World Braces for Economic Warfare as Top Global Threat in 2026

World Braces for Economic Warfare as Top Global Threat in 2026 A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified "geoeconomic confrontation" as the most severe risk facing the world over the next two years, warning that nations are increasingly weaponizing trade and supply chains in a dangerous new form of conflict [49991]. The WEF's latest Global Risks Report concludes that geopolitical rivalry is forcing countries to turn economic tools into weapons, a shift that now ranks above all other global dangers [49991]. This state of economic warfare creates a volatile environment that threatens international stability and growth. The short-term global outlook is dominated by three interconnected threats: intense geopolitical rivalry, the rapid spread of misinformation, and severe social and political polarization [49991]. These forces are combining to push nations toward more aggressive and protectionist economic policies. The findings will be a central topic at the WEF's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, next week, where global leaders will confront the escalating risk [49991]. The report signals a decisive move away from cooperative international trade frameworks toward a more fragmented and contested system. Geoeconomic Warfare Named Top Global Threat for 2026