Rising geopolitical tensions named the most urgent risk in 2019, report says

Climate change was named the second greatest risk by the World Economic Forum. (iStock)

Released last week, the 14th annual World Economic Forum Global Risks Report portrays a dark outlook on international economic and political relations. The report names these rising tensions as the most urgent risk in 2019 as 90% of experts say they expect further economic confrontation between major powers in 2019.

The report incorporates the results of the annual Global Risks Perception Survey of approximately 1,000 experts and decision-makers. This year’s results point to a deterioration in economic and geopolitical conditions. Trade disputes worsened rapidly in 2018 and the report warns that growth in 2019 will be held back by continuing geo-economic tensions, with 88% of respondents expecting further erosion of multilateral trading rules and agreements.