The events of 2022

Here we take a look at the last twelve months through the rear-view mirror. For each month, we review one of the events that made its mark on 2022, and reflect on its wider implications. Along the way, we provide links to some of our landmark research reports, for you to explore if you want to dive deeper.


A third year begins

January: 2022 begins with global pandemic cases hitting 376 million

War returns to Europe

February: the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a defining moment of our times

Antarctic heatwave

March: this temperature spike is the most alarming indication of the progression of climate change

A populist year?

April: we start our tour of elections around the world in France

Cost of living crisis

May: the UN’s latest briefing reports how inflation is now rising markedly in developing markets

Women’s rights

June: the US Supreme Court overturns the Roe vs Wade ruling on abortion

A cruel summer

July: Japan reels from the assassination of Shinzo Abe; Europe bakes under summer heatwave

A new Cold War?

August: Gorbachev’s death comes as a new situation of risk on a global scale is emerging

National identities

September: the passing of a head of state presents new questions: who are we, and who do we want to be?