Global Scans · Conflict · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Rising tensions around are bringing new and regional geopolitical threats and the possibility of eventual global war. Keep abreast of the unfolding drama and know where the risks and opportunities are in the world.

• [New] The ongoing war between America and China for artificial intelligence supremacy in warfare is anticipating opportunities for various strategies, programs, and developments in the upcoming time. Precedence Research
• [New] Threat actors in 2026 have embraced agentic AI as a powerful weapon in their arsenal, creating sophisticated AI agents designed to autonomously discover vulnerabilities, conduct social engineering at scale, and execute multi-stage attacks faster than human defenders can respond. DEV Community
• [New] The AI versus AI conflict that defines 2026's cybersecurity landscape will continue to evolve, demanding constant innovation and adaptation from security professionals. DEV Community
• [New] AI could be exploited by non-state actors to design biological weapons, calling for urgent international cooperation on AI safety. AI News Hub
• [New] If Trump's trade war jeopardizes NATO's assistance for Ukraine, it could relieve pressure on Russia's economy, just as more signs emerge that Putin's war machine is stifling growth. Fortune
• [New] As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year in 2026 and peace talks have yet to bear fruit, it seems likely that Russian sanctions will remain the focus in 2026, particularly for European countries. Mishcon de Reya LLP
• [New] In a year defined by geopolitical instability, from Gaza to Ukraine, and a pervasive sense of being on the brink of global conflict, mental health strain became a defining risk factor. Forbes
• [New] GEOPOLITICS Cyberattacks leads the list of geopolitical threats, with war and uncertainty also top of mind Top concern among CEOs globally and in the US: 47% of CEOs globally rank cyberattacks as the #1 geopolitical threat for 2026. The Conference Board
• [New] If the Russia-Ukraine war moves toward resolution, we should expect a major reconstruction effort, which would significantly increase demand for iron ore, coal, steel, cement, and construction materials. Marine Log
• [New] The Trump administration's continued threats to use force to annex Greenland have prompted concerns of a NATO civil war scenario and the future of the transatlantic alliance. Yahoo News UK
• [New] Internal turbulence in Iran that started last December with fierce demonstrations can spark a civil war between different ethnicities and social groups against the Mullah Regime that could change the Middle East dramatically. All About Shipping
• [New] Continued international support for Ukraine by the EU and reports of civilian abductions highlight a protracted and escalating conflict, sustaining elevated security and humanitarian risks, especially now the negotiations for a cease fire are intensifying. All About Shipping
• [New] From the risk of an escalation involving Iran, China-Taiwan tensions, uncertainty around US actions in Latin America, to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the list of global flashpoints is long. Economic Times
• [New] The risk of a U.S.-China military conflict over Taiwan is higher over the next three years compared to one year ago. ChinaPower Project
• [New] The full-scale war could continue into its fifth year, with limited territorial gains, high casualties, and continuing missile and drone strikes throughout Ukraine and on key targets in Russia. RFE/RL
• [New] Cybersecurity experts are warning that 2026 will mark a decisive turning point for global digital security, as artificial intelligence, geopolitical rivalries and space-based infrastructure become deeply entangled in cyber conflict. Shunyatax Global
• [New] The looming potential of an armed conflict between the U.S. and China over Taiwan has further elevated the stakes of CISA's critical infrastructure protection mission. Cybersecurity Dive
• [New] Large scale deployment of AI-enabled drones will in fact be vital in any future conflict with China, although it will not look anything like the drone war in Ukraine. Forbes
• [New] As US-China rivalry intensifies, Taiwan is expected to remain a focal point of tension throughout 2026. Egyptian Gazette
• [New] Without more decisive engagement from the highest levels of the Trump administration, there is now a serious risk that Sudan's war tips the Horn of Africa, the Nile Valley, and the Sahara-Sahel region into a vast arena of anarchy. Martin Plaut
• [New] Britain must significantly enhance its preparedness to deter the threat of conflict, particularly from Russia, by fostering a greater willingness among the public to serve, expanding industrial weapons capacity, and developing critical defence skills. Caliber.az
• [New] The UN's commission of inquiry on the Gaza conflict is collecting evidence and will likely produce a scathing report in 2026, potentially accusing Israel of grave breaches. Israel Brief
• [New] Gaza will remain a powder keg under watch, rather than a reconstruction project, until Israel is convinced that Hamas's war-making ability is definitively eliminated. Israel Brief

Last updated: 20 January 2026