2014present

The period known as 2014–present marks a span of continued globalization, rapid technological change, and shifting geopolitical landscapes. The phrase is used in historiography and media to describe ongoing social, political, and economic developments from 2014 onward.

Politics and security: 2014 saw the annexation of Crimea and the intensification of the Ukraine conflict, shaping a renewed security environment. The mid-2010s saw the rise of nationalist and populist movements in several countries. The 2016 Brexit referendum accelerated debates over globalization and sovereignty, while the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered a major international crisis with broad sanctions and realignments.

Health and economy: The Ebola outbreak in West Africa (2014–2016) prompted public health reforms. The COVID-19 pandemic (starting 2019–2020) caused widespread health, economic, and social disruption, accelerating remote work and digital services, while spurring vaccine development. Global supply chains and inflation were affected into the mid-2020s.

Science and technology: Artificial intelligence and machine learning advanced rapidly, with large language models entering mainstream use by the early 2020s. Advances in genetics, space exploration, and renewable energy shaped research and policy. The digital economy and platform ecosystems expanded, affecting labor markets and data governance.

Culture and environment: Climate action intensified, with increased emphasis on decarbonization and resilience. Media, entertainment, and online communities evolved with greater emphasis on privacy, misinformation debates, and platform responsibility.

The 2014–present period is characterized by accelerating change across multiple domains, with ongoing implications for governance, technology, health, and daily life.