War, famine and drought. Experts say we are in a "permacrisis": a period of instability caused by catastrophic events. The Collins Dictionary says this neologismA new word or expression. "sums up succinctly" the last twelve months, and has made it the Word of the Year 2022.

Russia invades. In February, Vladimir PutinRussia's ruler since 2000. He is a strong opponent of the West. launched the biggest military attack in Europe since World War Two. He planned a short war in Ukraine. But nearly 300 days later, it is one of the bloodiest in modern times.¹ The US and its allies came to Ukraine's aid, seeing Russia's invasion as a threat to the world order.

Heating up. This summer, the UK recorded its highest-ever temperatures, and Europe baked in the worst drought in five centuries.² In Egypt, global leaders met to take action on climate change, as scientists warned the planet is perilously close to a disastrous tipping point.³

End of an era. Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September, ending the longest reign in British history. She symbolised stability and continuity in a century of seismic change. Born in 1926, the same year the TV was invented, her funeral was the most-watched broadcast of all time.⁴

Cry for freedom. On 16 September, Mahsa Amini died after being arrested for breaking Iran's strict dress code. Her death ignited a nationwide protest led by women in the biggest challenge to Iran's leadership since the 1979 Islamic RevolutionAlso known as the Iranian Revolution. An uprising in 1978-9 that saw the overthrowing of Iran's monarchy and the creation of an Islamic republic..

Inflation nation. In the UK, food and fuel bills spiralled upwards. Inflation hit a 41-year high. The country plunged into political turmoil, with three prime ministers in less than two months. Rishi Sunak became the first Asian prime minister in Downing Street10 Downing Street, in central London, has been the official home of the UK prime minister since 1735. and the youngest leader in 200 years.

Twitter takeover. Meanwhile, the richest person on Earth bought Twitter. Elon MuskA South African-born entrepreneur whose companies have included the online payment service PayPal. He now controls Twitter, renamed 'X'. calls it the "world's town square" and says he will defend free speech. He invited Trump back after a 2021 ban for glorifying violence. And critics say hate is now surging online.⁵

A4 revolution. Freedom of speech is limited in China. Protest is rare. So the world took note when demonstrations against strict Covid-19 restrictions swept the country. Protesters held up blank pieces of paper to symbolise state censorship. Students marched for democracy in the biggest movement since 1989.

Foul play. The fierce summer heat in QatarA small country on the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia. Like its larger neighbour, it has experienced rapid economic development but maintained strict conservative religious codes. meant this year's men's World Cup is the first to be held in winter. Far more controversial is the host nation's human rights record. Homosexuality is illegal. Amnesty says around two million migrant workers are in "modern slavery", and an estimated 6,500 have died in the last decade building infrastructure to host the tournament.⁶

"Sometimes," writes journalist Simon Robinson, "it's what doesn't happen that matters most." The year's major events reveal how the world works, what is changing and what is staying the same.

Philosopher Neil Turnbull says we assume the "permacrisis" is a problem too complex and interconnected to solve. But it may also be an opportunity to create a better world.

Yes: In the Second Elizabethan Age, leaders in Washington and at the UN made rules that most countries followed. The West is now much weaker, and China's economic might is shaping the future world order.

No: Democracy and human rights are ideas worth defending. Protests in authoritarian countries, outrage at Qatar, and international support for Ukraine show people will fight to keep the world free.

Or... A monarch dies and a prime minister resigns, but world orders take years to change hands. Western political influence is declining, but 2022 shows a mixed picture and an uncertain future.