War is the top threat in 2025

(CLO) In a report ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos next week, global economic leaders expressed deep concern that armed conflict will negatively affect the world economy in 2025.

Armed conflict and war are seen as the top threat to the global economy in 2025, according to a report released ahead of next week's annual meeting of government and business leaders.

The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Risks Survey, which polled more than 900 experts, policymakers and industry leaders, found that 52% of respondents expect the world to be "unstable" over the next two years.

Photo: GI/WFO

War and climate change, top threats

Conflict, including the risk of war and terrorism, was identified by nearly 25% of those surveyed as the biggest immediate risk, reflecting the escalation of geopolitical tensions.

“A large number of respondents forecast a volatile or chaotic future in the next two years,” said Mirek Dusek, managing director of the WEF, noting a “sense of uncertainty” about the outlook.

“This may stem from the fact that we are living in an incredibly complex geopolitical environment, with the number of conflicts globally reaching a record high,” Mr. Dusek added.

The conflict in Syria, the “grave humanitarian situation in Gaza,” and the risk of further escalation in the Middle East will be at the center of the upcoming meeting, according to World Economic Forum (WEF) President and CEO Borge Brende. The statement comes even as reports of progress in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas emerge.

The Global Risk Survey defines risk as “a situation that has a significant negative impact on GDP, population or natural resources on a global scale.”

Meanwhile, last year's survey found that extreme weather was the most serious risk to economic growth, and climate change remained a major long-term concern.

Last year, global temperatures crossed the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold above pre-industrial levels for the first time, bringing the world closer than ever to breaching the commitments of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

Misinformation and the AI ​​boom are also worrisome

In addition, misinformation and the rapid development of artificial intelligence are considered major risks in the short term. The report also warns of changes in trade policy, the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House and imposing new tariffs.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) will take place in Davos, Switzerland, and will open on January 20, coinciding with Mr Trump's inauguration as the 47th president of the United States. Mr Trump is scheduled to deliver a virtual speech at the event on January 23.

World leaders attending in person include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.

Amid growing global risks, WEF Managing Director Mirek Dusek stressed the importance of international cooperation: "In a world witnessing deep divisions and mounting risks, leaders must choose between promoting cooperation and resilience or facing growing uncertainty."

Dusek also warned: "The current risk level has never been higher."

Ha Trang (according to WEF, DW, GI)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/dien-dan-kinh-te-the-gioi-chien-tranh-la-moi-nguy-hang-dau-trong-nam-2025-post330734.html