The Global Risks Report 2025: Security Stability & Preparedness
By Farah Benis
Topline Summary
The Global Risks Report 2025 paints a stark picture of a world facing rising geopolitical tensions, economic fractures, and worsening environmental crises. Armed conflict, misinformation, and extreme weather events are pressing concerns, while cyber threats, resource shortages, and ecosystem decline are expected to intensify. With global cooperation weakening and national security concerns taking priority, businesses and governments must rethink how they manage risk.
Key Takeaways from the Report
1. Rising Geopolitical and Economic Tensions
Armed conflict has become the biggest short-term global risk, highlighting increasing instability.
Wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan are exacerbating humanitarian crises and economic uncertainty.
Trade restrictions and economic nationalism are creating deeper divides between major economies.
Security Implication: Businesses and security professionals need to assess geopolitical risks carefully, ensuring they have contingency plans and diversified supply chains.
2. The Impact of Misinformation
Misinformation and disinformation continue to erode trust in institutions and shape public perception.
Manipulated digital content is fueling political instability and social division.
Elections and public sentiment are increasingly vulnerable to external interference.
Security Implication: Organisations must strengthen communication strategies and verification processes to combat false information. Governments need better policies to safeguard democratic systems.
3. Cybersecurity Risks on the Rise
Cyber espionage and digital warfare are among the top five short-term risks.
More sophisticated cyberattacks threaten critical infrastructure and data security.
Governments and businesses must stay ahead of rapidly evolving cyber threats.
Security Implication: Cybersecurity should be treated as a top priority, requiring collaboration, stronger defences, and better regulatory frameworks.
4. Climate Change as an Immediate Security Threat
Extreme weather events and pollution are no longer distant threats - they are happening now.
Resource shortages and forced migration due to climate change are creating further instability.
Governments and businesses must prioritise resilience and adaptation.
Security Implication: Security leaders must incorporate climate risks into crisis planning, ensuring their response frameworks can handle natural disasters and related disruptions.
5. Declining International Cooperation and Rising Nationalism
International organisations are struggling to mediate conflicts and address humanitarian crises.
Governments are shifting their focus to national security over global stability.
Businesses must navigate a world where international cooperation is becoming more unpredictable.
Security Implication: Security professionals should prepare for a future where global coordination is unreliable, strengthening local and regional response strategies.
Looking Ahead: Security in a More Divided World
The Global Risks Report 2025 makes one thing clear: the world is becoming more fragmented and uncertain. Security professionals, businesses, and policymakers must act now to address rising risks. This includes:
Better intelligence-sharing and collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society.
Stronger cybersecurity and digital protections to counter misinformation and cyber threats.
Resilience planning that factors in climate change, economic instability, and geopolitical shifts.
The global security landscape is changing fast. Adaptability, preparation, and cooperation will be essential to managing the challenges ahead.
