How the Gaza War Could Shape World Politics in 2024

After a brief hiatus, FP This Week is returning. We’re glad to have you back for the new year and hope you enjoyed the season, wherever you are. Among many 2024 resolutions, Foreign Policy will strive to continue providing diverse perspectives on the world’s biggest moments—and there is already much to catch up on.

For one, the ongoing Gaza war has escalated tensions in the Middle East. The scale of the conflict—with ripple effects intensifying in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea—is a sobering call to action for global actors. Simultaneously, the war has ignited diplomatic and societal conversations that “could have real electoral consequences,” as FP’s Amy Mackinnon writes. In a year where half of the world’s population will head to the polls, the conflict will continue to shape world politics in 2024.?

This year’s elections are complicated by additional factors, with AI-enabled misinformation and the possibility of another Trump-Biden showdown just two of many on the list. Our newest print issue, “The Year the World Votes,” is a peek at what’s at stake for the dozens of countries that will vote this year (with democracy at a tipping point in many of them).?

For a limited time, you can unlock access to the entire magazine, ad-free access to all articles on the site, and other exclusive interviews while saving $100. There are less than 10 hours to get this limited-time offer and start your new year with FP. Act fast and join today for unparalleled understanding of the latest geopolitical news.—The editors?

New and Noteworthy

• Top 10 Global Risks: Drawing on their forecasting experience at the National Intelligence Council, Robert A. Manning and Mathew Burrows outline how crises might unfold in 2024 in the seventh edition of their yearly forecast. What is to come of development in Africa, the global gap on climate change, or generative AI regulations, among other risks? Learn more in this lookahead for Foreign Policy.
• Pathway to Victory: To many Western onlookers, Ukraine continues to lose the ground war against Russia. While Kyiv has made successful advances in the Black Sea and airspace around the territory, many—including the United States and its allies in Europe and Asia—question if those strides are enough. What changes in military strategy and capacity are required to enable a victory for Ukraine??
• Protecting Global Trade: “The one thing the United States does that is indispensable—at least for now—is helping to secure global sea lanes against threats,” FP’s Emma Ashford writes in the latest “It’s Debatable” column with Matt Kroenig. Yet the White House has been largely “hands-off” on recent Iran-backed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, despite their implications for international trade. Read on for Ashford and Kroenig’s analysis of protecting the global trade order and Washington’s response.

FP Live

10 Conflicts to Watch in 2024

Jan. 12 | 11 a.m. ET

With bloodshed and human suffering ravaging so many around the globe, the world entered 2024 on edge. Which conflicts don’t get enough attention from Western media? Which ones are simmering unbeknownst to most of us? Comfort Ero, the president and CEO of the International Crisis Group, will join FP’s Ravi Agrawal for a look at the world’s biggest flash points this year. Register now.

What Taiwan’s Elections Mean for the U.S.—and the World

Jan. 22 | 10 a.m. ET

Along with Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi heads the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, created to deal with one of the United States’ foremost foreign-policy challenges: competition with China. Following the Taiwanese presidential election on Jan. 13, Krishnamoorthi will join FP to discuss the results and their implications for the United States. Register now.?

Ian Bremmer on the Top Risks for 2024

Jan. 29 | 10 a.m. ET

Every year, the geopolitical risk consultancy Eurasia Group releases an annual forecast of the political risks that are most likely to play out over the next 12 months. According to the group’s founder Ian Bremmer, 2024 is a year of grave concern—“the Voldemort of years … the year that must not be named.” Bremmer will join FP’s Ravi Agrawal to explore how the world can prepare for these challenges. Register now.

Exercise Your Mind

Which international organization met with Argentine President Javier Milei on Thursday to discuss restarting a frozen bailout program?

A. World Bank

B. Inter-American Development Bank

C. Development Bank of Latin America

D. International Monetary Fund

You can find the answer to this question and learn more at the end of this email.

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Answer: D. International Monetary Fund. Milei, who campaigned on numerous radical economic reforms, has already softened some of his positions, Max Klaver wrote last month. The latest IMF negotiations could lead to the disbursement of more than $3 billion to Buenos Aires.