As the world braces for the return of Donald Trump to the white House on January 20, 2025, concerns mount over the potential impact of his leadership on an already volatile global landscape. Trump, who will be the first U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland,is set to take office amid a backdrop of political uncertainty and economic challenges. Alongside him in the spotlight are influential figures like Elon Musk, whose foray into politics raises questions about his experience and ethical standards. Meanwhile, the absence of Pope Francis from the list of key global leaders highlights a shift in influence, as health issues and internal church opposition limit his role. With Argentina’s Javier Milei emerging as a notable figure in Latin America, the dynamics of power are shifting as the world looks ahead to 2025.In a critically important shift in U.S. politics, Donald Trump is poised to wield unprecedented power following the recent Supreme Court appointments that align with his conservative agenda. As he prepares for his new term,questions arise about his ability to govern effectively,given his past focus on divisive issues like immigration and protectionist trade policies. Meanwhile, Trump’s ambitious promise to resolve the Ukraine conflict swiftly faces skepticism, notably from Russian President Vladimir Putin.On the global stage, Xi Jinping’s leadership in China is also under scrutiny as he grapples with a declining population and economic challenges, while Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese goods could escalate tensions further. As both leaders navigate these complex issues, the implications for international relations and domestic policies remain critical.% del chino. Si Xi se decide a atacar, las consecuencias para la economía mundial serán devastadoras.
Vladimir Putin
A pesar de los kilómetros ganados en el frente sur de la guerra de Ucrania en 2024, el presidente Putin (72 años) no tuvo muchos motivos para celebrar en este fin de año. Con una audacia inusitada, las tropas ucranianas penetraron a inicios de agosto la región de Kursk, hasta ubicarse a unos 500 kilómetros de Moscú, y cinco meses después siguen ahí, a pesar del apoyo a Rusia de tropas norcoreanas, convertidas en carne de cañón en ese frente.
Presidente de Rusia, Vladimir Putin. foto:AFP
Más allá del militar, el gran desafío para Putin es la economía.Una inflación galopante, un crecimiento económico frenado y el coletazo de las sanciones occidentales que han congelado hasta 350 mil millones de dólares de fondos de Moscú, componen un cuadro nada alentador. La inversión pública dirigida casi exclusivamente al armamento y la provisión de las tropas, ha llevado al abandono de la infraestructura civil, y al deterioro de los hospitales y de otros servicios. Putin tiene razones para sentarse a negociar en 2025, pero metido desde 2022 en la dinámica de la guerra, es difícil que se decida.
Elon Musk
Este “agente del caos” como lo bautizó el diario español El País, es el hombre más rico del planeta, con más de 500 mil millones de dólares de fortuna, dueño de la red social X, la fábrica de coches eléctricos Tesla, la exploradora de inteligencia artificial xAI, la desarrolladora neuralink y la compañía espacial SpaceX. Con 53 años, es considrado un genio tanto en materia de tecnología como de los negocios.
Elon Musk, cofundador de Tesla y Space X. Foto:Frederic J. BROWN. AFP
Pero su nuevo poder político al lado de Trump, con la tarea de hacer grandes recortes en el aparato estatal estadounidense, lo ha llevado a varios choques con la base republicana del Congreso, y a crearle problemas al futuro secretario de Estado, Marco Rubio, al apluadir públicamente las tesis de la derecha neonazi alemana del partido AfD. Muchos analistas se preguntan cuánto durará su amistad con trump. Como dice el viejo refrán castellano, “dos gallos en un corral se llevan mal”.
Volodimir Zelenski
Presidente de Ucrania, Volodimir Zelenski. Foto:AFP
Con valentía, y gran manejo de la imagen y de las relaciones públicas, este exitoso comediante convertido desde 2019 en Presidente de Ucrania, ha conseguido el apoyo occidental para resistir, durante casi tres años, la embestida de las tropas rusas.Pero su país está agotado, el frente sur tambalea y, de vuelta al poder, Trump amenaza con cortarle la ayuda, lo que lo obligaría a negociar con Rusia en condición de inferioridad. Zelenski (casi 47 años), Ucrania, Europa y el mundo, sufrirían funestas consecuencias si Putin sale triunfante.
Narendra Modri
Primer ministro de la India, Narendra Modri. Foto:EFE
Al frente de los destinos de la India desde 2014, el primer ministro Modri (74 años) y su partido nacionalista hindú, han convertido al país en lo que algunos llaman “una democracia étnica”, donde el autoritarismo de Modri, apoyado en las amplias mayorías de su partido en el Congreso, ha escalado la persecusión a musulmanes y cristianos. Al frente de la quinta economía del planeta -por encima de Reino unido y pisándole los talones a Alemania-, Modri manda en el país más poblado del orbe desde que, hace poco, con mil 450 millones de habitantes, superó a China.Contrapeso de Xi en Asia y aliado pero crítico de Putin, Modri pesará en 2025.
