In a rapidly changing global environment, the specter of disinformation and misinformation looms large, posing the most significant threat over the next two years. Accompanying these informational threats, the immediate risk of war continues to cast a shadow over international stability. This assessment is drawn from the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) comprehensive Global Risk Report, released on Tuesday, which emphasizes the mounting pressures faced by world policymakers.
The Global Risk Report is an annual publication that aims to provide a detailed overview of the immediate, short, and long-term risks that could impact global stability. It serves as a critical resource for policymakers, offering insights into urgent crises and highlighting potential issues that may evolve into significant challenges in the future. For the 2025 edition of the Global Risk Report, the WEF solicited insights from over nine hundred experts across various sectors, including policy makers, scientists, and industry leaders. Their collective analysis underscores an urgent need to address the risks of war, rampant disinformation and misinformation, as well as environmental crises.
War remains a pressing concern as geopolitical tensions rise, with experts warning of potential conflicts that could erupt in 2025. The immediate risk of war affects not only the nations directly involved but also has widespread implications for global markets and economic stability. However, the slightly longer-term menace of disinformation and misinformation is identified as a more insidious threat. This form of risk, which has consistently topped the list of global dangers, includes efforts by foreign actors to manipulate public opinion and electoral outcomes through deceptive means. Moreover, misinformation can obscure the realities of conflict zones and damage the reputations of countries’ products and services, thereby affecting international trade and diplomatic relationships.
The report also highlights how environmental challenges are compounding these threats, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. Climate-related disruptions pose severe risks to economies, both through direct impacts, such as natural disasters, and indirectly, through challenges related to food security and migration.
As governments and industries prepare for the upcoming World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, this report serves as a critical call to action. Addressing these multifaceted risks requires not only immediate attention but also coordinated long-term strategies that integrate technological innovation, international cooperation, and policy development. In a world increasingly shaped by complex challenges, understanding and mitigating these risks is essential for building a resilient global future.