Stormy Geopolitical Forecast

The world has plenty of troublespots, all unsettled and unpredictable. The so-called “US democratic crusade,” according to author Arnaud de Borchgrave, has produced unrest along with some odd and disturbing leaders, ranging from the corrupt to the inept, throughout Central Asia and the Middle East. No clear formula for economic or social progress has emerged, with leaders sharply divided about nuclear proliferation, the flow of drugs, US intervention in their regions, as well as the value of ties with Islamic fundamentalists. Some leaders pursue more regional alignment to avoid being too reliant on US. Arab leaders use the plight of the Palestinians as a political battle cry, but are miserly when it comes to offering funds or other tangible assistance. More Asians can’t help but wonder if democracy leads to chaos. The regional conflicts are many, and any one of them could ignite global crisis in the years ahead. – YaleGlobal