2024

2024: A Year of Turmoil and Transformation

2024 (MMXXIV) is not just another year on the calendar; it’s a year filled with significant events that will shape our world for years to come. From major armed conflicts to groundbreaking technological advancements, this year promises to be nothing short of transformative.

The Year in Conflict

As we enter 2024, the world is still grappling with several ongoing conflicts. The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to dominate headlines, with no clear end in sight. In Myanmar, the civil war rages on, while the Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region shows no signs of abating. The Israel–Hamas conflict remains a constant source of tension and violence.

Protests against these wars have been widespread, echoing the voices of those who demand peace and justice. In Syria, heavy fighting led to the toppling of Ba’athist rule, with Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country. The Houthi movement’s activities in Yemen contribute to a crisis that impacts global shipping, highlighting the interconnectedness of our world.

Political Turmoil and Elections

The year 2024 is also marked by significant political changes. Approximately 80 countries are expected to conduct national elections, including eight of the world’s most populous nations. Republican Donald Trump won the United States presidential election in November, marking a historic shift for American politics.

Events in January included Egypt becoming a BRICS member and the Republic of Artsakh being formally dissolved. A devastating earthquake struck Japan, killing over 400 people, while Ethiopia announced an agreement with Somaliland to use its port and recognize its independence. The 2023 Marshallese general election saw Hilda Heine elected as president.

January also brought conflict in Ecuador, where the government declared a state of emergency following a prison break by Los Choneros drug cartel leader. Riots broke out in Papua New Guinea over pay cuts for police officers, while the US-led coalition launched air strikes against Houthi militant locations in Yemen. Lai Ching-te won the Taiwanese presidential election with 40% of the vote.

Global Events and Milestones

In February, Iran carried out missile and drone strikes in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, while Pakistan retaliated by conducting airstrikes on Iranian Sistan and Baluchestan province. Japan achieved a soft landing on the Moon with its SLIM mission. The Russian Ilyushin Il-76 plane crashed in Russia, killing all on board.

The Israel-Hamas war saw significant developments, including an International Court of Justice ruling that Israel must prevent genocidal acts. Sultan of Johor Ibrahim Iskandar ascended the throne as Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. The US launched airstrikes in Iraq and Syria in response to a drone attack on a military base.

February also brought the death of former President Sebastián Piñera in a helicopter crash, while Ilham Aliyev was reelected as Azerbaijani president with opposition boycotts. Independent politicians won a plurality of seats in Pakistan’s National Assembly, and Alexander Stubb was elected Finnish president in the second round.

Prabowo Subianto won both the Indonesian presidential election and legislative election. Alexei Navalny, Russian opposition leader, died at age 47. Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C landed on the Moon as the first commercial vehicle to do so. Haiti declared a state of emergency following a jailbreak.

Disasters and Milestones

The year saw several natural disasters and milestones. A powerful earthquake struck off eastern Taiwan, causing significant damage. Floods in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul caused dozens of deaths and left thousands homeless. In Kenya, a railway embankment failure near Mai Mahiu killed 50 people and added to the devastation from wider floods.

The G7 countries agreed to phase out unabated coal power by 2030–2035. Israel attacked Iran’s embassy in Damascus in response to an earlier missile and drone attack. The UN General Assembly passed a resolution granting Palestine the right to be seated among member states, effective at the next session.

A series of solar storms rated G5 by NOAA created aurorae at more southerly latitudes than usual. This was the first G5 storm since 2003. Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore’s Prime Minister since 2004, was succeeded by Lawrence Wong as prime minister ahead of the next general election.

Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia was shot and hospitalized while meeting with supporters at an event in Handlová. The United Nations found both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes during their conflict. Israel conducted airstrikes against Iran in response to earlier attacks.

Global Elections and Milestones

The year 2024 saw several significant elections. In the Solomon Islands, the incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s OUR Party won a plurality of seats. Croatia’s parliamentary election resulted in the incumbent Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s Croatian Democratic Union coalition winning a plurality.

The G7 summit was held in Washington, D.C., with a focus on climate change and global security. Former US President Donald Trump was shot at a rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. The 2024 Summer Olympics were held in Paris, France, where the United States won both the men’s and women’s T20 World Cups.

The 2024 Summer Paralympics also took place in Paris, with significant achievements across various sports. Israel conducted a cross-border offensive against Russia, while the WHO declared mpox a public health emergency.

Final Events and Milestones

In November, Donald Trump was reelected for his second non-consecutive term as US President. The 2024 United States presidential election saw significant events, including the re-election of Donald Trump. In December, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law.

The year ended with several important milestones, including the first commercial spacewalk by Jared Isaacman and the launch of the Europa Clipper spacecraft to investigate Jupiter’s icy moon. The Freedom Party secured a historic victory in the Austrian legislative election, while the UK became the first G7 country to phase out coal power for electric generation.

2024 was a year marked by both turmoil and progress. As we reflect on this year, it is clear that change is inevitable, but so too are the opportunities for growth and unity. The events of 2024 serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to build a better future for all.