Geopolitics is no longer just one risk among many - it’s the thread that interconnects them all, according to the newly published Healix Risk Radar Report 2026.

Political instability is now the defining force behind global business risk according to our Risk Radar Report 2026, which draws on insights from 500 senior risk professionals across international organisations. The report reflects how cyber threats, supply chain shocks, climate disruption and digital surveillance are increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions.

For risk managers, complexity is the “new normal”, with disruption ever more connected, fast-moving and difficult to contain. In the face of this, Healix’s report discusses more than routes to effective risk management, but how organisations can build resilience. It unearths the immediate risks for businesses, across the next 12-months, alongside the concerns of next 3-5 years, recognising the increasing challenge businesses face as they must prepare for both timeframes.

According to 53% of respondents, cyber threats are the biggest concern of the immediate future, likely thanks to state-aligned groups using ransomware and data breaches to disrupt operations and erode public trust. This is followed by supply chain disruption (37%), with geopolitically driven conflict, sanctions and chokepoints reshaping global trade routes. Geopolitical tensions as a standalone concern are the third biggest concern on the immediate horizon (34%), as political volatility blurs the line between strategic and operational risk.

In 2025, 35% of leaders cited political instability as their overall leading concern. This year it tops the list of concerns of the future, sitting at 37%. Healix’s report explores the impact of the post-Cold War fragmentation, and the rise of uncertainty stemming from emerging economies asserting regional leadership, alongside shifting alliances.

The second highest future concern is climate disruption, which returned to second place this year (29%), after dropping out of the top three in 2025. This is unsurprising as floods, wildfires and droughts become harder to predict, and more costly. These repercussions have a ripple effect on geopolitics, with disrupted food and water supplies impacting trade, destabilising regions and, subsequently, and enforcing migration.

Digital surveillance and data privacy is the third highest future concern (26%) - with AI outpacing regulation, exposing organisations to new risks around IP, confidentiality and misuse.

Overall, the report’s findings clearly highlight how geopolitics is no longer a distant or abstract issue, but a daily reality that intersects with every major challenge that organisations face.

“Geopolitics is now the thread connecting every major challenge – from supply chain disruption to regulatory shifts and the evolving risks of AI and cyber threats.

Paying close attention to geopolitical developments is essential for business continuity. Leaders must embed geopolitical awareness into strategy, risk management and operations. It’s vital to plan for both immediate and long-term impacts.

By proactively monitoring regional dynamics and stress-testing their plans, organisations can build the resilience needed to navigate disruption and adapt in an unpredictable world.”

James Henderson, CEO, Healix International

Healix urges organisations to move beyond siloed risk management. It calls for scenario planning and geopolitical intelligence to be placed at the heart of decision-making. With the stakes higher than ever, the ability to anticipate and respond to geopolitical and technological shifts will be critical for protecting operations, reputation and long-term growth.

For more information email us at enquiries@healix.com or to download your copy here.