Some highlights;

*The whole international system—as constructed following WWII—will be revolutionized. Not only will new players—Brazil, Russia, India and China— have a seat at the international high table, they will bring new stakes and rules of the game.

*The unprecedented transfer of wealth roughly from West to East now under way will continue for the foreseeable future.

*Unprecedented economic growth, coupled with 1.5 billion more people, will put pressure on resources—particularly energy, food, and water—raising the specter of scarcities emerging as demand outstrips supply.

*The potential for conflict will increase owing partly to political turbulence in parts of the greater Middle East.