Predictions for 2014

See Predictions for 2013

Isaac Asimov’s Predictions For 2014 From 50 Years Ago Are Eerily Accurate

Fifty years ago, American scientist and author Isaac Asimov published a story in The New York Times that listed his predictions for what the world would be like in 2014.
Asimov wrote more than 500 books in his lifetime, including science fiction novels and nonfiction scientific books, so he was well-versed in thinking about the future.
In his article, called “Visit to the World’s Fair of 2014,” Asimov got a whole bunch of his guesses right — and his other predictions are making us a little envious of his imagined future.
Correct Predictions
“By 2014, electroluminescent panels will be in common use.”
You may not realize what electroluminescent panels are, but these thin, bright panels are used in retail displays, signs, lighting and flat panel TVs.

Stratfor: Top 5 Trends That Will Shape 2014:
• An enduring detente between Iran and the United States
• The rise of nationalist and extremist parties in Europe
• Russia and Germany bargain over Central/Eastern Europe and energy policy
• China’s return to strongman politics
• Domestic turmoil and economic stress in India and Turkey
The United States will attempt to balance power in the Middle East through its strategic negotiations with Iran; the rise of nationalist and euroskeptic parties will be felt in this upcoming year’s elections; the Chinese president will continue to consolidate more power under himself. Barely missing the list but still notable: the end of the FARC insurgency in Colombia, escalating violence in Nigeria, and Mexico’s return to political gridlock.

(The Economist) A tale of two regions in 2014
Since the onset of the Arab Spring, the Middle East and North Africa has been divided, perhaps more starkly than normal, into the “haves” and “have nots”. Political unrest and war have had a detrimental impact on economic performances in some countries. More stable states—also typically oil-rich—have boomed on the back of fiscal stimulus and high oil prices. Yet in 2014 this trend should start to unwind. The oil-rich “haves”, which have sought to mute political dissent through fiscal largesse, will have to tighten their belts and rethink costly subsidies as oil prices soften. Meanwhile, North African “have nots” such as Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria will start to benefit from better growth in the euro zone. But recovery will not be easy, and as ever political risks will loom large.

What in the world is going on in 2014?
From war and politics to sports and culture, the global calendar is already crowded
(Maclean’s) events that could define global affairs in 2014. Browse our interactive map, or read about each moment below.

Celine Cooper: Onus is on the Yes side in Scotland
SNP must convince voters that the nation can thrive better on its own, and the issue is not a simple one
… in Scotland, the months leading up to the vote will see Glasgow hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games, as well as memorial ceremonies marking the U.K.’s shared history with the 100th anniversary of the First World War. Late June will mark the 700th anniversary of Robert the Bruce’s defeat of the English at the battle of Bannockburn. Scotland’s arts festivals and tourist industry will also put on the second “Year of Homecoming,” a series of events celebrating arts, culture and tourism. From here to September, I’ll be watching to see how these events are interpreted by the pro-Independence and pro-Union sides to support their respective campaigns, and if and how identity politics start to emerge.
No matter which way the vote swings, 2014 promises to be a historic year for Scotland. We in Quebec will be paying attention.

Rick Mercer on what’s to come in 2014: ‘Stephen Harper will resign’.
He will go on his own, he will not be pushed. He will, in an elegant statement, say the decision was personal and that he wishes to spend time with his family and future fellow board members of Encana. An important chapter in Canada’s political history will come to a close. Canadians will never see his like again; his rock piano will fall silent. A terrific leadership race will follow. All eyes will be on Jason Kenney, Peter MacKay, Rona Ambrose, Lisa Raitt, Michael Chong and Jim Prentice.
Jason Kenney will be the front-runner. Years of attending every ethnic cultural event in the nation will have paid off with adoring crowds at all appearances. When it is revealed that the omnipresent Sri Lankan gentlemen who throw rose petals at Kenney’s feet are unpaid interns from Canadians for Ethical Oil wearing full blackface, Kenney continues unfazed.
Do or Die Time for the Keystone XL?
Zak Rose
(Geopoliticalmonitor.com) By pinning the Keystone XL’s fate on climate change while simultaneously holding up the State Department’s conclusion that Alberta’s oil sands will be mined regardless, President Obama seems to be hinting at what form the decision will ultimately take.
The southern portion of Keystone XL is already being built and business as usual continues at Canada’s oil sands – for ecological better or worse. Once the president is able to demonstrate that there is no connection between increased carbon emissions and the northern extension, he will have no reason to block the final piece of the Keystone puzzle.