5 Global Challenges Shaping the International Agenda in 2024

In an increasingly interconnected world, events affecting one nation have consequences across the globe. 2023 was a year marked by shifting geopolitical landscapes, humanitarian crises, and historic conflicts, and in the early months of 2024, we see the ongoing effects of these complex challenges on the international community. As nations and international organizations decide how to move forward in creating a safer and more prosperous world, it is crucial to understand the key issues impacting the international political scene. From concerns about the future of democracy to climate change, here are 5 Global Challenges Shaping the International Agenda in 2024.

1. Democracy in Danger

In 2024, citizens in over 70 countries across the world will participate in elections that will impact nearly half of the global population. While many people will vote in democratic or partially democratic systems, one in four will vote in countries ruled by hybrid or authoritarian regimes. Countries such as Russia, Iran Rwanda, and others will use elections as a way to strengthen their hold on power, and democratic nations like the United States and India will face challenges due to democratic backsliding and illiberal tendencies. The participation of women and young voters is crucial, as well as minority groups like young Latinos in the United States. Concerns about unfair elections, political violence, and the potential for AI manipulation and cyber attacks are on the rise, so this year will be a test for democracy and the values that uphold it.

2. Humanitarian Needs and Food Insecurity

Global conflicts, climate emergencies, and economic instability each played a role in 2023's record levels of food insecurity and forced displacement of people, which are likely to continue to grow more severe in 2024. In 2023, 114 million people were displaced due to new and reignited conflicts in places such as Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and the Congo, as well as natural disasters in Somalia, Afghanistan, and several other countries. Additionally, 2023 saw a 10 percent increase in the number of people facing life-threatening hunger compared to the year before which was exacerbated by severe weather conditions, rising food prices, and export restrictions. Despite these growing crises, international aid has not increased proportionally, and the United Nations warns that food insecurity is likely to rise further in hunger hotspots in Central America, Africa, and the Middle East in 2024. Humanitarian agencies and donor governments will need to prepare for increased humanitarian needs across the world this year.

3. Slow Economic Growth and Debt Sustainability

The International Monetary Fund predicts slow economic growth in 2024 at around 2.9%, which is similar to 2023 and lower than the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. This is caused by past crises and current economic conditions such as high inflation and high interest rates due to the 2022 energy crisis. Additionally, countries borrowed heavily to manage the pandemic and global conflicts like the war in Ukraine, leading to tighter financing conditions and limited fiscal policies. China is facing its lowest growth in decades and is balancing economic stability with debt concerns, which could affect emerging economies tied to China's trade and investments. Economic stability in 2024 hinges on navigating inflation, debt, global trade shifts, and geopolitical tensions.

4. Climate Change and the Environment

2024 is expected to be the hottest year on record, with Earth's global annual temperature potentially reaching 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time ever. Global warming is at the root of many natural disasters, which have a rippling effect on the global economy and humanitarian crises. However, at the end of 2023, there were several important developments in global cooperation against climate change that should carry into 2024. For example, a new loss and damage fund was established to support communities impacted by climate-related issues, and governments at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference agreed on a roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels as well as greater policy attention to the convergence of climate, health, and humanitarian needs. Since global warming affects many different aspects of international policy, it is imperative that governments follow through on their commitments and continue to work towards battling climate change in 2024.

5. Security vs. Individual Rights

With upcoming elections, the major conflict between security and fundamental rights is expected to continue into 2024. Increasing impunity and security concerns, such as crime and human trafficking issues across Latin America, have led to more authoritarian tendencies in governments in Latin American and the European Union. Moreover, the securitization of social movements is becoming more common, which means that protests and dissent are met with tighter restrictions and increased backlash. The increasing power of surveillance technology is another important aspect of the debate between security and fundamental rights. This issue will continue to shape international policy as democratic governments attempt to balance security needs with protecting individual rights.