Never has history known such acceleration as today. We need precise instruments to understand and decipher the world of the next twenty years . This is the objective of this National Intelligence Council Report which provides analysis and perspectives to the CIA . To carry out this impartial and open-ended work, 2,500 people from all walks of life (strategists, researchers, economists, intelligence and foresight specialists) were interviewed.Entitled the 'Paradox of Progress', this Report has just been delivered to President Trump Despite their formidable economic and technological opportunities, our societies have never been threatened by so many dangers. We live in an increasingly integrated and interdependent world. How will the United States led by Donald Trump exercise leadership? Will Russia remain aggressive if its economy weakens? How will Europe face its identity crisis and the rise of populism? Will the middle classes in developed countries continue to get poorer? In the next twenty years, the Chinese population will continue to age and Africa will experience the highest population growth in the world. Private companies will send men into space threatened by the militarization of states. How to deal with global warming, cyber attacks and terrorist acts? So many avenues, scenarios analyzed here, and answers provided.This captivating Report is a concentrate of unique reflections on the world of today and tomorrow .