War risk is the biggest immediate fear, endangering stability and progress, while technology and the environment loom large and dominate medium- to long-term concerns, according to the 20th edition of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2025.
The 20th edition of the Global Risks Report 2025 reveals an increasingly fractured global landscape, where escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal and technological challenges threaten stability and progress.
Conflict, the environment and disinformation are outlined as the top threats in this year’s report, which is published by the WEF to coincide with its annual meeting of corporate leaders and government policymakers in Davos.
State-based armed conflict risk dominated the risk rankings in the immediate future, with multiple related and dovetailing risks below it in the rankings (see chart).
War threats were identified by nearly a quarter of respondents, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions and fragmentation globally.
Misinformation and disinformation lead the short-term risks and may fuel instability and undermine trust in governance, complicating the urgent need for cooperation to address shared crises, the WEF warned.
The paper’s 20th edition includes the findings of the Global Risks Perception Survey, based on insights from more than 900 participants.
Environmental risks dominate the 10-year horizon, according to the report, led by extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse.
The long-term landscape is also clouded by technological risks related to misinformation, disinformation and adverse outcomes of AI technologies.
While economic risks have less immediate prominence in this year’s survey results, they remain a concern, interconnected with societal and geopolitical tensions, the WEF observed.
“Rising geopolitical tensions and a fracturing of trust are driving the global risk landscape,” said Mirek Dušek, managing director, World Economic Forum.
“In this complex and dynamic context, leaders have a choice: to find ways to foster collaboration and resilience, or face compounding vulnerabilities,” he added.
Looking to the future
The report found that respondents are far less optimistic about the outlook for the world over the longer term than the short term. Nearly two-thirds of respondents anticipate a turbulent or stormy global landscape by 2035, driven in particular by intensifying environmental, technological and societal challenges.
Over half of respondents expect some instability within two years, reflecting the widespread fracturing of international cooperation.
Long-term projections signal even greater challenges as mechanisms for collaboration are expected to face mounting pressure.
Societal risks such as inequality and societal polarisation feature prominently in both short- and long-term risk rankings. Rising concerns about illicit economic activity, mounting debt burdens and the concentration of strategic resources highlight vulnerabilities that could destabilize the global economy in the coming years.
All these issues risk exacerbating domestic instability and eroding trust in governance, further complicating efforts to address global challenges.
All 33 risks in the ranking increase in severity score over the longer term, reflecting respondents’ concerns about the heightened frequency or intensity of these risks as the next decade unfolds.
“From conflicts to climate change, we are facing interconnected crises that demand coordinated, collective action,” says Mark Elsner, Head of the Global Risks Initiative, World Economic Forum. “Renewed efforts to rebuild trust and foster cooperation are urgently needed. The consequences of inaction could be felt for generations to come.”
Why risk leaders must collaborate to manage threats
As divisions deepen and fragmentation reshapes geopolitical and economic landscapes, the need for effective global cooperation has never been more urgent. Yet, with 64% of experts anticipating a fragmented global order marked by competition among middle and great powers, multilateralism faces significant strain.
However, turning inward is not a viable solution. The decade ahead presents a pivotal moment for risk leaders to navigate complex, interconnected risks and address the limitations of existing governance structures.
To prevent a downward spiral of instability – and instead rebuild trust, enhance resilience, and secure a sustainable and inclusive future for all – nations should prioritise dialogue, strengthen international ties and foster conditions for renewed collaboration.
Here’s the page with all the links to read the WEF report and its various aspects.
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