2026 Global Risks Report: Geopolitical and Economic Challenges are Increasing

2026 Global Risks Report: Geopolitical and Economic Challenges are Increasing

The report prepared for 2026 highlights global geoeconomic conflicts as one of the biggest risks. Inter-state conflicts, extreme weather events, societal polarization, and fake news follow these risks.

According to the survey, 50% of respondents expressed that a turbulent world awaits us in the next two years, an increase of 14 points compared to last year. Additionally, 40% of participants expect at least some instability. In the long term, 57% foresee a turbulent world. Paying attention to this situation is vital for financial decisions.

Geopolitical and Economic Risks are Rising

According to the findings of the report, geoeconomic conflicts are indicated as the biggest risk in 2026 with a rate of 18%. State-based armed conflicts rank second. Furthermore, 68% of respondents expect a multipolar or fragmented order within the next decade.

Economic risks are showing a significant increase in the short-term outlook. The risks of economic recession and inflation have risen eight ranks to 11th and 21st place, respectively. The risk of asset bubble burst has also risen seven ranks, now standing at 18th place.

Technological and Environmental Threats

The results show that fake news ranks second in the two-year outlook, while cybersecurity is in sixth place. The negative effects of artificial intelligence have drawn attention by rising from 30th in the two-year assessment to 5th in the ten-year assessment.

Social polarization is ranked fourth for 2026, while inequality presents itself as a significant threat. Inflation and cost of living pressures interlink these risks.

Although environmental risks have shown a decrease in the short term, extreme weather events and biodiversity loss continue to remain among the most dangerous threats in the long term. The fact that three-quarters of participants foresee a negative environmental outlook serves as an important warning signal.