As we hurtle towards the chaos of Christmas, we are taking a moment to reflect on the high and lows of 2025, and what it all means for 2026.

On top of the normal daily stories P&I authors are looking at the key events that have shaped Australia and the world, in one of the most disrupted 12 months periods in my lifetime.

In the US, Donald Trump continues to upend his nation and the globe, undermining the social norms, governance structures and institutions that have underpinned global and civil order. It is difficult to believe how much damage he has been able to do in a little over 12 months back in office.

At home we have a re-elected Labour government with a thumping majority. Seven months into their second term, a growing chorus are calling on them to use their mandate to enact much needed reform. Many ask if not now, when? The Liberal and National parties are in disarray, posing real challenges for a properly functioning democracy, and many issues, such as immigration, have reemerged in unpleasant ways.

Overseas the genocide in Palestine continues, the war in Ukraine enters a third year and China continues to rise, filling the power vacuum left by the US.

All in all it has been a huge year, and P&I has been with you every day. We have published over 3300 articles, on history, politics, culture, books, economics, climate change and environment, all authored by experts and leaders.

Of all the memorable stories, one that stays with me was of the Muslim and Christians leaders who refused to be evacuated as Israeli forces moved across Palestine in September. The religious leaders said that forced displacement would amount to “nothing less than a death sentence” for the Palestinians who had come to them to find safe haven.

Such calm, determined courage, in the face of almost certain death, has stayed in my head ever since. The story reminds us what real leadership is.

We make a point of featuring stories of faith and moral leadership, and this will continue in 2026.

This week we will hear from Frank Brennan and Paul Collins in the lead up to Christmas, and John Menadue will reflect on what 2025 has meant to him.

This will be our last week of publication for the year, with a break planned for the hard-working team from next Monday 22 December.

Until next time.