My 10 Bold Global Predictions for 2026 and Beyond

 #705

Time of the year for predicting about the year ahead. (As of 20th Nov 2025)

I will also post analysis of my predictions status for 2025. (Soon). 

Here’s my list:-

1. Russia–Ukraine War Drags into 2027 The conflict will surpass the duration of World War I in June 2026. Ukraine will suffer major territorial and human losses. Europe, driven by deep-seated Russophobia, will continue pouring money into what increasingly looks like a losing cause. Zelenskyy may no longer be in power, but the war will grind on regardless.
2. Middle East Flashpoint & Latin America Calms a) Israel launches a major strike on Iran and pays a heavy price; the U.S. intervenes indirectly but avoids boots on the ground. b) Venezuela, Colombia, and Cuba go quiet on the world stage—Trump will bark loudly but won’t bite in Latin America.
3. Western Europe in Turmoil Germany, France, the UK, and Italy face escalating chaos: governance breakdowns, widespread riots, crumbling civic order, and rising attacks on migrants. A surprise UK general election (possibly 2027) could bring Nigel Farage or a Farage-aligned government to power.
4. India: Steady as She Goes, Globally Invisible a) Business as usual—India remains largely ignored on the world stage, focused on managing neighbors and domestic growth. b) DMK delivers a historic landslide in Tamil Nadu, surpassing even the 1971 wave. c) Modi’s tenure ends in the familiar “No Action, Talk Only” (NATO) pattern; his political energy fizzles without major new achievements.
5. U.S. Midterms and MAGA Evolution Defying historical trends, Republicans hold and possibly expand control of the House; the Senate remains safely red. Justice Clarence Thomas may retire, giving Trump a fourth Supreme Court pick. Within MAGA, a quiet recalibration begins—JD Vance gets sidelined (possibly primaried in 2028). Turning Point USA explodes to ~100,000 campus chapters (up from ~5,000 before Charlie Kirk’s assassination).
6. Global Markets Stay Remarkably Calm No major crashes or shocks. Trump tariffs cause initial jitters but settle by Q2 2026. The U.S. AI boom wobbles but doesn’t collapse. Global growth remains steady, though U.S. cost-of-living pressures persist into late 2026 with recovery likely in 2027.
7. China: Economic Roller-Coaster, Political Stability Sharp ups and downs in the Chinese economy, but no political fallout. Xi postpones any Taiwan move to 2028 or later.
8. Science & Tech Breakthroughs; AI Hype Cools Major leaps forward in medical devices or space travel (2026–2027 timeframe). Apple gets a new CEO. The AI bubble deflates gently—hype subsides, but no catastrophic burst.
9. The End of Peak Woke Woke culture, DEI mandates, ESG investing, and “sustainability” theater fade into the background. Fossil fuels make a strong comeback as the pragmatic default. Nuclear energy sees a global renaissance. Saudi Arabia and Qatar reassert themselves as key energy players with new initiatives.
10. Sports: A Forgettable Year World Cup final: France vs. Brazil. Winner = whichever team shows up better on the day. Overall, a dull year for global sports.

The predictablity indicator gives me a 6.3 rating on 1-10 scale. (1 no chance, 10 Oh Wow)! Let us see. 

What do you think? 

Karthik

22/11/25 9am.