Global Powers Brace for Economic Warfare as WEF Flags Top 2026 Risk

Source: CryptoNewsNet Original Title: Global powers brace for economic warfare as WEF flags top 2026 risk Original Link: The World Economic Forum published its annual Global Risks Report, outlining key challenges expected to emerge over the next several years. The report surveyed respondents about anticipated risks over a two-year horizon, with approximately half identifying economic warfare and geopolitical competition as primary concerns.

Key Findings

Survey respondents rank geoeconomic confrontation and economic warfare above state conflict, misinformation, and climate in near-term global risk severity.

The findings indicate a shift in the global risk landscape, with interstate tensions and economic disruption taking precedence among identified threats. Competition between world powers and economic conflicts have been identified as the most significant threats facing the global community in the near term.

Emerging Threats

The report also highlighted artificial intelligence-related disruptions as a significant emerging risk factor. Report flags accelerating AI and quantum advances as emerging threats to jobs, inequality, and geopolitical stability, with AI risk surging up the long-term rankings.

Context

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report is released annually and surveys global experts, business leaders, and policymakers to assess the most pressing threats to international stability and economic security. The organization typically presents the report ahead of its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where leaders will debate tariffs, debt, and tech governance amid growing fragmentation and fears of a “new age of competition.”