2023: a year of resurgence and new trends across global sectors
The year 2023 has ended, marking a chapter of resurgence, emergence and transformation across various global sectors. From politics to technology to monetary dynamics to geopolitics, the year was characterized by a mix of familiar issues and new trends that charted an intriguing narrative for the future.
Changes in political power
The Brazilian political landscape has seen a return to familiarity, with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva taking office for his third presidential term. Its re-emergence follows Jair Bolsonaro’s tumultuous tenure, paving the way for potential changes in Brazil’s future. Meanwhile, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was reignited by the Hamas attack on October 7, reinserting old geopolitical terms into global discourse.
The AI revolution
Artificial intelligence (AI) found itself at the epicenter of global conversations in 2023. The release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022 laid the foundation for AI’s growing influence throughout the year. Tech giants Google and Meta have launched their AI offerings, sparking global discussions on AI safety and regulation. President Joe Biden issued an executive order on AI safety standards and the EU reached a crucial agreement on AI regulation, despite concerns about Europe’s competitive edge in the market of AI.
Culture and Authenticity
As digital self-expression grew, Merriam-Webster’s word of the year, “authentic,” highlighted the importance of authenticity in the age of social media. Taylor Swift’s quest for her “authentic self” resonated with millions, illustrating the cultural ramifications of such notions.
Shifting power dynamics
The Sahel region has seen a resurgence of coups, indicating a decline in French influence and a corresponding increase in Russian security partnerships with local putschists. The withdrawal of French troops was seen as a response to persistent colonial and postcolonial patronage networks.
Currency Flow
“Dedollarization” gained momentum as BRICS countries worked to reduce their dependence on the U.S. dollar. The addition of new members to the BRICS alliance supported this movement, while in Argentina, Javier Milei’s presidential campaign for “dollarization” reflected the ongoing debate over economic sovereignty and stability.
Conflict and diplomacy
Israeli retaliatory strikes on Gaza following the Hamas attack have given rise to a semantic debate at the UN Security Council. This highlighted the complexities of international diplomacy and the difficulties in reaching consensus on measures to protect civilian life during conflict.
