The Geopolitics of 2025: Five Forces Reshaping the World Order

The post-Cold War international order — characterised by US primacy, economic globalisation and the slow spread of democracy — is dissolving. In its place, a more contested, multipolar world is emerging.

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Force 1: The US-China Rivalry

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The competition between Washington and Beijing is the defining geopolitical contest of the century. It will shape trade, technology, security and the currency system.

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Force 2: European Security

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The war in Ukraine has transformed European security. Defence spending is rising across the continent, and NATO is stronger than it has been in decades.

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Force 3: The Global South's Rise

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Countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America are pursuing more independent foreign policies — refusing to choose sides in great-power competition.

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Force 4: Technological Competition

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Artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum computing are becoming strategic assets. Control of the technology supply chain is a new dimension of great-power competition.

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Force 5: Climate Geopolitics

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The green transition is reshaping energy geopolitics. Oil exporters face long-term demand risk; countries with clean energy resources and critical minerals gain strategic importance.

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Britain's Place

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Britain's combination of soft power, financial expertise, defence capabilities and diplomatic tradition gives it significant assets in this new environment — if deployed strategically.

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