Large-Scale War Emerges as Greatest Fear in Global Risks Research
According to a United Nations survey, the fear of large-scale war has surged to the top among global risks, while institutional unpreparedness and geopolitical tensions come to the forefront.
A new global risk research study published by the United Nations has revealed that the likelihood of a large-scale war has become the most feared danger worldwide. Prepared with the insights of thousands of individuals from government, civil society, and academic circles, the report emphasized that geopolitical tensions and political risks have taken center stage.
The Rise of Large-Scale War in Global Rankings
Large-scale war climbed 16 spots compared to the rankings in 2024, marking the sharpest increase on the list. While 36 percent of survey respondents believe the impacts of this situation could reach a significant portion of humanity within a year, 76 percent expect it within seven years.
Institutional Inadequacy and Geopolitical Risks
While the world appears unprepared for this threat, large-scale war emerged as the only risk ranking in the top six across all four criteria of importance, immediacy, interconnectedness, and institutional unpreparedness. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated that political risks have moved to center stage and that institutions appear to have less capacity for action.
Threat Perception Varying by Region
Large-scale war and geopolitical tension ranked among the top 10 risks in all seven regions covered by the survey. Weapons of mass destruction entered the top 10 in Central and Southern Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Oceania, while concerns regarding a potential global financial crisis and artificial intelligence increased in Eastern and Southeastern Asia.
Artificial Intelligence and Interconnected Dangers
Concerns regarding artificial intelligence and frontier technologies have risen sharply over the past two years. The report revealed that the link between geopolitical tension and war is the strongest connection, and that natural resource scarcity and economic fragmentation exacerbate this risk.
Cooperation and Future-Oriented Solutions
Weak governance, lack of coordination, and eroding trust were listed as the greatest obstacles to risk management. While 86 percent of participants stated that risk reduction funds are inadequate, experts drew attention to the importance of intergovernmental joint action.