The Global Risks Report 2026 (World Economic Forum Financial Services)

Summary

• Geoeconomic confrontation emerged as the most severe risk over the next two years.p.4
• The Global Risks Perception Survey brought together insights from over 1,300 experts across academia, business, government, international organizations and civil society.p.6
• 18% of respondents selected Geoeconomic confrontation as the top risk for 2026, followed by State-based armed conflict (14%).p.15
• There is a 14 percentage-point increase in respondents selecting a turbulent or stormy outlook over the next two years compared with last year.p.7
• 50% of respondents select a turbulent or stormy outlook over the next two years, rising to 57% for 2036.p.22
• Economic downturn and Inflation are each up eight positions in the two-year ranking, to #11 and #21 respectively.p.8
• The Executive Opinion Survey draws on over 11,000 business leaders in 116 economies.p.6

Key insights

1. Geoeconomic confrontation is the top risk for 2028, up eight positions from last year, with Misinformation and disinformation moving to #2.p.16
2. Asset bubble burst increased seven positions to #18 and Disruptions to critical infrastructure is up four positions to #22 in the short-term ranking.p.17
3. Extreme weather events moved from #2 to #4 and Pollution from #6 to #9 in the two-year outlook, as environmental risks are deprioritized.p.10
4. Adverse outcomes of AI technologies entered the top 10 at #8 (4% of respondents) and Cyber insecurity at #9 (3% of respondents) for 2026.p.15
5. 68% of respondents expect a multipolar or fragmented order in 10 years.p.13
6. Extreme weather events retains its position as the top risk for 2036, with half of the top 10 risks environmental in nature.p.19
7. Inequality is again identified as the most interconnected global risk over the next decade.p.4