Examining the Al Majalla archives from just the past three months unearths a diverse array of issues spanning the globe.
From the resurgence of military governments in the African Sahel, to advancements in AI and digital currencies, to the rise of the far-right in Europe, to the deepening polarisation in the United States, no concerns are off the table.
These are in addition to the ongoing conflicts that we could still be talking about in years’ time—Ukraine, Sudan, Taiwan, to name but a few. Taken together, and viewed as a whole, it is clear that we are living through a world in turmoil.
Unfortunately, we are also failing to extract the vital lessons from each flare-up or event, lessons that could undoubtedly shape the future of our planet. We are choosing complacency. We are choosing not to hear the alarm bells.
Echoes of past battles
It is no small matter that Ukrainian tanks and troops have penetrated Russia’s Kursk region, a place of immense historical significance, having witnessed the largest tank battle in history between Soviet and Nazi German forces, a battle that solidified Hitler’s defeat following Stalingrad.
Weeks after foreign forces entered the territory of a major nuclear power, the Russian army is still grappling with the breach. In the east of Ukraine, Russia has the initiative, but must now cope with the enemy camping in Moscow’s own backyard.
