2024 has proven to be a year fraught with challenges and upheaval. For those of us who, a quarter of a century ago were dreaming of a more harmonious and stable new millennium, this year has served as a sobering reminder of the complexity and unpredictability of our world.
From global crises to profound social changes, the events of the past twelve months have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. As we close out this turbulent year, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the moments that defined it.
In this article, we’ll briefly explore the ten most discussed and impactful stories of 2024, revisiting the events that shaped public discourse and transformed lives. Whether you experienced these moments firsthand or followed them from afar, they underscore the resilience, struggles, and hopes that continue to define the human experience.
United States Presidential Election: Donald Trump’s Encore
Kamala Harris & Donald Trump.
Well, he’s back! Donald Trump waltzed back into the White House in 2024, defeating Kamala Harris in what could only be described as a Shakespearean twist of modern politics.
Love him or loathe him, Trump proved once again that he’s a maestro of the political stage, turning the electoral process into a reality TV show finale—complete with cliffhangers, dramatic pauses, and the occasional social media rant. Harris, meanwhile, was left to ponder how to beat an opponent who plays by rules only he understands.
Trump’s campaign blended nostalgia, fiery rhetoric, and a relentless focus on “making America great again”…again. His return, however, has divided the nation further, with supporters celebrating a second chance to “drain the swamp” and detractors fearing what this encore might mean for democracy. The world, meanwhile, watches in equal parts fascination and trepidation, and bets are being placed on how long Trump’s friendship will last!
Israel-Gaza-Lebanon Conflict: A Powder Keg Reignites
The Middle East’s perpetual turmoil hit new heights this year as Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon escalated tensions across the region. It was a grim reminder that the phrase “ceasefire” often feels more like a poorly adhered-to suggestion.
Rockets lit up the skies, while diplomatic efforts flickered weakly in the background.
Neighbouring countries held emergency meetings, and global powers issued stern warnings that sounded more like broken records.
For ordinary people caught in the crossfire, 2024 brought more heartbreak than hope. As yet another chapter in the region’s long history of conflict unfolded, the international community was left grappling with the same old question: Can lasting peace ever be achieved in a place where the past refuses to stay buried?
EU Today’s Chris White covered events live from Israel and Gaza during September.
Russia-Ukraine War: Year Three of Putin’s War Against Democracy
The Russia-Ukraine war lumbered into its third year, becoming less of a “conflict” and more of an unpleasant new normal for Europe. With trenches, drones, and sanctions dominating headlines, one could almost hear the geopolitical chessboard groaning under the weight of it all.
Kyiv remained defiant, Moscow resolute, and the rest of the world… fatigued. The European Commission is still talking about it.
NATO continued its balancing act of providing support without sparking a wider war, while humanitarian crises deepened. Russia faced growing economic struggles under ever-tightening sanctions, yet Putin held firm, seemingly unbothered by the pressure.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s resilience inspired admiration but at an enormous cost. As the war’s human toll mounted, the phrase “peace talks” became a mythical creature sighted as often as Bigfoot. For now, the end seems as distant as it did when the conflict began.
Paris Olympic Games: Wet, Wild, and Wonderful
The Paris Olympics delivered world-class athleticism… and soggy socks. A drenched opening ceremony set the tone, as unseasonal rain turned grand plans into a slippery spectacle.
But the athletes powered through with grace, speed, and the occasional slip. Iconic venues like the Stade de France glistened under the downpour, and the Eiffel Tower stood stoically in the background.
Amid the puddles, records were shattered, dreams were made, and the Olympic spirit triumphed. France’s shrug-it-off attitude came with plenty of red wine and dry humor, keeping the global audience entertained. While the weather proved unpredictable, the Games remained a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the sheer joy of competition.
Climate-Induced Disasters in Spain: Mother Nature’s Fury
Spain had a year to forget, or perhaps one it will never stop reliving. Between heatwaves, wildfires, and floods of biblical proportions, Mother Nature decided to make Spain her personal battlefield. Valencia’s historic floods left neighborhoods underwater and prompted existential debates about climate change.
