Prof. Adrian Saville and Prof. Nick Binedell unpack the defining events, shocks and structural shifts that shaped 2025 in this compelling year-in-review episode of Fate, Luck & Choice. From geopolitical turbulence to demographic headwinds and shifting global power, they explore the forces redrawing the world’s economic and political landscape. Key themes include: • The global repercussions of Donald Trump’s return and unpredictable U.S. policy shifts • The strengthening of democratic institutions and Japan’s historic leadership transition • Europe’s demographic crisis, labour shortages, and the rise of populism • South Africa’s mixed progress: stabilising energy, improving logistics, and renewed public–private collaboration • Southeast Asia’s accelerating momentum amid stagnation in developed economies A clear, insightful synthesis of the year’s biggest surprises, global inflection points, and South Africa’s evolving position in a changing world.