The Foreign Desk What can the world expect in 2026?
Jan 10, 2026
In this lively discussion, Quentin Peel, a former Financial Times foreign editor, Yossi Meckelberg, a Middle East expert from Chatham House, and Julie Norman, an international relations professor at UCL, delve into the geopolitical landscape of 2026. They explore whether the Ukraine conflict will conclude, analyze US midterm dynamics, and assess China's intentions towards Taiwan. The panel also contemplates the prospects for Palestinian statehood, potential Middle East realignments, and the risks posed by AI. Each guest shares their hopes and fears for the upcoming year, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.
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A Chaotic Year Looms
- 2026 is likely to feel like 'one damn thing after another' with persistent large conflicts and political volatility.
- Expect continued focus on Europe's largest land war in a century, a volatile Middle East, and an unpredictable US presidency.
Ukraine War Likely To Persist
- Quentin Peel and Yossi Mekelberg expect the Ukraine war to continue for years with risk of escalation.
- They warn leadership dynamics and nuclear asymmetry raise chance of the conflict worsening rather than ending soon.
Leadership Survival Raises Risk
- Yossi Mekelberg stresses wars gain their own dynamics and can worsen when leaders' survival is at stake.
- Authoritarian leaders focused on regime survival increase unpredictability and risk of escalation.
