The World 2050

[afleitch]

Scotland will be an independent nation with a GDP per head higher than that of it's southern neighbour. Shetland and Orkney become deep sea ports en route to the seasonal Arctic shipping lane. Scotland is also the worlds largest net water and renewable energy exporter.

[afleitch]

The balance of power within Christianity shifts at long last to Africa and South America. The first effects are felt in the Anglican Communion followed by the election of a non European Pope. Church attendance and identification declines in Europe as Christianity becomes shaped by African missionary hangover
ideology mixed with ingrained tribalism. African Pope calls for the re-criminalisation of homosexuality. European states wind down official links with the church as attendence plunges.

European Islam moves in a progressive direction and moves away from Arab influence, though this takes a while to spread to Britain. Pakistan falls to the Taliban in 2014 India and China launch invasion almost overnight and overthrow the regime. Islamic Republic in Iran falls. America and Europe sit on their hands as it fails the first test of the 21st century 'order'