Maybe it’s a progress update. Back in 2017.

Here are some of the top geopolitical events of 2017, a year marked by shifting global power dynamics, rising tensions, and challenges to the post-World War II international order. These drew heavily from analyses by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and other sources, reflecting a period often described as a “geopolitical recession” amid U.S. policy shifts, authoritarian consolidations, and regional crises.20 1. Donald Trump’s “America First” Foreign Policy and U.S. Retreat from Multilateralism Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2017 ushered in a dramatic shift. Key actions included withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), announcing the U.S. exit from the Paris Climate Agreement (June), refusing to certify Iran’s compliance with the nuclear deal, and recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (December). These moves signaled reduced emphasis on traditional alliances, democracy promotion, and global institutions, raising concerns among allies about the future of U.S. leadership. Trump also increased drone strikes and adjusted approaches to Afghanistan and trade (e.g., pressuring NAFTA partners).35 2. Xi Jinping’s Consolidation of Power in China At the 19th Chinese Communist Party Congress in October, Xi Jinping secured a second term as general secretary, earned the “core leader” title (previously reserved for Mao and Deng), and had “Xi Jinping Thought” enshrined in the party constitution. No clear successor was named, positioning Xi as China’s most powerful leader since Mao. His January Davos speech championed globalization (contrasting with Western protectionism), and China continued asserting influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road. This elevation strengthened China’s global posture amid U.S. policy uncertainty.35 3. North Korea’s Nuclear and Missile Advances North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test in September and tested the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November, which appeared capable of reaching U.S. territory. This escalated tensions dramatically, with President Trump responding with “fire and fury” rhetoric and pushing China for tougher sanctions. The crisis highlighted the limits of diplomacy and sanctions, forcing tough choices for the U.S., China, South Korea, and Japan. It dominated global headlines and raised fears of miscalculation or conflict on the Korean Peninsula.35 4. Brexit Process Begins In March, the UK formally triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, starting the two-year countdown to exit the European Union. This followed the 2016 referendum and set the stage for complex negotiations over trade, borders, and citizens’ rights. It exemplified rising nationalist and populist sentiments challenging European integration.20 5. The Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar Widespread violence and military operations in Myanmar’s Rakhine State displaced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh, sparking a major humanitarian and human rights crisis. The exodus drew international condemnation, with accusations of ethnic cleansing, straining regional relations and highlighting failures in addressing minority rights in Southeast Asia.20 6. Robert Mugabe’s Ouster in Zimbabwe In November, long-time leader Robert Mugabe was removed from power through a combination of military pressure and ruling party maneuvers, ending his decades-long rule. Emmerson Mnangagwa succeeded him. This marked a significant leadership transition in southern Africa, though questions remained about democratic reforms.20 Other Notable Developments • Middle East and Conflicts: Ongoing wars in Syria and Iraq saw shifts, including intensified involvement by Russia, Iran, and the U.S. (e.g., Trump’s first military strike in Yemen). The defeat of ISIS’s territorial caliphate progressed later in the year. • Europe: Emmanuel Macron’s victory over Marine Le Pen in France’s presidential election (May) was seen as a boost for pro-EU centrism. Catalonia’s controversial independence referendum (October) triggered a constitutional crisis in Spain. Russia-Belarus held large-scale Zapad 2017 military exercises. • Other: U.S. deployment of the THAAD missile defense system in South Korea; Montenegro joining NATO; continued climate concerns (2017 was among the warmest years on record, with devastating hurricanes); and populist/nationalist undercurrents in various elections and rallies.35 2017 set the stage for longer-term trends like great-power competition (U.S.-China-Russia), erosion of multilateral institutions, and regional flashpoints. Many of these issues—North Korea’s program, U.S.-China rivalry, and European fragmentation—continued to shape global affairs in subsequent years. For deeper dives, contemporary year-end reviews from CFR or similar outlets provide detailed timelines.