Widespread Protests The countries shown in brightest GREEN above are those where governments are overthrown during the Arab Spring. Egypt is in the lead, and appears to be on the verge of turning more liberal, after the forced removal of two successive repressive leaders. None of the countries are fundamentally changed, however, as the protests fade, and the region enters the Arab Winter.

	Spark of Hope Although Ukraine joined the Soviet Union right after the Russian Revolution, and many Ukrainians also speak Russian, the republic decides to chart an independent path after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.  This results in a tug of war between pro-Russia and pro-NATO factions, while Russia enflames a separatist movement in the east.  Russia goes on to seize the Crimean peninsula, in a surprise attack, and annexes the territory. Western nations cry foul, but it's a done deal.
	Obama and Trump America elects its first non-white president in 2008. President Obama is a gifted speaker, but his support soon begins to fade, and when he is re-elected, it's a closer race. After his second term, his vice-president, Hillary Clinton, appears poised to become the first female president. Instead, she is upset by a charismatic populist with visions of greatness, who will go on to divide America for the next decade. Donald Trump. Demographics in America are shifting.