Log in
Opinion

The world in 2023

The world in 2023 isn't chaotic but in boiling turbulences.

The year 2023 is tending to its end and the year 2024 is about to begin. And it is just now both interesting and useful to look back at the world in the year 2023.

 Destruction in Gaza following Israel's attack. Photo: VNA

The overall impression is the world remains in its very unstable state. It steamed and bubbled almost everywhere: wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, military coups in some countries in Africa, political unrest in several regions, long-lasting conflicts between certain rivals still tense, confrontations and rivalry between the US and China, between the West and Russia escalate; natural catastrophes and disasters; slow world economic and trade growth; severe consequences of climate changes..... The world in 2023 isn't chaotic but in boiling turbulences. There are more bad than good news for the world, more reasons to be deeply concerned than at ease. The world in 2023 was more unstable and insecure than in the year before.

There were two major developments which could be seen in the world politics in 2023. The first one is the tending weakening of all world powers, great powers, or big powers of the world. The most important consequence is no country has the necessary capabilities to lead and direct the world both politically and militarily, both in security and development. The new political world order and powers constellation in the world are still unclear, even more unclear than before.

The second one is the rise of more powerful players in world politics. It is the power shifting from one to another, from the global North to the global South. Therefore, the dependence of big powers on other players in world politics is further growing. Therefore, multinational forums and organizations have been trying to increase their roles and influences, integrate new members, and present themselves as the saver and government of the world whether they are G7 or G20, EU or Brics, ... But under circumstances like in the year 2023 and because international law has been strongly challenged and all pillars of the old world order have been weakened, 2023 was a very difficult and not very successful year for all of them.

Of course, there were some bright colors in the picture of the world in the year 2023: the achievements of the COP 28 in Dubai, the diplomatic reconciliation between some countries, the end of the COVID pandemic, the return of the full normalcy of the world after the pandemic.

Last but not least, all that happened in the world in 2023 has created an unfavorable environment for the national security and socio-economic development of all countries and territories in the world. The issue of war and peace dominated world politics and overshadowed international relations, both bilateral and multilateral. Predicting at the turn of 2023 to 2024, the same would be in the coming 2024.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by Ambassador Tran Duc Mau are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Hanoi Times.


 

Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Stop mourning for Shark Jaw building, it is not a legacy

Stop mourning for Shark Jaw building, it is not a legacy

Welcome to Words on the Street, where we explore the pulse of Hanoi's changing face. As "Shark Jaw" prepares to collapse, we shouldn’t feel sorry for its demolition, as it’s neither a legacy nor a piece of cultural heritage in Hanoi. We need to put it down so our city can develop a breath of fresh air.

Unlocking AI’s potential in Vietnam’s public sector: Challenges and solutions

Unlocking AI’s potential in Vietnam’s public sector: Challenges and solutions

Do Thanh Huyen, Policy Analyst and Program Manager at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam, spoke to The Hanoi Times about the current state of AI adoption in the public sector and proposed key solutions to enhance its effectiveness.

How Vietnam’s green tourism can begin and grow

How Vietnam’s green tourism can begin and grow

Experts urge real action, shared responsibility, and steady investment to turn green tourism from awareness into scalable, sustainable transformation in Vietnam

Hanoi struggles to relocate polluting factories

Hanoi struggles to relocate polluting factories

Hanoi has made efforts to relocate industrial factories which play the key factor in polluting the air but there remains challenges facing the city.

Underage motorcyclists: Crime parents can no longer ignore

Underage motorcyclists: Crime parents can no longer ignore

Welcome to Words on the Street, where we dive into everyday dilemmas. In Vietnam, a mother was recently sentenced to six months in prison for allowing her juvenile child to drive and cause a serious accident. This ruling sets a tough but necessary precedent: parents can no longer ignore their legal responsibilities.

Luxury broke: Living large on an empty wallet

Luxury broke: Living large on an empty wallet

Welcome to Words on the Street, where we dive into the realities behind modern trends. A number of young people are spending beyond their means to maintain a luxury lifestyle. Is this a sign of empowerment or a financial disaster in the making?

Hanoi's Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square redevelopment: Mega-project in need of full public support

Hanoi's Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square redevelopment: Mega-project in need of full public support

Once complete, the new public area will become a popular venue for cultural activities on weekends, national holidays, and important events in Hanoi.

Foreign ads disrespecting Vietnam's sovereignty can backfire

Foreign ads disrespecting Vietnam's sovereignty can backfire

We will not accept any brands that come and operate in Vietnam but disrespect our sovereignty and national rights. Show us some respect and you'll earn local consumers' trust.