Global risks report 2026

The report analyses global risks through three timeframes to support decision-makers in balancing current crises and longer-term priorities. Chapter 1 presents the findings of this year’s Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS), which captures insights from over 1,300 experts worldwide. It explores risks in the current or immediate term (in 2026), the short-to-medium term (to 2028) and in the long term (to 2036). Chapter 2 explores the range of implications of these risks and their interconnections, through six in-depth analyses of selected themes.

Key findings include: 

•  Uncertainty is the defining theme of the global risks outlook in 2026.
• The multilateral system is under pressure.
• Declining trust, diminishing transparency and respect for the rule of law, along with heightened protectionism, are threatening longstanding international relations, trade and investment and increasing the propensity for conflict.
• Economic risks, taken collectively, show the largest increases in ranking over the next two years, albeit from relatively low rankings last year.
• Technological risks are growing and are largely unchecked.