The first decade of the 21st century is likely to be no less turbulent than the last decade of the 20th century. It is next to impossible to predict how the world will change in this coming decade, but one thing is certain: The world in 2010 will defy predictions based on today's knowledge.
I would predict that this decade will certainly reveal contradictions or distortions possibly linked to the development of postindustrial society since the 1990s through the information-technology revolution as well as globalization.
Among other things, economic gaps between nations and individuals will widen at an astounding rate. Although globalization -- or moves toward a global market economy -- may help all national economies prosper, it will inevitably widen economic gaps among nations.