THE GLOBAL 20: Twenty big stories defining the world

We live in a complex, ever-changing world, with several opportunities and dangers ahead of us.

We've taken a closer look at 20 of the most important economic, political, environmental, and social themes that define the state of our world and its future.

China's rise and its challenges, the emergence of robotics as a major economic force, Greece's fiscal woes, and the threat posed by a warming climate are among the most important things happening in the world today.