Airmic warns of elevated global uncertainty

Geopolitical uncertainty has continued to escalate for business and political leaders as they gathered in Davos for the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, according to Airmic. 

US President Donald Trump, who marked the first anniversary of his return to the White House this week, led what is said to be the largest ever US delegation to the Davos meeting.  

The WEF’s 21st edition of its 2026 Global Risks Report, released last week, found that geoeconomic confrontation has emerged top of mind for respondents.

“With the US administration’s territorial demands on Greenland, and its on-and-off threats of tariffs on its NATO allies who have supported Denmark, such sustained levels of geopolitical uncertainty have not been seen in many of our lifetimes,” said Julia Graham, chief executive of Airmic. 

Another key report that has been sparking conversations at Davos, according to Airmic, is the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, which revealed a world retreating to insularity as a result of economic anxiety, geopolitical tension and technological disruption, with ramifications for economic and societal progress.

“Multilateralism as we know it is in retreat, as international organisations such as the United Nations risk becoming irrelevant,” added Graham. “Organisations and businesses today are no longer reaping the dividend from decades of peace and prosperity. Building resilience is imperative as they prepare to deal with significant disruption.”

Mark Carney, the prime minister of Canada, delivered what Airmic described as a noteworthy speech to a standing ovation in Davos, in which he declared the “end of the rules-based international order.” He called for middle powers such as his own country to work together to counter the rise of hard power and great power rivalry, so as to build a more resilient world.

To equip risk professionals in steering their organisations through these tumultuous times, the Airmic Risk Forum on 11 February supported by Swiss Re will discuss the findings of the WEF global risks report and the Edelman Trust Barometer, as well as developments in resilience practice, and debate focused on the ramifications of geopolitical uncertainty.

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