New Delhi, Dec. 14 -- As the year draws to a close, tradition demands that General Disequilibrium provide a perspective on the year gone by. However, in the spirit of bygones being bygones, it might be instructive to dwell on some of the issues that raised their ugly heads during the year and are likely to keep popping up in some form or another during the new year.

The ignoble gong for 'most dangerous trend of the year' must go to the stubborn conflicts that have refused to settle for a peaceful resolution, despite global intermediation and mass decimation of life and property. Many of these conflicts are likely to continue well into 2026.

During his first papal tour overseas, Pope Leo XIV told a gathering of Turkish authorities, civil...