Good morning. The World Economic Forum published its 2026 Global Risks Report this morning, ahead of its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland next week. This annual survey of more than 1,300 global leaders and experts shows a fascinating divide in perceptions of short-term and longer-term risks. Most are anxious about physical conflict in the short term, ranking “geoeconomic confrontation” as the most pressing global risk over the next two years. Misinformation and disinformation came second, with societal polarization coming third. Collectively, economic risks showed the largest jump, with more concerns about an economic downturn, inflation and an asset bubble burst
Why does it matter? For one thing, this is not a public opinion poll but rather a survey of global elites: the political leaders, CEOs, and experts charged with shaping policy in their countries and setting strategy for their companies. Their job is to identify, prioritize, and deal with the risks of today and tomorrow. It’s also a global survey, which illustrates how perceived risks like climate change are playing out in different parts of the world.
WEF’s main value, in my view, is in creating a place for leaders with diverse backgrounds and points of view to learn from each other, to talk about the big problems and partner on the big opportunities. It can also be a place of more talking than listening, with too little focus on those who can’t afford to gather at a Swiss ski resort. But I’ve found it’s a place where leaders are often more reflective, relaxed and ready to debate.
