2025 – A Year of Certain Uncertainties

By Orobosa Agbonkpolo

Wow!

2025 is here.

The United States of America reminds one of the proverbial house on a hill: its aesthetic magnificence once inspired admiration and pride. Yet, its occupants, in a fit of misguided rage, seem to have dismantled its foundation, leaving the structure in fragments.

Empires rise and flourish, often believing their influence will endure forever. But history tells us a different story: they inevitably wither, often with a significant portion of their citizens oblivious to their decline.

The pressing question is whether the former glory can ever be restored—and at what cost. Do Americans fully comprehend the extent of the losses incurred? More importantly, does the will and resolve to change course exist? Will a “reset” button be pressed to realign the nation’s moral compass?

Will we ever return to the days of 1976, when a humble and decent Jimmy Carter was a welcome departure from the crooked ways of Richard Nixon? Will public office seekers once again be expected to show evidence of tax compliance—a basic civic duty? Will conceding elections gracefully, a hallmark of democracy, become the norm again? And will the electorate demand disqualification for felons running for office if those same felons are not even allowed to vote?

The decision to elect Donald Trump inflicted a significant blow to the moral fabric of the nation. As we grapple with these existential questions, we must bid farewell to 2024—a year of improbables—and embrace 2025, a year filled with certain uncertainties.

But why the uncertainties? Why the heightened anxiety among Americans?

To any objective observer and student of history, the USA is unraveling. Its leaders, indulging in divisive rhetoric, only worsen the reality of a nation in decline.

The United States once endeared itself to the world through its humanitarian deeds, forming coalitions such as the UN, UNESCO, UNICEF, and NATO, which brought about global progress. In the 1960s, initiatives like the Peace Corps sent young Americans abroad, winning hearts with their kindness and optimism.

Sadly, this softer, humane nature has been replaced by a militaristic focus, symbolized by the maintenance of 750 military bases in 55 countries at a staggering annual cost of $55 billion. This pursuit of global dominance raises troubling questions. How much of the homelessness crisis in major U.S. cities could be alleviated with that $55 billion? How many uninsured Americans could receive healthcare, dignity, and peace of mind if even a fraction of this expenditure were redirected?

Even more concerning is the distrust the U.S. has fostered among nations hosting its military bases. Accusations of imperialism, regime changes, and cultural imposition have led countries like the Philippines, Senegal, Mali, and Honduras to demand the closure of U.S. military installations.

The February 2020 withdrawal from Afghanistan, after spending $2.5 trillion, underscored the futility of some U.S. foreign interventions. That amount could have built transformative high-speed rail systems across America, fostering economic growth and societal integration—something China has achieved with remarkable success.

Meanwhile, domestic crises remain unresolved. Decades after Hurricane Katrina, much of Louisiana still lies in ruins, a painful reminder of America’s misplaced priorities.

Globally, America’s claim to leadership is waning. There is growing doubt about its military supremacy over nations like China and Russia. Successive administrations have missed opportunities to capitalize on America’s position as a unipolar power after the Cold War, choosing instead a path of reckless interventionism.

This decline has fueled anxiety among both casual observers and serious students of history. In response, Americans have turned reactionary, electing a figure like Donald Trump—a divisive leader lacking the nuance necessary for the most consequential office in the world.

Under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. has engaged in trade wars with key allies and adversaries alike: China, Mexico, Canada, and the BRICS nations. His policies have disregarded the lessons of past tariff failures and the successes of post-World War II free trade.

Domestically, Trump’s return has deepened societal fissures. Class divides widen as billionaires are appointed to oversee programs meant to protect the vulnerable. Affirmative action is under attack. Immigrants are scapegoated, and Project 2025—a far-right agenda—looms ominously over the nation.

Contrast this with China’s “2025” initiative, which aims to foster pride, prosperity, and innovation.

As tariffs take their toll, layoffs across industries are likely, compounding the unease. There is no greater strain on a nation—or an individual—than the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

And so, we step into 2025—a year of certain uncertainties.

May our fears not materialize.

Orobosa Agbonkpolo

The opinion expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the League for Social Justice.