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Geoeconomic Confrontation Tops WEF's 2026 Global Risks Report

The WEF survey elevates geoeconomic confrontation to the top of the near-term threat list ahead of next week's Davos meeting.

Overview

  • Half of respondents expect a turbulent or stormy next two years, with only 1% predicting calm and 68% foreseeing a multipolar or fragmented order over the decade.
  • The top risk reflects the weaponization of tariffs, sanctions, investment controls and supply restrictions that could disrupt trade and supply chains.
  • State-based armed conflict ranks second for 2026, while misinformation, disinformation and societal polarization are high on the near-term list.
  • Economic risks jump in the two-year outlook, with downturn and inflation each up eight places and asset-bubble fears rising seven.
  • Environmental threats slip in short-term rankings yet dominate the 10-year horizon, as anxiety over adverse AI outcomes climbs to fifth long term.