The end of the year reflects a challenging global climate, with wars and economic instability. Trump’s administration has shifted power dynamics in the U.S., sidelining traditional political structures. The upcoming USMCA renegotiation will be crucial for regional economic stability, as issues of leadership ineptitude underline a deeper crisis in democracy and governance.
In times of upheaval, many books emerge addressing significant geopolitical and historical themes. Noteworthy titles include Hal Brands’ exploration of Eurasian geopolitics and Claudio Lomnitz’s analysis of Mexico’s dual realities. Robert Kaplan’s pessimistic insights mirror the Weimar Republic, highlighting the fragility of democracy, while Timothy W. Ryback details Hitler’s rise without popular support.
Sometimes societies become so used to certain outbreaks of violence that they lose sight of what they really represent. We name the events lightly, soften concepts, or reduce them to convenient explanations. But in doing so, we also dilute our ability to understand the true scope of what we are facing. When a government refuses to call terrorism what—by definition—is terrorism, it ends up defenseless against those who have decided to use fear as a tool of power.
The Iranian clerical revolution in 1979 led to a US embassy hostage crisis, impacting Jimmy Carter’s presidency. Steve Bannon, involved in military operations, later became a significant figure linking right-wing populism to traditionalist thought. He critiques modernity, promotes nationalist policies, and influences the Trump movement through media and ideologies rooted in religious and historical cycles.
In June 2020, Sepgra emerged as a virtual platform during the pandemic, providing insights on global economic and political issues. Over five years, it published 1978 articles covering diverse topics, navigating challenges like economic turmoil, political polarization, and the impacts of Covid-19, illustrating adaptability while aiming for quality, unbiased content.
The essay discusses the evolution of attention economy from the invention of the bikini by Louis Réard in 1946 to the digital revolution. Yanis Varoufakis argues that society has shifted from tangible goods to a system where attention is commodified, creating techno-feudalism. Users, now products, face a challenge in reclaiming focus amidst constant distraction.
The global criminal landscape is increasingly adaptive and complex, shaped by socio-economic shifts and technological advancements. The 2025 Index highlights critical changes in drug markets, the rise of non-violent crimes, and growing foreign and private sector involvement. It indicates an urgent need for new resilience strategies to counter evolving organized crime.
Over the past two decades, despite numerous tests and programs, we have not managed to establish trustworthy municipal police forces capable of confronting the expansion of organized crime, which is primarily sustained by their control of local governments. After months in office, President Sheinbaum rectified and presented a plan. Essentially, she is right: the key lies with the municipalities.
Blood, but above all, personal will and instinct are powerful magnets. They define who we follow, who convinces us, and who does not suit us. And today, more than ever, Mexico needs to ask itself who it is. To which orbit does it belong, and which world does it want to join?
The key to a nation’s progress lies in balancing governmental and market roles, ensuring a capable state that safeguards property rights and functions effectively. Successful examples highlight that while democracy is important, a strong, rule-abiding state is crucial for sustainable growth and prosperity, as evidenced by varied global outcomes.