War is the top threat in 2025

(CLO) In reports ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos next week, global economic leaders have expressed deep concern about the negative impact of armed conflict on the world economy in 2025.

Armed conflict and war are considered the top threat to the global economy in 2025, according to a report released ahead of next week's annual meeting of government and business leaders.

The World Economic Forum's (WEF) global risk survey gathered opinions from over 900 experts, policymakers, and industry leaders. The results showed that 52% of participants predicted global "instability" over the next two years.

World Economic Forum: War is the top threat in 2025 (Figure 1) — Photo: GI/WFO

War and climate change are the leading threats.

Conflict, including the threat of war and terrorism, was identified by nearly 25% of those surveyed as the greatest immediate risk, reflecting the escalation of geopolitical tensions.

"A large number of participants predicted a volatile or chaotic future over the next two years," said Mirek Dusek, Managing Director of the WEF, emphasizing the "sense of uncertainty" about the future outlook.

"This may stem from the fact that we are living in an extremely complex geopolitical environment, with the number of conflicts globally reaching record highs," Dusek added.

According to Borge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), issues such as the conflict in Syria, the “serious humanitarian situation in Gaza,” and the risk of escalating conflict in the Middle East will be the focus of the upcoming meeting. This statement comes even as there are reports that ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are making progress.

The Global Risk Survey defines risk as “a situation that significantly and negatively impacts GDP, population, or natural resources on a global scale.”

Meanwhile, last year's survey indicated that extreme weather is the most serious risk to economic growth, and climate change continues to be a major long-term concern.

Last year, global temperatures surpassed pre-industrial levels by 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time, bringing the world closer than ever to violating the commitments of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

Misinformation and the explosion of AI are also cause for concern.

In addition, misinformation and the rapid development of artificial intelligence are considered major risks in the short term. The report also warns of changes in trade policy, the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House and imposing new tariffs.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) will take place in Davos, Switzerland, and open on January 20th, coinciding with the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States. Trump is expected to speak virtually at the event on January 23rd.

World leaders who attended in person included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.

Against the backdrop of rising global risks, WEF Managing Director Mirek Dusek stressed the importance of international cooperation: "In a world witnessing deep divisions and mounting risks, leaders must choose between fostering cooperation and resilience or facing increasing uncertainty."

(CLO) In reports ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos next week, global economic leaders have expressed deep concern about the negative impact of armed conflict on the world economy in 2025.

War and climate change are the leading threats.

Misinformation and the explosion of AI are also cause for concern.

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