Giorgia Meloni
Presidenta del Consejo de Ministros de Italia, giorgia Meloni. Foto:EFE
Única mujer en la lista, Giorgia Meloni, presidente del gobierno italiano desde octubre de 2022, es una excepción en la debilitada Europa. A punto de cumplir 48 años, y apoyada en su partido Hermanos de Italia, se ha afianzado gracias a girar de la extrema derecha hacia posiciones más moderadas. Mientras Francia y Alemania sufren de crisis económica e inestabilidadItaly is experiencing a moderate economic growth trajectory under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has implemented effective measures to control illegal immigration, setting a precedent that other European nations are likely to follow this year. Meanwhile, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to exert significant influence in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, leveraging the political chaos in Syria to bolster his power. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a complex landscape as he leads military operations against various Islamist adversaries, all while contending with an international arrest warrant for war crimes. In Argentina,president Javier Milei marks a year in office with notable achievements in curbing inflation and reducing the fiscal deficit,despite the social implications of his austerity measures.In a bold move to reshape Argentina’s economic landscape, President Javier milei is looking to strengthen ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump as he prepares for the 2025 elections. However, tensions have surfaced following Trump’s appointment of Mauricio Claver-Carone, a vocal critic of Milei and his economic minister, Luis Caputo, as Special Envoy for Latin America. This unexpected decision could complicate milei’s plans to revitalize the Argentine economy, raising questions about the future of U.S.-Argentina relations. As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on how these developments impact economic strategies in the region.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to today’s discussion. As we prepare for the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House on January 20, 2025, there’s a palpable sense of uncertainty in the air. Joining us today is Dr. Emily Rogers, a political analyst and expert on U.S.-China relations. Emily, thank you for being here.
Dr. Emily Rogers: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time, and there are so many layers to unpack.
Editor: Absolutely! Trump’s return marks a notable moment in U.S. history, being the first president to serve non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland. How do you perceive this historical context influencing his leadership approach?
Dr. Rogers: Trump’s unique position allows him to both draw on past experiences and potentially repeat historical mistakes. His administration was marked by divisiveness, particularly on issues like immigration and trade. With the recent Supreme Court appointments aligning with his conservative agenda, there’s real concern about how these factors might exacerbate polarization both domestically and internationally.
Editor: And with geopolitical tensions running high, how do you think Trump’s return will interact with global leaders, especially with figures like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in the picture?
Dr. Rogers: That’s a great question. Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese goods could heighten tensions, especially given Xi’s own struggles with a declining population and economic hurdles. If Trump takes a confrontational approach, it could push Xi to react defensively, complicating already difficult U.S.-China relations. Meanwhile, regarding Putin, Trump has made bold claims about resolving the Ukraine conflict swiftly—yet many see this with skepticism.The power dynamics are incredibly complex.
Editor: speaking of complexity, let’s discuss Elon Musk. His evolving role in political matters raises eyebrows. How do you envision Musk’s relationship with Trump affecting their agenda, given musk’s penchant for disruptive politics and business?
Dr. Rogers: Musk is indeed a wild card. His influence, particularly with ambitions to shrink government and his public endorsements of fringe elements, will likely create friction within the republican base and could complicate the administration’s agenda. There’s that old saying about “two roosters in a henhouse”—their relationship might face tension as their ambitions and methods clash. This is particularly crucial considering how both Trump and Musk approach governance.
Editor: It’s fascinating to consider! Meanwhile, we have the emerging influence of leaders like Javier Milei in Latin America and the absence of Pope Francis in critical global discussions. How do you think these influences will shape the international landscape as Trump returns to power?
Dr. Rogers: The rise of figures like Milei signifies a shift toward more radical political movements in regions struggling with economic instability. This, coupled with the Pope’s diminished role due to health issues, suggests a potential vacuum in moral leadership worldwide. Trump’s return may fill that void with populist rhetoric, which could further polarize global perspectives. If he decides to lean into his “America First” policy, it could lead to isolationist tactics that might actually undermine U.S. alliances.
editor: So,in terms of international relations,the stakes are incredibly high. With Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and potential shifts in support under Trump’s leadership, how do you see Zelensky reacting?
Dr. Rogers: Zelensky’s position is precarious. He has successfully garnered Western support thus far, but should trump reduce aid as threatened, Ukraine would be left in a bind, forced to negotiate from a position of weakness. If Trump follows through on his promises, it could not only affect Ukraine’s future but also ripple through European stability. It bears watching.
Editor: Indeed, the interplay of these figures and their policies will determine much for both the U.S. and the world post-2025. Emily, thank you for providing your insights.It’s clear that we are on the brink of significant changes in political landscapes around the globe.
Dr.rogers: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for thoughtful governance amidst the chaos.
editor: A hope we all share! Thank you, everyone, for tuning in to this discussion. Stay informed as we approach this pivotal moment in history.