The World Ahead 2024: five stories to watch out for

The Economist2 minutes read

2024 will be a significant year globally, with major events like the Taiwan election and the potential impact on US military support, along with the showcasing of eVTOL drones at the Paris Olympics and AI regulation concerns. The expansion of the BRICS alliance, innovations in decarbonizing heavy industry, and the uncertain future of Taiwan amid fears of Chinese invasion will shape 2024.

Insights

  • Taiwanese citizens are deeply concerned about a potential Chinese invasion by 2027, leading to civil-defense workshops and citizen preparedness, as more than half lack confidence in their government's ability to defend against such an event.
  • The expansion of the BRICS alliance to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in 2024 could challenge the American-led world order, potentially reshaping global power dynamics significantly.

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Recent questions

  • What global events are expected in 2024?

    In 2024, significant global events are anticipated, including the largest election year in history with over half the world's population participating in national elections. This year will be crucial for various countries around the world as they navigate political transitions and potential shifts in power dynamics.

  • Why is Taiwan's election in January important?

    Taiwan's election in January holds immense significance due to the island's uncertain future, with fears of a potential Chinese invasion by 2027. More than half of Taiwanese citizens lack confidence in their government's ability to defend against such an invasion, leading to civil-defense workshops and citizen preparedness to address these concerns.

  • What choices do Taiwanese voters face in the upcoming election?

    Taiwanese voters face a critical choice in the upcoming election between the ruling party emphasizing self-rule and resistance to Chinese influence, and opposition parties seeking warmer relations with China. The outcome of this election will not only shape Taiwan's future but could also impact the likelihood of war, with implications for global stability.

  • What technology will be showcased at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

    The 2024 Paris Olympics will showcase eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing) drones as a sustainable mode of public transport. Companies like Volocopter are aiming to launch commercial flights using this technology, which faces challenges in certification and public acceptance but holds the potential for a significant market worth $1 trillion by 2040.

  • What concerns are arising in the AI sector in 2024?

    In 2024, concerns are emerging in the AI sector about regulating powerful AI models to prevent risks like bias and discrimination. Governments, including the EU, are expected to introduce AI regulations to address these issues and ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies in various industries.

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Summary

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Global Events in 2024: Elections, Technology, Alliances

  • 2024 will witness significant global events, including the largest election year in history with over half the world's population participating in national elections.
  • Taiwan's election in January is crucial due to the island's uncertain future, with fears of a potential Chinese invasion by 2027.
  • More than half of Taiwanese citizens lack confidence in their government's ability to defend against a Chinese invasion, leading to civil-defense workshops and citizen preparedness.
  • Taiwanese voters face a choice between the ruling party emphasizing self-rule and resistance to Chinese influence, and opposition parties seeking warmer relations with China.
  • The outcome of Taiwan's election, as well as America's election, could impact the likelihood of war, with President Biden willing to send US military support to Taiwan if needed.
  • The 2024 Paris Olympics will showcase eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing) drones as a sustainable mode of public transport, with Volocopter aiming to launch commercial flights.
  • The eVTOL technology faces challenges in certification and public acceptance, leading to piloted versions initially, with a potential market worth $1 trillion by 2040.
  • In the AI sector, concerns arise about regulating powerful AI models to prevent risks like bias and discrimination, with governments like the EU expected to introduce AI regulations in 2024.
  • The focus on decarbonizing heavy industry intensifies in 2024, with innovations like Coolbrook's rotodynamic heater aiming to transition industry to sustainable energy sources.
  • The BRICS alliance, expanding to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in 2024, poses a challenge to the American-led world order, potentially shifting global power dynamics.
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