The world may face severe instability by 2026, according to a US think tanks report, warning that rising global tensions could trigger multiple conflicts threatening international peace and United States national security.
The assessment was published by the Council on Foreign Relations, stating that risks of violence worldwide have reached their highest level since World War Two ended decades ago.
According to the report, conflicts could intensify across several regions, including Gaza, Ukraine, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, while crises in Africa and the Middle East may worsen.
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The study highlights growing fears of humanitarian disasters as violence spreads, increasing displacement, civilian casualties, and long-term instability in already fragile regions.
The report was prepared by the Center for Preventive Action, a subsidiary of the Council on Foreign Relations, which regularly evaluates potential global conflicts and security risks.
US foreign policy experts ranked possible conflicts based on likelihood and potential impact, noting that several threats now carry serious consequences for global and regional stability.
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Experts observed that despite attempts by the Trump administration to reduce tensions in Gaza, Ukraine, Congo, and South Asia, some policies unintentionally escalated risks.
The report criticises weakening international institutions and reduced funding for peacebuilding and conflict prevention, which experts say has limited early diplomatic interventions.
Several security threats related to Pakistan were identified, all placed under medium probability and impact categories for the coming year, according to the assessment.
These include the possibility of renewed armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which could increase militant activities and lead to tighter security measures in occupied Kashmir.
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The report also warns of potential fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, possibly triggered by renewed cross-border militant attacks and worsening border security challenges.
According to analysts, the United States faces elevated risks due to its extensive global alliances and military commitments across multiple conflict-prone regions.
Among the most dangerous scenarios listed are ongoing clashes between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, which could escalate rapidly.
The report further warns of worsening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns of prolonged warfare and broader regional instability in Europe.
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Other high-risk scenarios include potential US military action in Venezuela and rising political violence within the United States itself.
Experts also highlighted the dangers of a possible war between Iran and Israel, increased Chinese pressure on Taiwan, and heightened tensions between Russia and NATO.
North Korea’s continued nuclear weapons testing was also identified as a major concern, contributing to growing insecurity in East Asia.
The report concludes that without stronger diplomacy and renewed global cooperation, the world could enter a period of sustained conflict and uncertainty.
