<h1>Geoeconomic confrontation as dominant global risk in 2026 raising likelihood of interstate economic coercion and systemic crisis</h1> The WEF report identifies geoeconomic confrontation as the principal global risk for 2026, rising eight positions and assessed as the most likely and most severe near-term trigger of a global crisis, thereby increasing the likelihood of interstate economic coercion and economic instability. The report identifies cyber insecurity as India's top short-term risk, thereby elevating threats to critical infrastructure, electoral integrity and financial-system resilience. Misinformation and disinformation-notably deepfakes-are ranked high and are described as capable of undermining democratic institutions and inciting political violence. Water-security disruptions tied to upstream control are flagged as potential transboundary flashpoints, thereby increasing risks of interstate water disputes.