The article, published in El País, discusses the profound transformations that have occurred globally over the last 25 years. It outlines key events, including Islamist terrorism, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which have drastically shifted priorities worldwide, often placing security above individual freedoms. The narrative suggests that these events have reshaped the public's perception of democracy and the balance between security and freedom.

Initially, the world appeared to be on a positive trajectory as societies were experiencing relative happiness with the end of the 20th century, but transformative events quickly altered this outlook. The author notes how the 9/11 attacks, the financial crisis of 2008, and social upheavals across Europe shifted political paradigms from neoliberalism to keynesianism, reflecting a crucial change in governance and public policy approaches to economic welfare.

The article also highlights the unforeseen challenges presented by climate change, which were once believed to be distant issues for future generations. The pandemic's onset in Wuhan serves as a wake-up call for humanity, emphasizing how quickly global stability can falter. This piece ultimately serves as a retrospective analysis, urging readers to consider the long-ranging effects of these events and the uncertain future they collectively herald for global democracy and safety.