The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025 paints a concerning picture for the decade ahead, with state-based armed conflict, misinformation, and environmental disasters ranked as the most significant global threats. Drawing on insights from over 900 experts worldwide, the 20th edition of the report highlights a fragmented and volatile global landscape.
State-based armed conflict emerged as the most pressing immediate risk, with nearly one-quarter of respondents identifying it as the top concern for 2025. This surge in concern reflects growing geopolitical tensions and the fragmentation of global cooperation. As the conflict in Ukraine and other regional crises intensify, respondents worry about further destabilizing effects on international relations.
Misinformation and disinformation are again highlighted as dominant short-term risks, second only to conflict. The report emphasizes how the spread of false information erodes trust in governments and deepens societal divides, complicating efforts to address shared global challenges. The pervasive influence of disinformation has been described as especially concerning in conflict zones, where it can manipulate public opinion and influence foreign policy.
Environmental risks top the long-term outlook, with extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem collapse identified as critical challenges for the next decade. Extreme weather events, already a significant concern in the short term, are expected to worsen, driven by climate change. Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse rank as the second most pressing long-term risk.
The report also highlights societal risks such as inequality and societal polarisation, which are exacerbating global instability. Respondents warned that these issues could trigger political unrest and fuel conflicts.
Technological risks, particularly the adverse outcomes of artificial intelligence, are gaining attention as their long-term impacts become more apparent. While the short-term focus remains on cybersecurity and misinformation, AI-related risks are climbing the ranks of global concerns, particularly due to the proliferation of generative AI tools capable of spreading disinformation at scale.
“Rising geopolitical tensions, a fracturing of global trust and the climate crisis are straining the global system like never before,” said Mirek Dušek, managing director at the World Economic Forum. “In a world marked by deepening divides and cascading risks, global leaders have a choice: to foster collaboration and resilience, or face compounding instability.”
The report’s findings suggest that optimism about the future is dwindling. While nearly half of respondents anticipate instability within the next two years, the outlook for 2035 is even bleaker, with a significant majority expecting a turbulent global landscape. Experts are particularly concerned about the ability of current governance systems to address these interconnected challenges.
With geopolitical tensions on the rise and international cooperation under strain, the Global Risks Report 2025 calls for urgent efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen multilateralism. The stakes are high, as the next decade will be pivotal in shaping a more resilient and cooperative global future.
Do you have something to say about the recent findings? Share your thoughts in the comments below.