19972004

19972004 refers to the period spanning the years 1997 through 2004. It was characterized by rapid globalization, continued digital innovation, and significant geopolitical changes that shaped the early 21st century. The period began amid a global economic expansion and concluded with a mix of economic challenges and political realignments in many regions.

Economy and finance: The late 1990s saw strong stock market growth and the buildup of the dot-com bubble. The Asian financial crisis of 1997–1998 exposed fragilities in emerging markets, while the Russian default in 1998 highlighted global financial interconnectedness. The bubble burst in 2000–2001, altering investment patterns and raising concerns about market overreach. The euro was introduced in 1999 as a single currency unit for participating European economies and began circulating as physical money in 2002. In 2004 the European Union expanded to 25 member states, reflecting a broad push for regional integration.

Technology and communication: The period witnessed rapid internet diffusion, mobile connectivity, and the rise of digital content. Google was founded in 1998, Napster popularized music file sharing in 1999, and Wikipedia launched in 2001. Windows XP arrived in 2001, and the iPod debuted in 2001, accelerating the shift toward portable digital media. High-speed broadband expanded consumer access to online services, while social networking emerged with platforms appearing in the early 2000s and culminating in Facebook’s launch in 2004.

Geopolitics and public health: The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks triggered major shifts in international security and foreign policy, including the U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003). The SARS outbreak in 2002–2003 highlighted global health coordination challenges and the rapidity of international travel in spreading illness.

Culture and society: The era accelerated changes in media consumption, with music, film, and news becoming more globally interconnected through digital technologies. The period laid groundwork for subsequent globalization trends and the information-based economy of the mid-2000s.