War Fears Surge 16 Places Up Global Risk List
A UN survey of 1,300 experts finds 36% think large-scale war could impact humanity within a year, with geopolitical tension now a top concern worldwide
A new UN Global Risk Report survey has found that the fear of a large-scale war has increased significantly, with 36% of respondents thinking its effects could impact a significant share of humanity within a year. The survey, which drew on the views of 1,300 people from various sectors and regions, found that large-scale war climbed 16 places up the rankings compared to 2024, the steepest rise of any risk on the list.
The report highlights a shift in global concerns from environmental threats and pandemics to geopolitical tension and war. 76% of respondents expect the effects of large-scale war to impact a significant share of humanity within seven years. The survey tracked 28 political, economic, environmental, societal, and technological threats, and large-scale war was the only risk to land in the top six across all four measures: importance, imminence, interconnectedness, and institutional preparedness.
The survey covers seven regions, and large-scale war and geopolitical tension now rank among the top 10 threats in every region. This marks a significant change from two years ago, when environmental threats, misinformation, and pandemics dominated the picture. Secretary-General António Guterres wrote in the report's foreword that 'political risks have moved centre stage' and 'the prospect of large-scale war is seen as far more important and far more immediate than it was two years ago'.
## Why it matters The shift in global concerns has significant implications for international relations and global stability. The fact that large-scale war and geopolitical tension are now top concerns worldwide suggests that the world is becoming a more volatile and unpredictable place. The survey's findings are a warning sign that the world needs to take steps to address these risks and prevent a large-scale war from occurring.
The report's findings are also a reminder that no region is immune to the risks of large-scale war and geopolitical tension. The survey's results show that these risks are now a major concern in every region, and that the world needs to work together to address them. As Secretary-General António Guterres noted, 'the institutions expected to respond are seen as less able to act', highlighting the need for international cooperation and diplomacy to prevent a large-scale war.
