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Israeli Declaration of Independence
The Israeli Declaration of Independence, was proclaimed by David Ben-Gurion - the Executive Head of the World Zionist Organization, Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, and (soon to be) first Prime Minister of Israel. The possibility of a Jewish homeland in Palestine had been a goal of Zionist organisations since the late 19th century. -
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Arab-Israeli conflict
The Arab–Israeli conflict is the phenomenon involving political tension, military conflicts, and other disputes between various Arab countries and Israel. This has caused a dramatic increase in radical Arab and Jewish nationalism. -
Creation of Taiwan (Republic of China)
After the Nationalist party loses in the Chinese Civil War - leaders fled to the island of Taiwan. Since, Taiwan (ROC) has been relatively friendly to the U.S. and other Western allies providing highly sought after influence in SE Asia. Taiwan is regarded for it's technological and microchip manufacturing industries, making it a point of contention for the U.S. and China (PRC). -
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6-day War
Military hostilities broke out amid poor relations between Israel and its Arab neighbours, who had been observing the 1949 Armistice Agreements signed at the end of the First Arab–Israeli War. Israel is victorious, capturing lands in Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. -
Iranian Islamic Revolution
The rise of fundamentalist belief, infiltrating the highest orders of society, triggered a return to many traditional, religious customs. This establishes a fundamentalist Islamic state in Iran. -
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Soviet-Afghan War
The Soviet Union and allied paramilitary groups enter Afghanistan to protect Communist interests in the country. Their campaign was ultimately unsuccessful due to difficulties combating the Mujahideen's guerilla warfare tactics. -
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Iran/Iraq War
The First Gulf War began when Iraqi forces, led by Saddam Hussein, invade Iran. This 8-year long war devastated the economic development of both nations. -
Formation of Al-Qaeda
The militant Islamist organization, founded by Osama Bin Laden, began as a network to support Muslims fighting against the Soviet Union during Afghan War. They quickly rose to notoriety because of their extreme jihadist missions, including the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. -
Halabja Massacre
The Kurdish population of Halabja, Iraq was subject to the largest chemical attack against a civilian population in history. Saddam Hussein's forces used Mustard Gas and other nerve agents to eradicate the people there. -
Operation: Desert Shield
After the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi forces, the US (and allies) begins to build up forces in Saudi Arabia to deter further invasion. -
Operation: Desert Storm
US and allied forces liberate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein's forces. -
Formation of the Taliban
In the aftermath of the Afghan War, Afghanistan's government collapses and Afghanistan was enveloped in chaos.The Taliban was founded as a militant group to establish a government ruled by strict interpretations of Islam. -
The United Kingdom hands over Hong Kong
In 1997, the government of the United Kingdom hands Hong Kong back to China after 156 years of British rule. Hong Kong maintains separate governing and economic systems from that of mainland China. -
Election of Vladimir Putin
Putin is elected to power, and has maintained that power, since 2000. By leveraging power over the state-run media, he has maintained his position by eliminating any opposition to his regime. -
Terror attacks on the U.S.
Coordinated attacks on several key U.S. targets including the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and the White House. The motivation of Al-Qaeda to carry out these attacks can be traced to anger over American influence in the Middle East. -
Formation of ISIS
The transnational Salafi jihadist group becomes formally organized to assist in the Iraqi insurgency movement to combat American occupation. They distinguish themselves from other terrorist organizations by their desire for territorial expansion and governing it according to Islamic Law. -
Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping is the General Secretary, Chairman of the Central Military Commision, Paramount Leader, and otherwise President of China since 2012 (2013). He is famously known for his far-ranging measures to enforce party discipline, aggressive foreign policy decisions, and the violation of human rights of his own people. -
Belt and Road Initiative
The BRI is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in more than 150 countries and international organizations mimicking the historic Silk Roads. -
Russian invasion of the Ukraine
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that started in 2014. Putin was weary of the Ukrainian desire to join NATO and get closer to the West. Russia has a history of controlling and oppressing Ukraine.