The United Nations’ 2026 Global Risk Report, released Tuesday, places large-scale war much higher in its ranking of imminent risks than in the previous edition. Climate inaction remains the highest-ranked risk by overall importance. These measure different things: expected timing and broader significance.[1]
The survey ran from February 19 to April 24, with 1,300 respondents across five stakeholder groups. It was not a representative poll of the world’s population. Europe and Northern America accounted for 50.3 percent of respondents; 80 were government officials. The report examines 28 risks.[1]
The publication is new, but the responses describe judgments made months earlier. A question about the following twelve months begins from the survey period, rather than resetting with the September release. Regional composition also matters when interpreting whose assessments are most visible.
The findings describe perceived threats and preparedness gaps. They do not establish a measured probability for a particular war. Reading the rankings separately preserves an important distinction: an imminent shock can demand immediate attention while a persistent danger still requires sustained investment.
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