Since 2021, the Munich Security Index, developed in partnership between Kekst CNC and the Munich Security Conference, has offered a unique lens into how global populations perceive the most pressing risks to their security, prosperity, and stability. Now in its sixth year, the 2026 Index draws on extensive polling across major G7 and BICS economies and reveals a world becoming increasingly fragmented across geographies and generations. 

This year’s findings show an increasingly pronounced divide in risk perception between the G7 and BICS countries. While G7 publics place greatest emphasis on cyberattacks, economic or financial crises, and disinformation, respondents in BICS economies remain most concerned about climate change, extreme weather, and widening inequality. Perceptions of major powers continue to shift, with China viewed as a rising source of risk in G7 countries and the United States increasingly perceived as a concern across both blocs.  

A second emerging dynamic is a deep generational divergence within G7 countries. Younger adults prioritize climate, inequality, and economic pressures, while older adults are more focused on cyber threats, Russia, and information integrity. This disparity reinforces the need for organizations to engage stakeholders with highly tailored, credible messaging.  

Finally, trade protectionism is accelerating. “Trade wars” are now rated as more serious risks in both G7 and BICS markets, underscoring the need for businesses to anticipate and prepare for volatility in supply chains, policy environments, and geopolitical landscapes. 

For companies, the 2026 MSI provides essential insights into an evolving global order. It highlights the importance of balancing international consistency with locally informed strategy, addressing generational expectations, and communicating transparently about resilience and risk mitigation. 

The Index contributes to the annual Munich Security Report, which also features a broader set of findings from our research. The full report is available for download here.