First, my basis of interpretation: I use Revelation interpreted through Daniel, and with Jesus' prophecies in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.
Where are we? The four horsemen (the first four seals of Revelation 6), have been riding since Jesus' day. We've had false religion (horseman 1, seal 1), war (seal 2), famine (seal 3), and death (seal 4), since then. We're awaiting the "Great Tribulation", seal 5 since then. Christianity has spread worldwide, as prophesied. The gospel is preached worldwide, as prophesied.
What's next? The great tribulation, and the resurrection of the Roman Empire. This is called "the kingdom of the north" in Daniel, and "Babylon" in revelation. "The Beast" can refer to the government or the person in office. There will be a severe (worst ever) persecution of Christians, worldwide, and a false religion complete with supernatural miracles. Some Christians will be protected (how is unspecified) and some will die a martyr's death. Millions will be converted to Christianity during the tribulation.
Next, will be heavenly signs (seal 6). That takes us to God's beginning to intervene in world events, and Revelation 7. Thus begin the "Trumpet plagues", which are to punish the Beast power and lead people to repentance before Jesus' return. Jesus' returns with the seventh trumpet.