make sure no one can pass. reporter: european leaders have accused belarus of manufacturing the crisis as retribution. the sanctions over human rights ab abuses, a claim belarus dendeni. the year ends with tensions between ukraine and russia at the highest in years. massive buildup of russian forces along the ukrainian border, fueling fears over moscow s intentions. number four, xi jingping s grip on power titans. how he has been able to cement his hold on power so long. it sets him up as the undisputed supreme ruler for years to come. reporter: and with this, an assertive china. 2021 saw sophisticated propaganda campaigns to reflect criticism over human rights abuses. the arrest of pro-democracy