The 20th century was the
founding stone of the modern world of information age. Undeniably, the early generations
of this century had to give a lot of sacrifices to make a stable world rising with
development and cooperation. From the great enduring generation to the baby
boomers and finally to Gen X, many events as part of a longer process have
taken place defining the global scenario as it is today and will be in future.
·
The Killing of Franz Ferdinand: the assassination of archduke of Austria
resulted in an immediate chain of trigger happy events leading to the First
World War. The globe was never the same after the massive war, millions lost
their lives, and economies languished under recession and deplorable economic
opportunities. Sanctions-embargos raised against belligerents further fomented
resentment amongst imperial powers leading to the Second World War.
·
The October Revolution: Lenin and his Bolshevik party leading his men
to overthrow the Tsarist autocracy in Russia and resulting in the establishment
of the Soviet Union. The formation of the USSR resulted in the post-world war
era partition of power in the globe, the cold war and its subsequent dissolution
resulted in painful socio-economic and political transition of emerging
nations. Overall the 20th century’s latter part was dominated with
aspects related to the USSR, communism and its policies.
·
Rise of Asia: The rapid growth and industrialization of Asian
economies especially China and India shifted the power towards the eastern
hemisphere of the globe. Former colonies and victims of imperialistic
ambitions, many Asian economies rose in an unprecedented manner utilizing their
vast natural resources, demographic dividend and enjoying the fruits of
globalization and liberalization. The world no longer belonged solely to the policies
and ideology of the western super powers.
·
Computers, telephone and the internet: the launch of the first satellite into space,
landing of man on the moon, invention of computers, advancement in transport
and communication technology made the world a smaller place to live in.
Boundaries no longer seemed to exist as intercontinental distances were covered
in fractions of seconds while communicating over e-mails and chats. Economies
were integrated and interdependence increased to extraordinary levels across
national boundaries.
·
Scourge of Terrorism: 9/11 attack on WTC towers, war in Iraq, Afghanistan,
Libya, Syria, rebels in Palestine and sporadic international terrorist
activities gave way to a new threat to humanity. The threat of political usage
of religious sentiments for vested interests or rather put simply, the scourge
of terrorism. It has given rise to numerous politically motivated aggressive outfits
which are shaping up the world of the 21st century. Though the world
is united in fighting this menace for the time being, things are looking far
worse than before. There is a pressing requirement for highest levels of
cooperation in all fronts and mobilization of societies to get rid of
terrorism.
Though there were numerous other
instances which had a profound impact upon the world. However, the above
mentioned brings into light the most significant happenings as per my belief.