The Decades in a Year: 2024, the Year That Changed Everything.

“There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.”

— Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.

2024 was not just another year. It was a seismic shift, a turning point that reshaped the world order, redefined power dynamics, and exposed the fragility of systems once thought unshakable. In just twelve months, the world witnessed the unraveling of long-standing norms, the rise of new global players, and the collapse of old empires. This was the year that changed everything.

The Trump Effect: American Democracy and Freedom Redefined*

The re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 marked a profound transformation in American democracy. His second term saw the accelerated erosion of liberal policies that had defined previous decades, from environmental protections to healthcare access. The concept of freedom, once synonymous with individual rights and equality, became increasingly tied to nationalist rhetoric and corporate interests.

Trump’s America pivoted from diplomacy to coercion. The administration threatened to invade Denmark over disputes concerning Greenland’s resources and is pressuring Panama into renegotiating the Panama Canal treaties under the threat of crippling tariffs. Allies were no longer partners but pawns in a zero-sum game of economic dominance. The world watched in disbelief as America, once the champion of global cooperation, became a disruptor of international norms.

The TikTok Exodus: A Glimpse into Chinese Society**

2024 was also the year Americans got an unexpected window into Chinese society. When the U.S. government threatened to shut down TikTok, millions of users migrated to Red Note, a Chinese social media platform. For the first time, Americans were exposed to the vibrancy, creativity, and complexity of Chinese culture and thought. This digital migration sparked a cultural exchange that challenged stereotypes and highlighted the growing influence of China’s tech ecosystem.

The Middle East Ignites: Israel’s Strikes and Iran’s Unexpected Move***

In the Middle East, 2024 was the year the powder keg finally exploded. Iran, in response to previous attacks, launched direct attacks on Israel, giving the world a chilling preview of what an all-out war in the region could look like. The conflict destabilized the already fragile balance of power, drawing in global players and raising fears of a broader conflagration.

Europe’s Waterloo: The Fall of Ukraine****

The propaganda surrounding Ukraine’s progress against Russia finally crumbled in 2024. The real damage to Ukraine’s infrastructure, economy, and morale became impossible to ignore. Europe, once united in its support for Ukraine, began to fracture under the weight of economic strain and political fatigue. By the end of the year, it was clear: Europe had lost Ukraine.

China’s Technological Supremacy: A New Global Leader*****

2024 was the year China’s technological dominance became undeniable. Despite U.S. sanctions, China made staggering advancements across multiple fields:

• HarmonyOS emerged as a robust alternative to Western operating systems.
• Huawei unveiled advanced microchips, breaking the monopoly on semiconductor technology.
• Breakthroughs in lithography, including EUV and DUV, positioned China as a leader in chip manufacturing.
• BYD overtook Tesla in electric vehicle production, signaling China’s dominance in the EV market.
• The Huawei trifold phone redefined smartphone innovation.
• China’s AI models such as deepseek proved to be as advanced as America’s, with far greater efficiency.
• The unveiling of what is rumored to be China’s 6th-generation stealth fighters showcased its potential military technological edge.

These achievements underscored a stark reality: the U.S. could no longer contain China’s rise through sanctions or rhetoric.

The Collapse of French Influence in West Africa

2024 marked the end of France’s post-colonial dominance in West Africa. One by one, former French colonies rejected French influence, expelling military bases and severing economic ties. This shift was driven by a growing demand for sovereignty and a rejection of neocolonial exploitation. France’s decline in the region opened the door for new partnerships, with China and Russia stepping in to fill the void.

Canada’s Decline: The End of Prosperity

After decades of prosperity and a reputation as a welcoming haven for immigrants, Canada entered a phase of economic decline in 2024. Rising inflation, housing crises, and political polarization eroded the country’s social fabric. The far-right gained traction, mirroring trends across the Western world. Canada’s struggles served as a stark reminder that no nation is immune to the forces of change.

The Far-Right Surge in Europe

Across Europe, the rise of far-right parties became an everyday reality in 2024. Economic uncertainty, immigration pressures, and disillusionment with traditional politics fueled their ascent. Countries like Germany, France, and Italy saw far-right leaders gain significant influence, challenging the European Union’s unity and values.

Conclusion: A World Transformed*

2024 was a year of reckoning, a year when the old order crumbled, and a new one began to take shape. It is not clear who will emerge as a winner but there’s ample evidence Europe will face serious decline in influence in the decades ahead and China will have a greater say in how our world is shaped. How America plays the powerful hand it has been dealt will determine if its war or peace that comes next.

From the redefinition of American democracy to China’s technological ascendancy, from the collapse of European influence in the Middle East and Africa to the rise of the far-right in Germany, the world witnessed decades of change compressed into a single year.

As we look back on 2024, one thing is clear: the world will never be the same. The question now is not whether change will come, but how we will navigate the new realities it brings. In the words of Lenin, decades happened in weeks — and the echoes of those weeks will reverberate for generations to come.

Written by Abubakar Suleiman

Date: 26th January 2025

NOTE TO READERS: This is my first writing task to deepseek.com and I am impressed.