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Reflection of the Article: THE WORLD IN 2022: Ten Issues that Will Shape the

International Agenda.

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Reflection of the Article: THE WORLD IN 2022: Ten Issues that Will Shape the

International Agenda.

Summary.

Lecha, CIDOB, and Senior Research Fellow (2021) article discuss vital factors that will

influence the global landscape soon and how they will likely shape the international agenda in

2022. One of the issues is economic recovery as countries deal with vaccine distribution and the

potential for future variants during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. The second issue is the

influence of geopolitical tensions, particularly in regions such as the Middle East, Asia, and

Eastern Europe, and the potential for escalating conflicts. The third issue is on the price, which

addresses the implications of inflation and rising commodity prices on global markets and

economic stability. Health-related concerns are another issue that emphasizes the need for

ongoing determinations to mitigate the pandemic, vaccine distribution, and healthcare

infrastructure. The fifth issue is fear, which highlights growing anxiety surrounding issues like

national security, cyber threats, and propaganda campaigns that impact global stability. The sixth

issue is leadership which explores the role of critical global actors, their policies, and their

influence on shaping international dynamics. The seventh issue is an innovation that explores

technological advancements like AI and digitization and their impact on societies and

economies. Mobility is the eighth issue that highlights the prospects and challenges allied with

migration, borders, and the movement of people across the globe. The ninth issue is the human

crises that shed light on humanitarian emergencies, conflicts, and displacement that require

global attention and cooperation. Finally, climate change is another issue highlighting the urgent

need for international action to address environmental challenges, sustainable development, and

the transition to a low-carbon economy.

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Brief Analysis of the Article Shaped by Personal Background/Culture/Values/Experience.

The article highlights the complex and interconnected issues that the world faces in 2022.

The economic recovery of the problems continues to be the top priority as many countries strive

to rebuild their post-Covid-19 economies, focusing on job creation, investments, and sustainable

growth. According to my experience, geopolitical tension will likely persist worldwide, fueled

by rivalries and conflicts in various regions, compelling diplomatic efforts and cooperation to

ensure stability. Also, as the article recognizes the impact of prices, I concur that the price hike

will continue to lead to inflation and rising commodity prices on the global market and living

standards. As health remains a critical concern as the international community continues to curb

the Covid-19 pandemic, distribute vaccines equitably, and strengthen health systems, they must

lay a good foundation that would help prepare for future health threats. As the article recognizes

the fear surrounding national security, cyber threats, and propaganda campaigns, my experience

with cyber threats reflects the growing need for vigorous measures to protect individuals and

society. As the article recognizes leadership as a vital issue in navigating the 2022 complex

challenges, based on leadership values, leadership requires vision, cooperation, and effective

governance at the national and international levels. As the article recognizes innovation as one of

the issues, particularly in technology, it is evident, according to the history we have witnessed,

that it has a more significant potential to reshape communities and economies by providing

opportunities and challenges that necessitate careful management. As the article recognized

humanitarian crises, mobility, and migration as an issue in 2022, it is also evident in past

experiences that these issues pose the questions of border management, human rights, and

integration of diverse populations demanding comprehensive policies and global collaboration.

Finally, climate change, as recognized by the article as one of the issues in 2022, as per my
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experience it, stands to be one of the most pressing global issues that necessitate immediate

action to curb its impact, promote sustainable development, and shift towards a greener and more

robust future. Therefore, these issues highlight the complex web of interrelated global problems

that necessitate determined efforts, policies, and collaboration. Addressing these challenges will

require the collective assurance of nations, international organizations, and individuals to

develop a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous world.

Relevance of the Article Today.

The article remains highly relevant to today's world as the identified ten issues continue

to dominate the global agenda and shape our current reality. Economic recovery, one of the

issues, continues to be a pressing concern as the countries struggle with the lasting effects of the

Covid-19 pandemic. In contrast, geopolitical tension continues to influence global relations and

pose potential risks to global stability. Rising prices and inflationary pressures continue to be

relevant today as they continue to distress people's livelihoods and economic prospects. Health

concern, including the ongoing struggle against the Covid-19 pandemic, is highly relevant today

as it highlights the necessity of robust healthcare systems and international cooperation. Fears

surrounding security, cyber threats, and propaganda campaigns remain relevant today as they

continue negatively impacting modern society. Effective leadership continues to be relevant

today as it is one of the vital factors that can help contemporary society navigate these complex

challenges and find sustainable solutions.

