100 luminaries were asked, including the likes of Bill Clinton, Francis Fukuyama, and David Petraeus, about their opinions on past year events, as well as their predictions for the foreseeable future. Here are some of the 2009 reflections and 2010 predictions of big thinkers:

The most significant notes are that China is ascendant, Pakistan is dangerous, and the world should keep an eye on Iran.

‘Some 29% say Iran will be the “unknown unknown” next year; Pakistan is close behind, at 21%.’ Pakistan holds a reputation among these opinion-givers as a country that the world should deal very carefully with, at an astounding 54% of responses regarding the country’s danger – as compared to Somalia and Iran that scored a measly 10% each. One articulated the fear: “Pakistan getting entirely out of control. They already HAVE a nuclear weapon.”

Obama seems to be walking down the right path, with an average rating for his first year in office at 7 out of 10. Close by is China’s Hu Jintao, deemed to be the world’s most influential leader next to Obama. The Chinese leader garnered 33 votes. Lagging a bit far behind is the next influential shaker and mover on the list of world leaders: Russia’s Vladimir Putin getting 16 votes. Brazil’s Luis Inacio Lula da Silva is closely next after Putin.

One of the most interesting predictions: “The ouster of Presidents Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and Hugo Chávez of Venezuela by members of their own security apparatus. Revolutions have a way of consuming their own heroes.”
And the most outstanding general opinion cum prediction: 71% think China will be the world’s next powerhouse.

Via Foreign Policy