Meanwhile, the searing summer heat turned the countryside into a tinderbox, sparking blazes that raged for weeks. Tourists in Barcelona swapped their beach plans for evacuation routes, while locals faced the grim reality of rebuilding. Climate scientists waved red flags, politicians made promises, and residents prayed for normalcy. As Spain grappled with the fallout, the year served as a brutal wake-up call about the urgent need for climate action—or perhaps better drainage systems.
South Korean Political Crisis: Martial Law and Mayhem
In a plotline that could rival a K-drama, South Korea’s political arena erupted into chaos this year.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo somewhat unexpectedly declared martial law following months of unrest, sparking mass protests and global condemnation. The nation watched in disbelief as soldiers patrolled city streets and curfews silenced once-bustling nightlife.
The drama peaked when parliament impeached the embattled leader in a fiery session filled with accusations and counterclaims.
Cue mass protests, high-stakes parliamentary drama, and plenty of impassioned speeches.
As the dust settled, South Korea’s democracy emerged battered but unbowed, proving once again that political crises may shake the system, but they seldom break it.
Julian Assange’s Release: Freedom at Last
Julian Assange walked out of prison this year and straight back into the global spotlight, “free but not exonerated,” ran the headline in Le Monde.
By David G. Silvers, Cancillería del Ecuador – Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Julian Assange: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77947969
For some, his release was a triumph of justice; for others, it was a travesty. The WikiLeaks founder, who spent years holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy before his arrest, is as polarising as ever.
His supporters hailed him as a freedom fighter for exposing government secrets, while critics decried him as a reckless agitator. Assange’s freedom reignited debates about press freedom, whistleblowing, and the ethical boundaries of journalism.
Documentaries were rushed to production, conspiracy theories flourished – conspiracy theorists are irresistibly attracted to the this particular story – and Assange—ever enigmatic—remains at the centre of it all. For better or worse, he’s free, and the world is watching closely.
North Korean Troops in Ukraine: A Plot Twist No One Saw Coming
North Korean Troops
In a bizarre geopolitical crossover, North Korea sent over 11,000 troops to bolster Russia in the Ukraine war. Yes, you read that right. Kim Jong-un joined Vladimir Putin’s party, turning the conflict into a surreal blend of military aggression and international intrigue.
North Korean soldiers, known for their rigid discipline, added an unexpected twist to an already complex war.
Meanwhile, the United Nations found itself grappling with a headache the size of Siberia as world leaders scrambled to address this unholy alliance. Analysts speculated on Pyongyang’s motives, but one thing was clear: geopolitics had officially entered the twilight zone.
Assad’s Ousting in Syria: A Welcome End and a new Beginning (We Hope!)
Bashar al-Assad
Syria saw its own seismic shift this year as rebels finally ousted Bashar al-Assad. The strongman who ruled with an iron fist for decades exited stage left, leaving behind a country desperate for peace and wary of what comes next. Scenes of celebration in rebel-held areas contrasted sharply with the devastation still visible across the nation.
International powers have somewhat cautiously welcomed the change, but rebuilding Syria’s shattered infrastructure and fractured society remains a monumental challenge. Assad’s ousting marks both an end and a beginning—a hope for renewal, albeit somewhat tempered by experience.
Global Elections and Political Shifts: A Year of Voting and Vetting
With over 60 elections worldwide, democracy flexed its muscles in 2024—and sometimes pulled a hamstring. From contested vote counts in developing nations to high-tech election security measures in the West, the global democratic process was as messy as it was vibrant.
Controversies abounded, with voter suppression allegations and recount demands making headlines. Yet, amidst the chaos, democracy’s core promise—to give people a voice—shone through.
From landslides to nail-biters, this year’s elections proved once again that democracy is a glorious mess. And while it’s far from perfect, it still beats the alternatives!
