As 2024 quietly draws to a close, we reflect on a year brimming with significant political events that were thoughtfully captured within the pages of our publication, thanks to our collective efforts.
This year saw pivotal global events such as the presidential elections in Russia and the USA, elections to the European Parliament, the 50th G7 summit, the World Youth Festival in Sochi, the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), the ninth Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games in France, the World Friendship Games in Moscow and Yekaterinburg, the BRICS Games in Kazan, and, in the same city, the XVI BRICS Summit. The latter proved to be a momentous occasion not just for its member countries but for the entire Global South and East. These are just a few examples of the extensive range of political topics covered this year.
Traditionally, as the New Year approaches, it is customary to focus on the positives. We strive to write about what genuinely matters to us. However, as the songwriter Yuliy Kim once aptly remarked, “the world is far from perfect, and in places, simply bad”. Sadly, we must acknowledge that 2024 has seen an increase in armed conflicts, with the world becoming ever more aggressive.
According to the “Global Peace Index”, there are currently over 50 ongoing conflicts worldwide – the highest number since the end of World War II! Approximately a quarter of the world’s population is, in one way or another, involved in or affected by these military conflicts and their consequences.
The Special Military Operation in Ukraine continues, where Russia strives to heal this wayward country from the resurgence of Nazism. Tragically, the rehabilitation of Nazism has become state policy in official Kyiv. It is deeply regrettable that many Western nations of enlightened Europe, which once bore the brunt of the “brown plague”, now support this aggressive, misanthropic ideology.
Recall the commemoration of a veteran of the SS “Galicia” Division in the Canadian Parliament. Is this not a clear indicator of the fascism that has grown to its full height and is being cultivated by the West as its own philosophical worldview?
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is far from the only armed confrontation. The situation in Syria remains tense following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.
For over a decade, Yemen has been embroiled in a bloody civil war that has led to the country’s profound fragmentation.
The internal conflict in Myanmar has persisted for more than 60 years, making it the longest-running civil war in the world.
The protracted conflict in Ethiopia between the central government and the administration of the northern Tigray region (TPLF) continues to rage with relentless intensity.
The civil war in South Sudan, fought between the government and opposition forces, endures to this day, with neither side achieving lasting dominance. Over 7 million people – 60% of the country’s population – are on the brink of famine.
A tense military-political situation also prevails in Libya.
Years-long conflicts continue to plague Africa’s Sahel region.
Such was the year 2024 – fascinating and astonishing, dynamic, energetic, rich in global transformations, brimming with beauty and opportunity, yet simultaneously cruel and unjust.
Yet, in the hearts of people, hope always flickers: the hope that all these conflicts, wars, confrontations, life’s hardships, and struggles will fade into the past with the dawn of each new calendar year.
May this belief in a better life, free from wars and conflicts, become a reality in the coming year. After all, the New Year is always the beginning of something wonderful.
The symbol of 2025 is the Green Wooden Snake. This zodiac sign embodies optimism, hope, and stability. In Eastern culture, the snake is a peaceful and benevolent creature, distinguished by its intelligence, calmness, insight, and wisdom, coupled with a touch of cunning that helps navigate life’s challenges. It symbolises protection from adverse circumstances and a readiness to tackle complex tasks without shying away from responsibility.
Allow us to extend our warmest congratulations, dear readers, to you, our cherished authors, as well as the directors and partners of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, under whose aegis we have been operating for many years. Let us also congratulate our small but unified editorial team, bound by a common goal, on the upcoming Christmas and New Year of 2025!
May the coming year bring only bright and joyful events, which will be reflected in the pages of our media platform and delight our readers.
We wish you happy transformations, successful endeavours, health, love, and prosperity. May you find the strength and inspiration to achieve everything your heart desires!
With respect and love,
The Editorial Board of the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”
