As Americans gather this Independence Day to celebrate the nation’s hard-won freedoms, it’s worth looking ahead to the forces set to redefine what it means to be American in the 21st century. From a historic demographic transformation to the far-reaching impacts of artificial intelligence, political polarization, climate disruption, and an aging population, the next few decades promise dramatic change. Drawing on expert projections and credible data, this feature explores seven bold predictions for America’s future — and why navigating them wisely will be crucial to preserving the nation’s resilience and its democratic promise.
