Overview
- Surveying more than 1,300 leaders, the report ranks geoeconomic confrontation as the most likely trigger of a 2026 global crisis at 18%, ahead of state-based armed conflict.
- Tariffs, sanctions, investment controls and supply‑chain restrictions are cited as geopolitical weapons that could disrupt trade and economic stability.
- Economic risks intensify over the two‑year outlook, with economic downturn and inflation each jumping eight places and asset‑bubble risk rising.
- Concerns about adverse outcomes of artificial intelligence surge in the 10‑year view, climbing to fifth due to fears over jobs, inequality and security uses.
- Environmental threats remain the most severe over a decade, and 68% of respondents expect a fragmented, multipolar world order.