The Global Risks Report 2018: Fractures, Fears and Failures
Jan 29, 2018
In January 2018, the World Economic Forum released its Global Risks Report. Last year’s Global Risks Report was published at a time of heightened global uncertainty and rising popular discontent with the existing political and economic order. The report called for “fundamental reforms to market capitalism” and a rebuilding of solidarity within and between countries. One year on, the urgency of facing up to these challenges has, if anything, intensified.
Economic growth is picking up, but 2017 was a year of widespread uncertainty, instability and fragility—and the latest results of our annual Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) suggest respondents are pessimistic about the year ahead: in a new question gauging expectations for 2018, only 7% of responses point to a reduction of risk, compared with 59% pointing to an increase. In the sections that follow, the report highlights four concerns:
- persistent inequality and unfairness;
- domestic and international political tensions;
- environmental dangers and;
- cyber vulnerabilities.
The authors conclude by reflecting on the increased dangers of systemic breakdown.
Review the announcement and the report on the World Economic Forum's website.