Trends Research and Advisory releases a Study on the Main Strategic Trends in 2024

Trends Research and Advisory released a study entitled "Strategic Trends in 2024". The study reviewed the significant strategic trends that developed in outgoing year, and foresee their future in the new year.

The study, prepared by the Strategic Affairs Department at Trends, indicated that one of the major trends is the transition towards multipolarity in the international system. This is evident in the relative decline of the role of the United States of America, and the escalation of the role of emerging powers such as China, Russia, India and the GCC states.

The study referred to the increase in the level of international conflicts, and the attempts at international integration within the framework of competition between the Global South and the Global North. Another development is the legitimization of the engagement of sub-national regions or entities in global politics, such as the European Union, the United States of America and the African Union.

The study stated that one of the most prominent "strategic trends in 2024" is the growing arms race, especially the proliferation of nuclear and conventional weapons. Then there is the evident scramble for Africa, with the growing interest of major powers in this continent, especially in light of the global food crisis, the growing hegemony of the extreme right, and the its expanding influence in many countries.

The study showed that the sources of global threat have seen an increase in the urgency of the climate change crisis, a growth in cyberattacks, an escalation of nuclear threats, and an evolution in international terrorism strategies.

The study explained that these trends indicate the return of security and strategic issues at the forefront of the international policy agenda, which some international relations theorists call supreme policy issues. These are issues which are related to the national security of the state and its international standing.

The study concluded that security and strategic issues are likely to continue to be at the forefront of all the significant issue in the new year.