The Year That Was: Political Upheavals and Transformations

Seismic political shifts, economic challenges, social unrest, and rising anti-incumbent sentiment shaped 2024, leaving a lasting global impact.

The year 2024 marked seismic political shifts amid economic challenges, social unrest, and rising anti-incumbent sentiment. Elections reshaped governments, geopolitical tensions grew, and minority Hindu communities faced escalating threats. As 2024 nears its end, let’s review key political events that shaped the year and their global implications.

The Global Anti-Incumbent Wave and the Indian Exception

More than 70 countries held national elections in 2024, representing almost half the world’s population. Disillusionment with incumbent governments emerged as a defining trend in these elections. From the United States to Botswana, voters signalled their frustration with entrenched leadership and unmet economic promises. The shared themes of inflation, unemployment, and political scandals fuelled this anti-incumbent sentiment.

In South Africa, the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since apartheid, leading to a coalition government. In Botswana, the Botswana Democratic Party’s 58-year rule ended amid youth dissatisfaction with unemployment and economic stagnation. Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party also lost its majority, signalling a rare political shift. These shifts reflect growing demands for accountability, with Narendra Modi as a notable exception, securing a third term as India’s Prime Minister.

National Elections: A Year of Political Firsts and Upheavals

The 2024 national elections brought historic moments and significant changes. In Asia, Indonesia held its largest single-day election in February, with Prabowo Subianto winning the presidency with over 58% of the vote.

In Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the National Assembly, calling snap elections in June after his coalition’s European election defeat. In the UK, Labour’s Keir Starmer ended 14 years of Conservative rule, defeating Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a closely fought election.

Across the Atlantic, Claudia Sheinbaum became Mexico’s first female president. In the US, Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump, who won a second non-consecutive term after Democrats nominated Harris over Joe Biden due to health concerns. Trump’s victory is poised to reshape US domestic and international priorities.

Geopolitical Tensions and Conflicts

The Israel–Hamas conflict intensified dramatically in 2024, with Israel launching an invasion into southern Lebanon to counter Hezbollah’s growing influence. Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on Israel escalated the conflict further, creating ripples across the Middle East and beyond.

Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine conflict continued to dominate Eastern Europe, with fierce battles in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Despite multiple attempts at peace talks brokered by international powers, no resolution was reached, and both sides suffered heavy casualties. These developments underscore the fragile nature of regional peace and the persistent risk of wider confrontation.

Coups and Political Upheavals

In Syria, President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown, marking the end of his long rule. The coup reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, leaving neighboring nations and global powers scrambling to respond.

Another movement in Bangladesh culminated in the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, which forced her to seek refuge in India.

Rising Threats to Minority Communities

In 2024, attacks on Hindu minorities in Canada and Bangladesh drew limited international attention. In Canada, vandalism and harassment underscored the community’s vulnerabilities. In Bangladesh, over 1,000 violent incidents targeted Hindus, including women, children, temples, and businesses, alongside the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. His arrest fueled debates over religious freedoms and calls to label ISKCON a terrorist organization. These events highlighted societal divides and concerns about protecting vulnerable Hindu groups.

Short-Lived Martial Law in South Korea

One of the year’s most unexpected developments was the brief imposition of martial law in South Korea following a massive cyberattack that paralysed key government functions and financial systems. The government’s decision to deploy military forces in cities like Seoul and Busan sparked mass protests. The swift return to civilian governance underscored the resilience of South Korea’s democratic institutions, even in times of crisis.

Political Instability in Europe

Germany and France faced no-confidence votes in 2024, reflecting deepening political divisions. These events highlighted growing dissatisfaction with governance in two of Europe’s most influential nations. These challenges underscore the increasing polarization within the European Union’s member states.

Broader Implications for 2025

The events of 2024 reveal a world in flux, with political instability and social unrest dominating the global landscape. As we step into 2025, the lessons of the past year are clear: leaders must address the deep economic and social divides threatening to upend democracies and destabilise peace. The resilience of democratic institutions and the people’s collective will be crucial in navigating the uncertainties ahead.

The year 2024 has left an indelible mark on global politics. It was a year of disruption and resilience, with nations confronting unprecedented challenges and opportunities for renewal. As the world moves forward, the responsibility lies with both leaders and citizens to ensure that the lessons of this tumultuous year led to a more stable and equitable future. While preparing for the unexpected, let us hope for the best in 2025!

(The author is a foreign affairs expert. Views personal.)