It is not a good time for the world

Some will argue that it never is a good time for the world, as there is always something happening, somewhere, that is creating a kind of instability that affects other areas. But what has taken place in the last few years, and what is happening now, gives one reason to believe that it will be hard for the world to overcome the hurdles that current events are throwing at it.

Conflicts around the world have been happening from time immemorial. Countries have fought against each other in search of that extra piece of land for ages. Different races believe they have some rights over others, and seek to impose their power. People of different religions do not look kindly on others of dissimilar beliefs.

Many times, these happenings affect particular zones, the countries involved in the fighting, and little else. But then there are situations that have a negative impact on a wider array of countries and peoples, and sometimes the whole world.

We are nearing the end of the first quarter of this century, and it can be said that it has been a most difficult time. Globally, there is more awareness about climate change now than there was in 2000, but this is only because matters have gone from bad to worse, and the warnings that were being given were not heeded. Episodes of extreme weather conditions are hitting more often than in the past, and many are questioning whether it is already too late to reverse the trend. The man-made impact on the changing conditions has been terrifying.

The financial crisis we experienced in the first decade of this century was quickly followed by uprisings in North Africa. People from Sub-Saharan nations continue to search for something better in Europe, meaning that the influx of migrants moving up towards the southern Mediterranean gives no indication that it will subside anytime soon.

This is coupled with further displacement of people moving in from the east, an added factor since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia nearly two years ago. It is a war that has had an extensive impact on world trade, as both countries are major exporters of commodities to a wide spectrum of other nations. There are no signs that the situation will improve anytime soon.

And now, as from this month, we have another conflict to contend with – the Middle East for decades has been a zone of great instability, but what has developed in the past two weeks has led to an unprecedented escalation. Even here, it is hard to imagine a return to pre-October days even though, one has to admit, the possibilities of attacks were always high. But what has happened since 7 October, and what could happen in the days and weeks to come, leaves the world unsettled.

All of this naturally has a great effect on the world’s economy, which took a hit with the Covid-19 pandemic and is struggling to return to the better days.

It is, as we said, not a good time for the world.