Global Trends 2025
Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) recently hosted a high-level roundtable on “Global Trends 2025” at The Westin, Dhaka, bringing together ambassadors, diplomats, academics, and security experts to explore the evolving dynamics of international relations. Moderated by Major General (Retd) A N M Muniruzzaman, President of BIPSS, the discussion delved into key global challenges such as the escalating U.S.-China rivalry, rising populism, and the transformative impact of technology. Panelists included Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, former Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Iffat Anjum, Assistant Professor at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP); and Mr. Shafqat Munir, Head of BCTR at BIPSS. Together, they analyzed how these trends are shaping the geopolitical landscape and their implications for Bangladesh.
Major General Muniruzzaman emphasized that 2025 will be defined by rapid technological advancements, shifting alliances, and environmental challenges.
Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury expanded on these themes by drawing parallels between today’s fragmented international order and historical periods of instability, underscoring the need for nations to adopt pragmatic strategies in an increasingly Hobbesian world order.
The discussion also turned to South Asia’s transitional phase, with Ms. Iffat Anjum identifying economic challenges such as inflation and unemployment alongside political instability and climate-induced displacement. She stressed the importance of regional cooperation through platforms like SAARC to address shared challenges while leveraging South Asia’s youthful population for sustainable growth.
Mr. Shafqat Munir highlighted the geopolitical implications of technological advancements such as artificial intelligence supremacy and cyber warfare, urging Bangladesh to invest in its technological capabilities to remain competitive.
The session concluded with calls for Bangladesh to adopt a proactive foreign policy framework that balances national interests with global realities, ensuring its resilience in an increasingly complex world order.
