Statement, Other
What will be the biggest stories of 2019? | Part Two
- Augmented reality headsets will be implemented in surgical procedures during 2019 across the Netherlands, Germany, and other regions to improve anatomical accuracy and safety for orthopedic, neurosurgery, and breast reconstructive specialties, with routine adoption anticipated pending demonstrated patient benefits.
- Japan anticipates significant demographic and economic transformation in 2019 driven by a severe labor shortage affecting a population where nearly one-third are over 65, necessitating legislation to admit 345,000 foreign workers over the next seven years to support a goal of reaching 40 million annual tourists by 2020 through the Rugby World Cup and preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- The 2019 US political landscape is projected to be highly contentious for President Donald Trump due to Democratic control of the House of Representatives, potential subpoenas, demands for tax return publication, and scrutiny from the Mueller investigation, which could trigger impeachment proceedings, though Republican Senate control is expected to prevent conviction.
- Europe faces a political upheaval in 2019 leading up to parliamentary elections, where rising Eurosceptic and populist parties aim to gain increased power and potentially force reforms to save the EU, resulting in a divided Parliament even as the geopolitical rationale for European unity remains strong against competition from the US and China.
- A renewed global race to the Moon is expected in 2019 with planned landings by Israel's SpaceIL, US-based Astrobotic, and China, targeting resources like frozen water and methane that could facilitate permanent settlements within the next decade.
- Risks and uncertainties include the potential for Europe to appear fragmented during political transitions, the possibility that the Mueller investigation yields serious allegations affecting US leadership, and the challenge of transforming Japan's societal identity while integrating a significant influx of foreign labor.