Structural forces 2.2 In last year’s Global Risks Report, we introduced the concept of Structural forces into our analysis of global risks. Four spheres – technological, geostrategic, climatic and demographic – continue to form the backdrop to the global risks that will play out over the next decade and beyond. We define these Structural forces as the long- term shifts in the arrangement of, and relationships between, the systemic elements of the global landscape. These forces have the potential to materially impact the speed, spread or scope of global risks, and will in turn be influenced by each other. We are continuing to witness how these structural forces are converging, accelerating and creating instability in societies, economies and institutions. If left unaddressed, they could steer our world toward an increasingly fractured and unsustainable path. The four Structural forces are summarized in Box 2.1. They are Technological acceleration; Geostrategic shifts; Climate change; and Demographic bifurcation. While all four forces have global ramifications, some, such as climate change, are more multi-directional in their development, which could allow for several potential futures. Similarly, while all represent longer-term shifts to the structural landscape, some have the potential to manifest more quickly due to underlying variables. Geostrategic shifts, for example, may lead to further divergence between leading powers, while technological acceleration can foster new discoveries that transform systems rapidly. As the results of the GRPS show, the Structural forces’ influence on the global risks landscape is well underway. Structural forces BOX 2.1 Technological acceleration relates to development pathways of emerging technologies and the expected significant developments over the next 10 years. Section 1.5: Technology and polarization analyses risks associated with citizens’ rising digital footprints in the context of Societal polarization, while Section 2.4: Losing control of biotech? explores the risks associated with accelerating progress in biotech.Climate change encompasses the range of possible trajectories of global warming and consequences to Earth systems. As a Structural force, climate change is closely related to trends in pollution: Unsustainable patterns of production and consumption are driving increasing pollution of air, water and land, with the nature and scale of impacts on health and ecosystems still coming to light. This is explored in Section 2.3: Pollution at a crossroads. Geostrategic shifts refers to evolving sources and concentration of geopolitical power. This, in turn, influences the global order, impacting alliances and their dynamics, as well as the offensive and defensive projection of soft and hard power. The ongoing loss of support for current multilateral institutions, and its impacts for global stability and humanitarian needs, is explored in Section 1.3: “Geopolitical recession”, while Section 1.4: Supercharged economic tensions focuses on the risks of global trade fragmenting. Demographic bifurcation refers to changes in the size, growth and structure of populations around the world. While some countries are super-ageing societies, with over 20% of their populations aged over 65 years old, others have far younger population structures. Section 2.5: Super-ageing societies examines key risks that these countries are likely to experience – pensions crises and a long-term care crunches – as well as the knock-on impacts worldwide. Source World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2024.Note Refer to Appendix A: Definitions and Global Risks List for further detail. Global Risks Report 2025 47