Insufficient public infrastructure and social protectionsNon-existent, inadequate or inequitable public infrastructure, services and social protections. Includes, but is not limited to: unaffordable or inadequate social security and benefits; housing; public education; child and elderly care; healthcare; sanitation and transportation systems; and pension systems. Lack of economic opportunity or unemploymentStructural deterioration of work prospects or standards of work and/or persistent barriers to the realization of economic potential and security. Includes, but is not limited to: erosion of workers' rights; stagnating wages; rising unemployment and underemployment; displacement due to automation or the green transition; stagnant social mobility; and unequal access to educational, technological and economic opportunities. Involuntary migration or displacementForced movement or displacement across or within borders. Stemming from, but not limited to: persistent discrimination and persecution; lack of economic advancement opportunities; human-made disasters; natural disasters and extreme weather events, including the impacts of climate change; and internal or interstate conflict. Societal polarization Present or perceived ideological and cultural divisions within and across communities leading to declining social stability; gridlocks in decision-making; economic disruption; and increased political polarization. TECHNOLOGICAL Adverse outcomes of AI technologiesIntended or unintended negative consequences of advances in AI and related technological capabilities (including generative AI) on individuals, businesses, ecosystems and/or economies. Adverse outcomes of frontier technologies (quantum, biotech, geoengineering)Intended or unintended negative consequences of advances in frontier technologies on individuals, businesses, ecosystems and/or economies. Includes, but is not limited to: brain-computer interfaces; biotechnology; geo- engineering; and quantum computing. Censorship and surveillanceBroad and pervasive observation of a place or person and/or suppression of communication, information and ideas, physically or digitally, to the extent that it significantly infringes on human and civil rights (e.g. privacy, freedom of speech and freedom of expression). Cyber insecurity The state of vulnerability in digital systems, either accidental or deliberate in nature, that can be exploited by cybercriminal or malicious actors. Includes, but is not limited to: cybercrime (including ransomware, data theft and online fraud) and exploitation by cybercriminals or malicious actors to interfere with government operations, conduct espionage and impact national security. Misinformation and disinformationPersistent false information (deliberate or otherwise) widely spread through media networks, shifting public opinion in a significant way towards distrust in facts and authority. Includes, but is not limited to: false, imposter, manipulated and fabricated content. Online harms Erosion of protection from and/or prevalence of harmful behaviour that poses a digital threat to the emotional or mental health and well-being of individuals. Includes, but is not limited to: online child sexual abuse; online harassment; and cyber-bullying. GEOPOLITICAL State-based armed conflict (hot wars, proxy, civil wars, coups, terrorism, etc.)Bilateral or multilateral use of force between states and/or between a state and non-state actor(s), often with ideological, political or religious goals, manifesting hot war and/or organized, sustained violence. Includes, but is not limited to: hot wars; proxy wars; civil wars; guerilla warfare; terrorism; genocide; and assassinations. Biological, chemical or nuclear weapons or hazardsIntentional or accidental release of biological, chemical, nuclear or radiological hazards, resulting in loss of life, destruction and/or international crises. Includes, but is not limited to: accidents at or sabotage of biolaboratories, chemical plants and nuclear power plants; and intentional or accidental release of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons. Geoeconomic confrontation (sanctions, tariffs, investment screening)Deployment of economic levers by global or regional powers to reshape economic interactions between nations, restricting goods, knowledge, services or technology with the intent of building self-sufficiency, constraining geopolitical rivals and/or consolidating spheres of influence. Includes, but is not limited to: currency measures; investment controls; sanctions; state aid and subsidies; and trade controls. Intra-state violence (riots, mass shootings, gang violence, etc.)Use of force that takes place within a country or community that results in loss of life, severe injury, or material damage. Includes, but is not limited to: mass shootings; crimes threatening or causing physical harm to the community, such as gang violence, gender-based violence and abductions.TABLE A.1 Definitions of global risks Global Risks Report 2026 76