COVID‑19 Pandemic and Global Disruption

In early 2020, the COVID‑19 pandemic disrupted life worldwide. Countries imposed lockdowns, travel bans, and mass vaccinations to contain the virus. While vaccines arrived swiftly, waves of new variants delayed recovery and highlighted global inequalities in healthcare.

The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities: strained supply chains, gaps in social safety nets, and geopolitical tensions over vaccine access. Remote work became the norm, while debates over public health, privacy, and government authority intensified.

Long-term effects reshaped the global order: accelerated digitalization, increased focus on resilient systems, and shifting economic priorities toward rebuilding and sustainability.

Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Great‑Power Tensions

In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of its long-running conflict, triggering widespread civilian impact and mass displacement. NATO and Western allies responded with unprecedented military aid and sanctions against Russia.

The war revitalized NATO, sparked a European energy crisis, and strained global markets. It reaffirmed the fragility of post–Cold War peace in Europe and reshaped strategic alignments worldwide.

China–Taiwan Tensions and US–China Rivalry

Rising concern over Taiwan and growing assertiveness by China–US relations marked the decade. China conducted military drills near Taiwan, prompting US arms sales and diplomatic reassurances.

Tech rivalry intensified as the US limited China’s access to advanced semiconductors. Security pacts like AUKUS and the Indo‑Pacific Strategy aimed to curtail Chinese influence in Asia.

Israel–Hamas Conflict and Regional Proxy Tensions

The flare-up in 2023–24 reignited the long-simmering conflict between Israel and Hamas. Gaza sustained heavy casualties while Israel faced rocket fire and border crossfire. Iran-backed militias in Syria and Lebanon conducted cross-border strikes, prompting Israeli retaliation.

The US stepped in with naval support and weapons, reinforcing American alliances in the Middle East and highlighting the enduring complexity of proxy warfare.

US Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites (June 2025)

In mid-June 2025, the US joined Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were hit using bunker-buster bombs from B‑2 bombers dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

In a Pentagon briefing, Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine described it as “the largest B‑2 operational strike in U.S. history,” inflicting “extremely severe damage”.

This unprecedented move triggered condemnation from Iran, vicious rhetoric from US lawmakers, warnings from Russia, China, and European governments, and fresh fears of backlash—such as missile strikes, proxy attacks, or Gulf oil disruptions.

The strikes mark a major escalation—the first direct US attack on Iran’s nuclear program in decades. President Trump is evaluating further action or diplomatic pressure, with a formal decision expected imminently.

This moment could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics, energy markets, and the future of US–Iran engagement—or precipitate a new regional war.