In contrast, innovation and technological advancements continue to shape our

communities, economies, and security landscape today. Mobility and migration continue to be

relevant today as it is one of the issues that face modern society and necessitate comprehensive
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and humanitarian approaches. Lastly, humanitarian crises and conflicts continue to be relevant

today as it demands urgent attention because of the persistence that most countries and

populations continue to face today. At the same time, climate change remains an existential

threat to our planet today. In conclusion, the article's relevance lies in its precise documentation

of the critical issues that continue to shape the modern global agenda. It reiterates the

significance of addressing these issues for a more safe, sustainable, and equitable society.

Additional Points that would be incorporated in the 2023 Article.

If the same article were written for 2023, several additional points would automatically

need to be incorporated to reflect the progressing global landscape. One of the other points that

would necessitate incorporation is the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and its variants, as it is still a

relevant issue, considering the progress made in vaccination campaigns, the need for booster

shots, and potential challenges in maintaining global health security. The energy supply crisis in

the global world would be another additional point in the 2023 article, as these issue has

continuously affected the world economies leading to higher energy prices which increases the

cost of production and reduces consumer spending (World Economic Forum, 2023). Another

additional point would be the cost of living crisis. The cost of living has continuously increased

in 2023 due to inflation, rising energy and petrol prices, and climate impact in most parts of the

world (Timmins & Thomas, 2022). Another additional point in the 2023 article would be rising

inflation. Global inflation has continued to rise; the IMF established that food and energy are the

primary drivers of this inflation (IMF, 2023). Another additional point in the 2023 article would

be the food supply crisis. In 2023, most countries have faced a food supply crisis where the

population continues to experience high levels of acute food insecurity (EU et al., 2023). Lastly,

cyberattacks on vital infrastructure would be another issue in the 2023 article. The security of
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critical infrastructure in 2023 has continued to be a significant agenda, with cyberattacks and

other risks threatening the technologies and systems for essential services like healthcare, energy,

food, and electricity (Hill, 2023).

Agenda and Outcomes Desired by the Article.

The article; THE WORLD IN 2022: Ten Issues that will shape the international agenda

offers a broad impression of the critical global issues and challenges that will ominously

influence the agenda of 2022. By identifying these ten critical areas, including economic

recovery, geopolitical tension, prices, health, fears, leadership, innovations, mobility, human

crises, and climate change, the article wishes to create awareness and understanding of these

pressing challenges in modern society. The desired result of the article is to nurture informed

discussion, promote worldwide cooperation and encourage preemptive measures to discourse

these issues effectively. Finally, the article pursues to contribute to a more well-versed and

engaged global community that identifies the perseverance of the actions and the need for a more

concerted approach to solve these complex challenges and shape a better future.
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References

EU Science Hub. (2023). Food crises worsen due to conflicts, economic shocks, and weather

extremes. Retrieved from joint-research-center.ec.europa.EU website: https://joint-

research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news-and-updates/food-crises-worsen-wake-conflicts-

economic-shocks-and-weather-extremes-2023-05-03_en#:~:text=The%20Global

%20Report%20on%20Food%20Crisis%202023%20has%20analysed%20projections

Hill, M. (2023). 10 notable critical infrastructure cybersecurity initiatives in 2023. Retrieved

from CSO Online website: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3698190/10-notable-

critical-infrastructure-cybersecurity-initiatives-in-2023.html#:~:text=The%20security

%20of%20critical%20infrastructure

IMF. (2023). IMF / World Economic Outlook April 2023 Update. Retrieved 2023, from The

NewsMarket website: https://mediacenter.imf.org/news/imf---world-economic-outlook-

april-2023-update/s/e76ef1e3-88ea-4fa8-b685-72fd9d5db5c6#:~:text=Global

%20headline%20inflation%20is%20set

Lecha, E. S. I, CIDOB, & Senior Research Fellow. (2021). CIDOB - The world in 2022: Ten

issues shaping the international agenda. Retrieved from CIDOB website:

https://www.cidob.org/en/publications/publication_series/notes_internacionals/265/

the_world_in_2022_ten_issues_that_will_shape_the_international_agenda

Timmins, B., & Thomas, D. (2022). Inflation: Seven reasons the cost of living is increasing

worldwide. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59982702

World Economic Forum. (2023). Global Risks Report 2023. Retrieved from World Economic

Forum website: https://www.weforum.org/reports/global-risks-report-2023/in-full/1-

global-risks-2023-today-s-crisis/#:~:text=Most%20respondents%20to%20the%202022
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