The following four geopolitical events are likely to shape the year 2017.

• French election: After UK referendum outcome in June, where Britons voted to exit the European Union and Republican candidate Donald Trump’s victory in the US election, no one would doubt that there is a possibility of an upset in the upcoming French election, where Right-wing candidate of the National front, Marine La Pen could secure a victory. Ms. Pen has been a vocal critic of the Eurozone and very much likely to call for a referendum on the French membership of the Euro as well as the European Union.
• German election: German right-wing, Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) Party is set to enter the German parliament in next year’s election for the first time, regardless of whether Angela Merkel gets reelected as the chancellor or not. This would make it even more difficult for Ms. Merkel to form a ruling coalition without giving in to the demands of the smaller coalition partners.
• Syria: the newly elected US President Donald Trump indicated that taking out ISIS in Syria and Iraq is one of his top priorities. That means he would have to sit to negotiate with the Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been accused in the past of meddling with US supported rebels and is also a close ally of Iran, of whom Mr. Trump has been very critical.
• US vs. China: Throughout his campaign Mr. trump has taken a shot at China, criticizing its currency policies as well as the trade deals. His comments after his win like disregard for “one China” policy, appointment of a China hawk as a trade delegate, suggest that he is unlikely to tone down his rhetoric and it is clear, under his Presidency, not Russia abut China is going to be the main rival and foe.