2022 was a whirlwind year in global politics, in large parts dominated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – which has been described as a geopolitical game-changer—in Europe and beyond.
It has certainly reinvigorated NATO with a renewed sense of purpose and unity.
It also prompted European governments, especially in Germany, to accelerate moves away from dependence on Russian gas, as the war destabilised global energy markets. Germany struck a deal with Qatar who will ship two million tons of liquefied natural gas to Germany for at least 15 years.
Over in the UK, three Prime Ministers were elected in less than two months – following the departure of Boris Johnson, then the short lived and economically damaging Premiership of Liz Truss – only 45 days – followed by Rishi Sunak.
In America, voters headed to the polls for the midterm elections, with Republicans and some pundits predicting a red wave, which didn’t come to pass. The Republican Party won control of the House of Representatives, but victory there was slim with a majority of fewer than 10 seats. The party also failed to take back the Senate.
Ahead of the midterms, President Joe Biden called out Donald Trump pitching the midterms as a battle for the nation’s soul. Two months later, Trump announced he will seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.
Elsewhere, the Chinese lifted some of its most severe Covid policies – including forcing people into quarantine camps – a week after landmark protests against the strict controls. The unprecedented protests were triggered by a deadly fire – critics said the victims had been unable to escape the building because of lockdown measures, but Beijing denied this.
And in Iran, a human rights crisis is continuing after women led protests erupted, triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in custody of the morality police, she was accused of not wearing her hijab correctly. TIME magazine named the Women of Iran as the TIME Heroes of the Year.
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