The world will press pause in 2024. Everyone from policymakers to homemakers will prefer to be cautious. There will be less money to throw around, a need to T replenish weapons stockpiles, fears of domestic unrest as debts pile up, and generally less leeway for the daring and innovative. Lessons will be drawn by tinpot types from the misadventures of swashbucklers such as Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and Russia's Vladimir Putin.
Yes, there will be wars. The ones that have been most in the spotlight - Israel's bombing of Gaza and Russia's offensive in Ukraine - are already entering their twilight. Casualties are still rising, but military gains are diminishing. Israel and Ukraine both know that the US presidential campaign will be the single largest constraint on their war efforts.
That unofficially begins in February, featuring octogenarian Joe Biden and septuagenarian Donald Trump. It will run all the way to November. India's is one of the few governments that can afford to be sanguine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to get along with both men. Everyone else's view is reflected in Biden's recent comment: "Every head of State I've come in contact with has said 'You've got to win, you've got to win."
The US election will be a major test of whether the Washington establishment has restored its credibility with the working class. Washington has done all it can. It has printed money, subsidised industry, spent on infrastructure, deep-sixed free trade dogma.
This story is from the January 01, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 01, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
No Bumrah, no joy: BGT changes hands
With the pacer unable to bowl due to back spasms, Australia ease to six-wicket win to clinch series 3-1, seal WTC final spot
Diallo earns Manchester United deserved draw at Liverpool
Amad Diallo struck a late equaliser as Manchester United made a mockery of their recent form to hold Premier League leaders Liverpool to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.
New York becomes first American city to roll out traffic congestion charge
Congestion pricing has finally arrived in New York City (NYC), though its long-term future still remains uncertain.
EU polls may delay FTA talks
Upcoming elections in several European Union (EU) member-states, including Germany, Romania, and Croatia, are expected to delay India's plans to finalize the free trade agreement (FTA) with the 27-nation bloc, two people aware of the matter said.
Ridding campuses of caste discrimination
The Supreme Court's directive asking the UGC to notify within six weeks new regulations to fight caste-based discrimination and suicides in higher education institutions (HEIS) has come not a moment too soon.
Alert in Maha after four big cats succumb to HSNI
Three tigers and a leopard succumbed to avian influenza H5N1 virus at the Gorewada Wildlife Rescue Centre, Nagpur, in December, officials said on Sunday and added that heightened biosecurity measures are now in place across Maharashtra's wildlife facilities.
Indian glaciers retreating at faster pace, UN told
The report references the receding of a glacier’s snout.
Perfect start to total disaster: India suffer shambolic 1-3 loss
It was the sigh from the crowd that gave it away.
I've done a lot of TV, and I was tired, so I left it, as one tends to lose excitement, says Aamir Ali
Actor Aamir Ali has been a regular face on television for just a little under two decades, having been part of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kya Dil Mein Hai and FIR.
Ariana Grande's 'Botox and Juvederm' joke sparks backlash
Singer-actor Ariana Grande, who has received significant praise for her portrayal of Glinda in Wicked (2024), was honoured with the Rising Star Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025 on January 3.
