The unexpected burdens of economic slow-downs and long-term unemployment in western Europe, and the subsequent restructuring of those economies.
The "third way" pursued by moderate politicians in the post-Cold War era, which combined growth-inducing economic policies with concern for social issues.
The continuing process of European integration.
The nature of the new economy, its volatility, its social impact, and the increasing levels of globalization that resulted.
The achievements of science—especially in the fields of medicine and nuclear physics, and its social impact; and the dramatic developments in space exploration.
Transitions in modern intellectual life and social mores and its impact in the late twentieth century; new dimensions in creative art in the contemporary era, postmodernism in art and literature, youth activism, and the women's liberation movement.
The challenges to religion in the contemporary world, which were largely the result of tensions between modernism and fundamentalism.
The new forms of war that appeared late in the century, often driven by ethnic and religious tensions.
The debate over the U.N.'s role in world affairs, as well as the discussions surrounding U.S. leadership.
The impact of the September 11, 2001 attacks and the subsequent war on terror undertaken by the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan support the U.S. received from its European allies in NATO.
The population explosion and environmental concerns.
