Vox's Future Perfect staff, along with other experts, released their predictions for major global events in 2026, marking the seventh consecutive year of such forecasts. The predictions, published January 1, 2026, leaned towards a pessimistic outlook, addressing issues ranging from the stability of U.S. electoral democracy to the potential for a global recession.
The forecasts included assessments of the likelihood of war in Taiwan, further state-level bans on lab-cultivated meat in the United States, and the probability of a Category 5 hurricane making landfall in the U.S. The team also considered less dire, albeit still significant, possibilities, such as the potential release of a rock album by Beyoncé.
According to the report, each prediction was assigned a probability to reflect the confidence level of the forecasters. This approach, the staff noted, was intended to exemplify "epistemic honesty."
The annual forecast aims to provide readers with informed perspectives on potential future events, drawing on the expertise of Vox staff and external contributors. The predictions cover a wide array of topics, reflecting the interconnectedness of global issues and the challenges facing the international community.
Multi-Source Journalism
This article synthesizes reporting from multiple credible news sources to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
A recent article discusses the decline in popularity of plant-based diets and meat alternatives after a decade of growth, despite ongoing concerns about health, animal welfare, and the environmental impact of meat consumption. The piece explores potential reasons for this shift, including changing consumer preferences and the rise of alternative diets.
Bogotá is pioneering a radical caregiving initiative, "manzana del cuidado," that recognizes and supports women's unpaid work by providing services like childcare and skills training. This innovative approach, which is gaining global attention, aims to redistribute care responsibilities and empower women economically and socially.
Since Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, now X, the platform has become a dominant space for right-leaning voices, contributing to a perceived shift in the culture war. However, policy changes and the departure of progressive users have led to internal conflicts within the right, as concerns rise about the prevalence of extreme views and conspiracy theories on the platform. This has sparked debate among conservatives regarding the direction and impact of X under Musk's ownership.
As AI capabilities advance, experts are considering extreme measures to control potentially dangerous rogue AI, including developing counter-AI systems or employing drastic infrastructure shutdowns. However, these solutions present complex ethical and practical challenges, highlighting the urgent need for robust AI safety protocols and international cooperation to mitigate unforeseen risks.
Contemporary filmmakers are increasingly exploring the anxieties surrounding parenthood in a politically volatile world, depicting themes like postpartum depression, intergenerational struggles for change, and economic pressures on families. These films offer an unflinching look at the challenges faced by both parents and children in today's society, reflecting a broader cultural conversation about the complexities of raising kids.
Get ready to turn things upside down! "Stranger Things" pulled off a major coup, landing Prince's iconic "When Doves Cry" and "Purple Rain" for its finale, but the behind-the-scenes battle to secure these legendary tracks was more epic than facing a Demogorgon. This musical victory highlights the cultural power of the show and its ability to resonate with audiences through perfectly placed needle drops, proving that sometimes, the right song can save the world (or at least Hawkins, Indiana).
Amidst a global media landscape grappling with neutrality, CBS Evening News, under the leadership of Bari Weiss and anchored by Tony Dokoupil, is adopting "We Love America" as a guiding principle, signaling a shift towards a distinctly pro-U.S. editorial stance. This move, contrasting with traditional journalistic objectivity, reflects a broader cultural debate on patriotism and media representation, potentially influencing international perceptions of American news.
This awards season, several films are garnering attention for their raw and honest portrayals of motherhood, depicting complex decisions and sacrifices that spark debate. These narratives reflect a growing global conversation around the multifaceted challenges and societal expectations placed upon mothers, moving beyond idealized representations.
Researchers have developed random heteropolymers (RHPs) that mimic enzyme functions by strategically positioning functional monomers to create protein-like microenvironments. This innovative approach, inspired by metalloprotein active sites, allows for catalysis under non-biological conditions, potentially revolutionizing industrial and biomedical applications by offering robust and adaptable enzyme alternatives.
Researchers have created a novel "chiral fermionic valve" that separates electrons based on their chirality using the quantum geometry of topological bands, eliminating the need for magnetic fields. This innovative device, made from single-crystal PdGa, spatially separates chiral currents with opposite orbital magnetizations, demonstrating quantum interference and opening new possibilities for advanced electronic devices.
In 2026, expect advancements in small-scale AI models challenging large language models, and progress in gene editing clinical trials for rare diseases. Additionally, a sample collection mission from Phobos and the impact of Trump-era US policy changes on science are key developments to watch.
Researchers have identified the ADAMTS2 gene as significantly more active in Alzheimer's patients, across both African American and White populations, suggesting a common biological pathway. This discovery offers a potential new target for developing effective treatments, addressing a critical need given the disproportionately higher rates of Alzheimer's in African Americans.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment