The author expresses a hope for peace and a less turbulent 2026, particularly envisioning a potential peace plan between Ukraine and Russia brokered by Donald Trump, with Ukraine not joining NATO but potentially the EU. The piece also touches on the evolving nature of warfare with drones and AI, fears of nuclear escalation, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It notes the US under Trump as a focal point, challenges faced by European nations, and the rise of right-wing populism.