This week’s most consequential development is not a single crisis but the convergence of global power, uncertainty and competing visions at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos (20–24 January).
Nearly 65 heads of state and government, alongside G7, G20 and BRICS leaders and hundreds of global CEOs, are meeting against one of the most fragmented geopolitical backdrops in decades. Across speeches and panels, a common theme has emerged: the rules-based international order is under strain, while economic interdependence, security architecture and political cohesion are being fundamentally reassessed.
European leaders used Davos to reinforce a shift toward greater strategic independence. Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron both warned against a world governed by coercion rather than rules as tensions with the United States escalated over tariffs, trade retaliation and security guarantees. China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng rejected trade wars and reinforced Beijing’s focus on domestic demand, while Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney openly acknowledged that the post–Cold War global “bargain” no longer works.
From Morocco’s positioning as a geopolitical crossroads to Qatar’s call for a reimagined Middle East security framework, Davos has underscored a global search for stability in an era of rapid change. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to press for concrete security guarantees and a viable post-war reconstruction plan amid ongoing attacks.
Join this week’s Global Risk Forum (GRF) 406 & 407 as we unpack what Davos 2026 reveals about emerging power dynamics, economic fragmentation and the future of global cooperation. If there are other developments that caught your eye this week, feel free to bring them into the conversation as well.
- Global Risk Forum 406
- Thursday, 22 January at 17:00 GMT / 12:00 EDT
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- Global Risk Forum 407
- Friday, 23 January at 10:00 GMT
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