In a year marked by a “polycri is” of social, economic, environmental, and geopolitical upheaval, 2025 has left an indelible mark on the global landscape. As the world grappled with the aftermath of the tumultuous events of 2024, a sense of emotional and intellectual fatigue permeated many corners of society.
The liberal international order, once a beacon of stability, has become deeply fractured, unable to conceal its cracks. Housing crises, lack of affordable housing, and widening social and economic injustices have eroded public trust, while climate breakdown, AI threats, the specter of another pandemic, and rising militarism have contributed to a growing sense of uncertainty.
Divisions have sadly deepened, with humanity facing immense global challenges yet being pushed further into the “us vs. them” mentality. An existential anxiety has gripped many, from east to west, north to south, young and old. The coining of the term “polycri is” aptly captures the zeitgeist of our times.
Yet, amidst the darkness, there have been glimmers of hope. The reunion of the band Oasis and the heartwarming rise of book clubs and traditional hobbies suggest a collective yearning to slow down, connect, and care. The recovery of a stolen 18th-century painting in Argentina serves as a reminder that even the most shattered pieces can be mended and revived through art, culture, and literature.
As we navigate the challenges of this fractured world, the power of honest journalism to remain engaged and connected has never been more crucial. By amplifying human stories and fostering empathy, we can dismantle the cold and elitist rhetoric that treats people as mere numbers. With care, compassion, and a willingness to mend what remains broken, we can put the pieces of our world back together, one step at a time.