The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026 has identified geoeconomic confrontation as the top near-term global risk. It is followed by interstate conflict, extreme weather, societal polarisation, and misinformation and disinformation. The report marks rising concern among leaders and experts over a more fragmented and turbulent world, with risks assessed across immediate, two-year, and ten-year horizons.
Top Global Risks in 2026
- Geoeconomic confrontation ranks first for 2026 and for the next two years in severity.
- State-based armed conflict stands second in the immediate outlook.
- Extreme weather, societal polarisation, and misinformation remain among the most serious risks.
- Economic downturn, inflation, and asset bubbles have also risen sharply in the short-to-medium term.
Risk Outlook Across Timeframes
Half of respondents expect a turbulent or stormy world over the next two years. A further 40% expect an unsettled outlook. For the next 10 years, 57% foresee turbulence and 32% expect instability. Only a small share anticipate stability or calm. The report warns that armed conflict, economic weaponisation, and social fragmentation are already interacting in the near term.
Technology, Society and Environment
Misinformation and disinformation rank second in the two-year outlook, while cyber insecurity remains a major concern. Adverse outcomes of artificial intelligence show the sharpest rise over the long term, reflecting anxieties over labour markets, security, and social stability. Inequality remains highly interconnected with other risks. Environmental threats have declined in short-term ranking, but remain the most severe over 10 years, led by extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and critical change to Earth systems.
Key Implications for Global Governance
The report says the world is moving towards a multipolar or fragmented order. It stresses that rising rivalry, debt stress, and technological disruption may weaken cooperation and crisis response. The findings reinforce the need for dialogue, resilience, and collective action to manage interconnected global risks.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026