A Year in Review: The Defining Terms of 2025

As we reflect on the past year, numerous terms and names have emerged that encapsulate the key events and discussions of 2025. From the rise of artificial intelligence to the transformative political landscape illustrated by figures like Zohran Mamdani, the year was marked by significant developments across various sectors—politics, technology, and climate, among others. In this article, we’ll explore the A to Z of the major topics that shaped 2025, highlighting the events likely to influence the year ahead.

Artificial Intelligence

In 2025, the field of artificial intelligence (AI) saw accelerated integration into various aspects of life and work. A survey conducted by the Reuters Institute revealed a sharp increase in the use of generative AI tools, shooting up from 40% to 61%. Amid debates over potential job displacement and regulatory measures, major companies like Nvidia, Google, Meta, and OpenAI engaged in significant partnerships and agreements, underscoring the technology’s explosive growth. UBS projects that global spending on AI could reach $375 billion by year’s end, ultimately aiming for over $3 trillion annually by 2030, factoring in infrastructure and energy costs.

Bitcoin

During 2025, Bitcoin experienced a remarkable surge, peaking at $126,080 in October due to rising institutional investments and the maturation of cryptocurrency ETFs in the U.S. Former President Trump was vocal in his support for crypto, influencing the sector following the lifting of stringent regulations. However, Bitcoin closed the year at $88,400, serving as a reminder of the volatility inherent in the digital asset space.

Charlie Kirk

After the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk in 2025, the conservative activist became a focal point in political discourse. Founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk had been a prominent figure in campus culture discussions and a close ally of Trump. His death amplified conversations surrounding political violence and extremism, reverberating through various levels of governance and public opinion.

Donald Trump

Throughout his second term, Donald Trump pushed the boundaries of executive power, issuing a staggering 225 executive orders in 2025 alone—more than during his entire first term. His administration focused on pardoning individuals associated with the 2021 Capitol riots and imposing broad tariffs largely aimed at China. These moves, combined with significant cuts to federal spending and alterations to longstanding immigration and environmental policies, ignited intense debate and division across the country.

Elections

In the wake of the unprecedented election cycle of 2024, 2025 saw roughly 69 elections occurring globally, involving hundreds of millions of voters. Notable transitions included Germany’s national elections and Sanae Takaichi making headlines as Japan’s first female prime minister.

Far Right

Far-right politics surged to prominence in 2025, especially through social media platforms. In Europe, far-right parties excelled in recent elections, including the AfD in Germany, which claimed 20.8% of the vote. High-profile events like the “Unite the Kingdom” rally in the UK showcased the potency of social media in shaping narratives, with figures like Elon Musk participating from afar, demonstrating the significant influence these digital realms have on public discourse.

Gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepened significantly in 2025, marked by ongoing military conflict that claimed the lives of at least 25,000 Palestinians. Following the declaration of famine by the IPC and a brief ceasefire in October, the violence persisted, drawing international condemnation and calls for action.

Houthis

The Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen captured attention as their military actions intertwined with broader regional conflicts, notably disrupting global trade routes. In response, Israel and the U.S. conducted air strikes on Houthi targets, further escalating tensions in the area.

Iran

Following an intense exchange of fire, Israel launched significant attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities in June, escalating hostilities that led to widespread international concern. The U.S. also joined in, compounding tensions with Iran and sparking retaliatory actions that threatened regional security.

Jeffrey Epstein

The saga surrounding Jeffrey Epstein continued to unfold in 2025, as new documents surfaced under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Revelations concerning connections to high-profile individuals raised intense political debates about accountability and power dynamics among the elite.

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar emerged as a leading figure in music over the past year, garnering attention for his prolonged success with his hit “Not Like Us,” and an impactful Super Bowl halftime performance watched by millions.

Louvre

In October, a daring theft at the Louvre Museum highlighted security vulnerabilities when thieves stole crown jewels valued at $102 million. The swift and audacious heist raised urgent discussions regarding museum safety and security protocols.

Migration

The topic of migration dominated global conversations in 2025, as various nations imposed stricter border controls. Notably, the U.S. ramped up immigration enforcement, resulting in thousands of detentions and deportations amidst growing debates on asylum rules.

Nuclear

As of 2025, there are currently 12,241 active nuclear warheads worldwide, with many countries escalating their stockpiles. The year’s events were punctuated by direct attacks on Iranian nuclear sites by the U.S. and Israel, marking a critical moment in global nuclear policies.

Occupied West Bank

The situation in the Occupied West Bank deteriorated as Israeli forces escalated military operations and settlement expansions. The UN documented a significant rise in attacks, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region.

Pope

April marked a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church when Pope Francis passed away, leading to the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, making history as the first pontiff from the United States.

Qatar

Qatar‘s role as a diplomatic player was underscored by a controversial air strike by Israel in September that raised questions regarding Qatari sovereignty and regional stability.

RSF

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were deeply entrenched in the nation’s civil strife, rumored to be responsible for egregious human rights violations amid widespread humanitarian crises.

Syria

The Syria conflict reentered global focus as the anniversary of the al-Assad regime’s fall drew attention to one of the largest migration crises in recent history.

Tariffs

On April 1, Trump’s administration implemented reciprocal tariffs that reverberated through international trade, raising tensions and altering trade dynamics while generating significant revenue for the U.S.

Ukraine

In its fourth year of conflict, Ukraine saw heightened military activity and a shift in U.S. policies affecting international perceptions and involvement in the war.

Venezuela

Trump’s focus on Venezuela refined U.S. military engagement in the Caribbean, with operations aimed at combating narcotraffickers leading to significant casualties and widespread scrutiny.

Weather

The year began with devastating natural disasters, including the catastrophic Palisades Fire. Climate-related events continued to wreak havoc globally, culminating in substantial losses and renewed discussions about climate action.

Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping advocated for China’s strategic objectives while navigating tumultuous relations with the U.S. amid an evolving global landscape that increasingly drew focus to Asia.

Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korea remained embroiled in a political crisis following martial law declared by ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol. Indictments were filed against him and former officials, demonstrating continued instability within the country.

Zohran Mamdani

In 2025, Zohran Mamdani captured headlines as New York City’s first Muslim and African-born mayor. His campaign faced scrutiny amid widespread online discourse, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s political landscape.

Conclusion

As we step into 2026, the echoes of 2025’s headlines will continue to shape discussions in various sectors. The key issues, from governance and technology to cultural developments and environmental challenges, are sure to reverberate far and wide, influencing the narrative of our future.