia, India and China - have a seat at the international high table, they will bring new stakes and rules of the game.
- The unprecedented transfer of wealth from West to East now under way will continue for the foreseeable future.
- Unprecedented economic growth, coupled with 1.5 billion more people, will put pressure on resources - particularly energy, food, and water - raising the possibility of scarcities emerging as demand outstrips supply.
- The potential for conflict will increase owing partly to political turbulence in parts of the greater Middle East.
Global trends 2025: a transformed world
