A recent international survey indicates that global economic and social risks are on the rise. The interplay of economic confrontation, social polarisation, and environmental challenges is impacting prices, employment, and structural stability, leaving the future landscape fraught with uncertainty.
CHICAGO, IL (MERXWIRE) – Have you noticed a recent rise in the cost of living, increased job instability, or a shift toward corporate conservatism? These perceptions are not unfounded; these subtle shifts in daily life are manifesting simultaneously across various nations. According to the latest international surveys, global economic competition is intensifying, supply chain uncertainties are expanding, and multi-faceted risks are accumulating.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently released the “Global Risks Report 2026,” identifying “Economic Confrontation” as a primary global concern. Experts suggest that competition through tariffs, investment restrictions, and supply chain realignments has quietly altered the global economy, gradually reflecting in the daily lives of citizens.
Economic confrontation does not necessarily manifest as physical warfare. Instead, pressure is exerted through increased tariffs, restrictions on technology and raw material exports, or heightened scrutiny of foreign investment. Notably, when these policies raise corporate costs, the burden is often passed on to consumers through higher commodity prices, with ordinary citizens bearing the most direct impact.
Nevertheless, aggregate data suggest that the global economy remains resilient. According to the latest World Bank report, the global real GDP growth forecast for this year has been revised to 2.6%, up from the 2.4% projected mid-last year. Furthermore, the 2026 growth forecast for the United States has been upgraded to 2.2% from the initial estimate of 1.6%.
Despite these upward revisions, nearly half of the survey respondents believe the global situation could experience severe volatility over the next two years—a proportion that has risen significantly from last year. Experts point out that beyond economic friction, factors such as social fragmentation, the rapid proliferation of misinformation, and climate-related challenges are compounding the complexity of global risks.
The World Economic Forum stated that this year’s focus on “Strengthening Cooperation in a Fragmented World” aims to emphasize that open dialogue and multilateral cooperation remain essential for mitigating conflict and stabilizing both the economy and livelihoods. The goal is to help the global community find a more balanced path forward amidst the tension between competition and collaboration.
