Our Scans · (SFR.4.01) Social Instability · Weekly Summary

• [New] By 2040, the world is defined by extreme fragmentation, crisis-driven governance, widespread climate disasters in the face of climate instability, and instances of breakdown of social institutions. GOV.UK
• The world is facing a range of economic, social and political risks that are interconnected and threaten to create conflicts and instability, societal polarization, erosion of human rights coupled with increasing environmental deterioration. India Water Portal
• Allianz Commercial reports that mass social unrest and political instability rank fourth globally at 29%, and appear among the top three risks in the Americas and in Africa and the Middle East. ReinsuranceNe.ws
• Sustained geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East, particularly involving the Strait of Hormuz, could drive prices above $120 per barrel, fueling inflationary pressures in the United States and globally, and increasing risks to economic crisis and social instability. Atlantic Council
• Mass social unrest and political instability is regarded as the fourth most plausible scenario globally and is a top three risk in the Americas and Africa and the Middle East (41%) regions, as well as in France, for example. European Business Magazine
• The dramatic drop in demand caused by AI-driven job loss could compress the shock phase into 2030-2045, with a sharp lull in consumption and social instability as the cheap-goods boom gives way to the no-income boom. MECi Group International
• With so much sustained uncertainty in the world - economic volatility, technological change, geopolitical instability, and constant social disruption - many people are carrying a growing sense of hopelessness into their work. Jennifer Moss
• Globally, the political and economic ripple effects of decades-high inflation and increased energy costs will add to household financial stress and could stoke social discontent and political instability in many countries. IT-Online
• The state of democracy and respect for human rights remain persistent challenges across Africa, while various crises, such as armed conflict, Covid-19 and climate change, accelerate the risk of further political and social instability. The Mail & Guardian
• Nearly 70% of social impact professionals feel unprepared to tackle their most pressing risks, especially shifting government policies and revenue instability. The ENGAGE Blog by Blackbaud
• Social instability remains a risk for business in 2026, with 29% of INSEAD faculty identifying it as one of the key threats, and just 14% counting it among the top opportunities for business. forbesindia
• In 2026, many advanced economies are trapped in a systemic dilemma: continuing expansionary policies risks fueling inflation and monetary instability; cutting spending risks recession and social crisis. Geopolitika
• The world is entering an era of cascading risks: climate disruptions, economic shocks, technological uncertainty, and social instability are unfolding in complex and interconnected ways. Mexico Business
• In 2026, persistent disruption from geopolitical instability, cybersecurity threats, climate risk and social volatility is reshaping how organizations manage enterprise risk and resilience. Teneo
• In a world defined by instability, convergence, and social disconnection, only organizations that adapt with agility, foresight, and resilience will remain secure and relevant in 2026 and beyond. Armis
• For Haiti, ongoing instability deepens risks to human security, economic collapse, and social breakdown. Political Jar
• The rising price of basic foods is worsening South Africa's food security crisis which could increase social instability and trigger a repeat of the devastating July unrest. BusinessInsider
• Geopolitical instability and social unrest are driving a new wave of public safety threats. Annex North
• The business environment in 2026 will be heavily impacted by economic fragility, geopolitical instability, and social volatility. The European Business Review

Last updated: 19 June 2026