The year 2025 was marked by changes in different countries, attempts at negotiation to end international conflicts – at the same time that new wars began and ended – and relevant shifts in the political scenario in South America. Below, see ten main events of this year.
1. Trump returns to the US presidency and shakes the world
After his great victory in the 2024 elections, where he defeated Democrat Kamala Harris, Donald Trump resumed the presidency of the United States in January this year, four years after leaving power in 2021. Right at the beginning of his term, the Republican shook the USA and the world with the release of several decrees against woke policies and readjustment of the American economy. Trump later announced so-called “global reciprocal tariffs” on a wide range of products imported by Americans in several countries, including steel, meat, coffee and industrial components. The measures, according to the White House, served to strengthen the American market and the country’s industry. Trump also toughened his tone against China, starting a tariff war that would be partially resolved in October, after his personal meeting with dictator Xi Jinping.
2. Death of Pope Francis
Pope Francis died in April this year at the age of 88, following health complications. Francis was the first Latin American pope and led the Catholic Church for twelve years. The Argentine pontiff’s funeral brought together thousands of faithful and dozens of heads of state at the Vatican.
3. The Conclave and the choice of the first North American pope
After the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican called a Conclave, which brought together more than 100 cardinals from different continents in the Sistine Chapel to choose the new pontiff. In the fourth ballot, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago, USA, was chosen as the new pope, adopting the name Leo XIV. Prevost became the first pope originally from the United States, from the North American continent, and also the first member of the Augustinian order to lead the Catholic Church.
4. Military escalation between India and Pakistan: nuclear risk
After a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which left dozens dead, India carried out bombings against Pakistani militia targets in Pakistani territory. In response, Pakistan launched attacks against Indian military bases and announced the downing of two fighter jets from the neighboring country. The confrontation lasted three days and raised tension in the region. After the apparent escalation, a ceasefire was announced with mediation from the United States. The action avoided a war that could have been catastrophic, as both countries have nuclear weapons.
5. Israel’s lightning war against Iran, with US participation
Israel this year intensified its military operations against targets linked to Iran, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Hamas and other militias in different countries in the Middle East. The actions targeted bases, weapons depots and communications facilities used by these groups – including a Hamas base in Qatar. In June, Israel launched an air offensive against Iran, carrying out attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, military bases and command centers. The offensive included the participation of the United States, which used the famous B-2 bombers and cruise missiles against Iranian nuclear targets. Iran responded with missile and drone launches against Israeli territory, but much of the attack was intercepted by Israeli and American defenses. The confrontation between Iran and Israel ended after a ceasefire brokered by the US and Qatar. Iran, as well as the terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah, emerged weakened from the confrontation.
6. Gaza ceasefire agreement
After months of intense conflict, Israel and the terrorist group Hamas accepted a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye. The agreement made possible the release of all hostages still held by terrorists in Gaza, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners and the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian enclave. The agreement also opened new and possible paths for definitive peace negotiations in the region and the reconstruction of Gaza.
7. American tariffs and sanctions against Brazilian authorities
The Trump administration imposed 40% tariffs on Brazilian exports — which were already under 10% global tariffs — in response to what it called a “witch hunt” against former president Jair Bolsonaro and his allies and supporters. At the time of the tariffs announcement, Bolsonaro and other allies were still on trial for an alleged coup attempt after the 2022 elections. The American tariffs mainly affected meat, coffee, cocoa and fruit from Brazil. In the same period, Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court, – as well as other Lula government officials and seven STF ministers – had their visas revoked by the US on charges of human rights abuses. Moraes, his wife, Viviane Barci, and their institute, Lex, were included in the Magnitsky Law sanctions. However, sanctions under the Magnitsky Act against Moraes, Lex and Viviane were lifted at the end of the year, a few days after talks between Trump and President Lula. Apparently, the visa suspension remains active.
In November, Trump also announced adjustments to his global tariff policy, exempting more than 200 agricultural products – such as coffee, tea, bananas, tropical fruits and juices – from the minimum 10% tariff on imports that had been imposed in April. He also removed the additional 40% tariff on Brazilian agricultural products, which had been imposed due to judicial abuses.
8. Victories of conservative and right-wing candidates in elections
Conservative candidates and parties have recorded major victories in different national elections throughout this year. In Argentina, President Javier Milei consolidated his leadership by winning a legislative majority – with broad support from the population, which helps to strengthen his liberal economic agenda. In Japan, Sanae Takaichi, a conservative, became the first woman to assume the role of prime minister, toughening her tone against illegal immigration and communist China’s advances in the region. In Chile, right-wing José Antonio Kast won the presidential race. In addition to the victory in the executive, right-wing parliamentarians also won more seats in the Chilean parliament. In Bolivia, center-right Rodrigo Paz was elected president, ending the cycle of the Movement to Socialism. Paz is already promoting several political reforms in the country and bringing Bolivia closer to the democratic West.
9. Student protests bring down government in Nepal
Thousands of young people protested against the blocking of social media in Nepal – which had been promoted as a way to curb “misinformation”. Scenes of chaos took over the country’s main cities, with demonstrations at universities, clashes between students and security forces and invasions of public buildings – such as the Supreme Court and Parliament. Several politicians were severely attacked during the protests, which resulted in the fall of the government and the rise of a new administration.
10. American military operations against drug trafficking boats in Venezuela
The United States expanded the siege against dictator Nicolás Maduro’s regime in Venezuela, intensifying military operations in the Caribbean and the Pacific. The White House, under orders from President Donald Trump, authorized several attacks against drug trafficking vessels operating in international waters close to the Venezuelan coast. According to US Southern Command, more than 30 vessels have already been neutralized since the beginning of the offensive. Trump also ordered a total blockade of tankers transporting Venezuelan oil, launching operations to intercept the ships and confiscate the material.
