The Economist has been published since September 1843 to take part “in a severe contest between intelligence, which presses forward, and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing our progress”. It is considered to be neither right nor left, but a blend of the two, drawing on the classical liberalism of the 19th century and coming from what we like to call the radical centre.
One of its features is its annual forecast of issues and events that are likely to influence our experience of the new year, this year “The World Ahead 2025.”
Daniel Franklin is currently serving as the senior Britain editor as well as executive editor of The Economist magazine. He has been executive editor since 2006. From 2003 to 2019 he was editor of The Economist‘s annual publication on the year ahead (at the time called “The World in…”). Daniel published “Megatech: Technology in 2050” in 2017 and his book on long-term trends, “Megachange: The World in 2050”, published in 2012.
He joined The Economist in 1983 to write about Soviet and East European affairs. As the newspaper’s Europe editor from 1986 to 1992 he covered the great European upheavals, from the collapse of communism to the signing of the Maastricht treaty. After a stint as Britain editor he moved to the United States as Washington bureau chief, covering the first Clinton term. In 1997 he moved back to London as editorial director of the Economist Intelligence Unit. From 2006 to 2010 he was editor-in-chief of Economist.com. For the following four years he was business affairs editor, running the paper’s coverage of business, finance, science and technology. Before the pandemic he was diplomatic editor, shuttling between Washington and London.
Summary
Daniel Franklin, a seasoned journalist and executive editor of The Economist, offered a comprehensive review of global trends, challenges, and opportunities for 2025. His presentation blended a mix of optimism about technological and economic opportunities with cautionary insights about geopolitical and economic risks, underscoring the complexities of navigating the global landscape in 2025:
Global Uncertainties and Shocks: Franklin emphasized the unpredictability of world events, from natural disasters to geopolitical upheavals, citing examples like the pandemic, regime changes, and economic shocks.
Focus on Donald Trump: A significant portion of the talk was dedicated to the expected impact of a second Trump presidency. Franklin outlined three phases: immediate executive actions on immigration and trade, legislative battles within the first 100 days, and foreign policy initiatives over the first year, including potential resolutions in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Major Global Players:
- China: Facing internal challenges like demographic shifts and external pressures from the U.S., China’s economic policies and technological advancements remain focal points.
- India: Highlighted as a rising power with strong economic growth, benefiting from a young demographic and expanding global influence.
- Europe: Struggles in major economies like France and Germany were contrasted with recoveries in Greece and Portugal. The UK faces post-Brexit challenges.
- Russia and Ukraine: The ongoing conflict and its implications for global geopolitics and energy markets were discussed, alongside Putin’s vulnerabilities.
Technology and AI: The role of artificial intelligence in reshaping industries. Franklin noted significant investments in AI but highlighted its slow integration into corporate processes.
Economic Concerns:
- Inflationary pressures and the risks of growing government deficits.
- Potential market corrections and their implications for global economies.
Media Landscape: Franklin discussed the challenges facing traditional media, emphasizing the transition to digital formats, the role of AI in content creation, and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in a landscape vulnerable to misinformation.
Global Trends and Innovations: He highlighted innovations in green technology, shifts in global trade routes due to geopolitical tensions, and cultural trends, such as Japan’s rising tourism appeal and the role of major global events like Expo 2025 in Osaka.
Audience Questions: The Q&A delved into:
- U.S. – China trade relations.
- The future of nuclear deterrence.
- The sustainability of media organizations like the Washington Post.
- Britain’s post-Brexit positioning and its relationship with Europe and the U.S.