Year in Review
The YDS Year in Review is the Young Diplomats Society’s flagship annual publication, bringing together young voices to reflect on the developments that have shaped international affairs over the past year.
Each edition is centred around a distinct theme, offering emerging writers and thinkers a platform to examine global affairs from different perspectives and contribute their voices to the conversations shaping our world.
2026 Year in Review: Beacons of Hope
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
In times of darkness and uncertainty, optimism can be a powerful force for change.
Beacons of Hope will shine a light on some of the positive developments that have taken place in global affairs throughout 2026. From moments of progress to examples of resilience and cooperation, this year’s publication will explore what can happen when people and communities work together to overcome shared challenges.
We want to hear about the moments, movements and developments that gave you reason for optimism this year.
Submissions close at 11:59PM on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
SUBMIT NOW
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are seeking original 1,000–2,000 word articles exploring a development in international affairs from 2026 that reflects the Beacons of Hope theme.
Look beyond the challenges themselves.
🔹What changed for the better?
🔹Where did people, communities or institutions show resilience?
🔹What gives us reason to look ahead with optimism?
The topic is yours to choose.
We encourage contributors to approach the theme creatively and bring their own perspective to the developments that gave them reason for hope in 2026.
WHO CAN CONTRIBUTE?
We welcome submissions from young people aged 18–35 who are passionate about international relations and global affairs.
Whether you are a university student, young professional, researcher, writer or emerging voice in global affairs, we want to hear your perspective.
Different backgrounds. Different experiences. One shared hope.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Submissions must:
🔹Be between 1,000 and 2,000 words
🔹Be written in English, as clearly and simply as possible
🔹Discuss a development in international affairs from 2026
🔹Reflect the Beacons of Hope theme
🔹Be original and previously unpublished in any forum, online or otherwise
🔹Include in-text references or hyperlinks where ideas or material from other sources have been used
A bibliography is not required.
Please also include a 1–2 sentence author bio with your submission.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Prepare your article as a Word document or Google Doc and email your submission to:
submissions@theyoungdiplomats.com
Please include your name and the phrase “Year in Review Submission” in the subject line.
Submissions close at 11:59PM on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
SUBMIT NOW
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Successful submissions will be proofread and edited in accordance with YDS guidelines, with the author’s consent and participation throughout the process.
Further information about YDS editorial standards can be found in our Style Guide.
The 2025 Year in Review
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The 2025 Year in Review reflects on a year marked by profound global uncertainty and structural change. As conflicts intensified, alliances shifted, and long-standing assumptions about international order were challenged, this edition brings together emerging voices to examine how power, legitimacy, and governance are being reshaped across regions.
Through original analysis, commentary, and critical reflection, YIR 2025 explores themes including geopolitical fragmentation, humanitarian crises, regional insecurity, the evolution of multilateralism, and the growing influence of non-traditional and parallel forms of power. Contributors engage with both headline-making events and less visible dynamics that continue to shape global affairs.
As YDS’s flagship annual publication, the 2025 Year in Review highlights the analytical depth and diversity of perspectives within the YDS community, offering readers a thoughtful snapshot of the year—and a lens through which to consider what lies ahead.
The 2024 Year In Review
Welcome to the 2024 Year in Review, our signature publication that captures the defining moments of a pivotal year in global politics. Centred around the theme "The Year of the Vote," this edition delves into the seismic shifts in political landscapes worldwide, examining elections, their outcomes, and their far-reaching consequences for democracy, authoritarianism, and civil unrest. As political majorities shifted across numerous nations, the events of 2024 promise to shape international security and relations for years to come. We hope you enjoy reading (ideal to read on a laptop)!
The 2023 Year In Review
'Global insecurity in 2023 had a profound impact on us all. From the Israel-Hamas conflict to the pressing environmental challenges we struggle to solve - 2023 has tested us like never before. All of which this special issue and the team at YDS believe deserve attention and reflection.' Celebrate the end of yet another year with us as we take you on a journey around the world...
The 2022 Year In Review
There is no way to neatly package the events of 2022. From the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, to femicide in America - 2022 has presented a complex series of events. All of which this special issue and the team at YDS believe deserve attention and reflection. 'While the events of 2022 are testing, they must be remembered.'
The 2021 Year In Review
2021 is an anthology of articles, photo essays and opinions of students in international relations. With a year full of decade-defining events across the globe, this anthology is a must-read to reflect upon the year that was 2021.
The 2020 Year In Review
2020 - what a year. Our regional content writers and special contributors recapped significant moments of 2020 across the world in our annual special edition: 2020 In Review.
COVID-19 responses across the world, post-election protests in almost every continent, catastrophic natural disasters and the most exciting emerging world leaders. Unprecedented. The New Normal. A Year for the History Books. 2020 certainly packed a punch!
We hope you enjoy reading about this year of surprises with us. Thank you to our regional content writers and special contributors!
The 2019 Year In Review
YDS regional content writers have brought together major developments in international relations and politics all over the world in our annual Year in Review Special Editions. 2019 In Review covers a wide range of topics: from the US impeachment proceedings to the protests in Sudan to relations between South Korea and Japan.
Within, you will find detailed updates and analysis of developments in each region: Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South and Central Asia, North America and Latin America.
Also included in the brief: a Brexit timeline; a fact sheet on the Hong Kong protests; and a map of elections in Sub-Saharan Africa.
We'd like to give our thanks to the 2019 regional content writers, whose dedication and hard work brought the Year in Review to life.