Ten Most Significant World Events in 2023
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Ten Most Significant World Events in 2023

December 7, 2023 5:12 pm (EST)

Ten Most Significant World Events in 2023
Explainer Video

2023 was a tumultuous year, marked by violent conflicts, democratic erosion, and record-high temperatures. This year, experts at the Council on Foreign Relations, along with visiting world leaders and thinkers, unpacked these issues and more.

More From Our Experts
David Sacks
Taiwan's Democracy Is Thriving in China's Shadow
Joshua Kurlantzick
Early Signs From President-Elect Prabowo Subianto Are Worrying
Carl Minzner
Numbers of Visitors to China Rises From Pandemic-Era Lows

Join CFR’s director of studies, Jim Lindsay, in looking back at his list of the ten most impactful events of the year.

For more, check out his blog post, “Ten Most Significant World Events in 2023,” only at CFR.org.

More From Our Experts
David Sacks
Taiwan's Democracy Is Thriving in China's Shadow
Joshua Kurlantzick
Early Signs From President-Elect Prabowo Subianto Are Worrying
Carl Minzner
Numbers of Visitors to China Rises From Pandemic-Era Lows

Explore More on China

China

The China-North Korea Relationship
China is North Korea’s biggest trade partner and arguably has the most leverage over Kim Jong Un’s regime. Analysts say Beijing’s policies are focused on stability, though it signals ambivalence about its neighbor’s nuclear arms advances.

Backgrounder by Clara Fong and Eleanor Albert March 7, 2024

Taiwan

Why China-Taiwan Relations Are So Tense
Differences over Taiwan’s status have fueled rising tensions between the island and the mainland. Taiwan has the potential to be a flash point in U.S.-China relations.

Backgrounder by Lindsay Maizland February 8, 2024

International Organizations

The World Bank Group’s Role in Global Development
Since its founding in 1944, the World Bank has evolved from a lender focused on European reconstruction to the preeminent international institution for economic development and poverty reduction.

Backgrounder by Jonathan Masters, Noah Berman and Andrew Chatzky October 12, 2023

Top Stories on CFR

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Few Options for Gazans as Israel Enters Rafah
An impending Israeli ground invasion of Rafah could threaten more than a million civilians seeking refuge in the city and further restrict humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

In Brief by Christina Bouri and Diana Roy May 8, 2024

Maldives

The Maldives Is Moving Toward China. Here’s What to Know.
Once a close Indian partner, the Maldives is now aligning more with China. Is the island nation becoming a flash point in the China-India relationship? 

In Brief by Rhea Basarkar May 2, 2024

Public Health Threats and Pandemics

What Is Avian Flu?
A global surge in avian flu outbreaks in birds and some mammals is worrying poultry farmers, scientists, and health experts. The trend is provoking questions about the future of the disease and global public health.

Backgrounder by Mariel Ferragamo May 7, 2024