Swiss Population Views Geopolitical Tensions as a Major Risk

Almost 70 percent of the Swiss population considers the risk of a new global war as relevant or very relevant (50% relevant, 19% very relevant). This is according to the twelfth Future Risk Report by AXA, which surveyed over 26,000 people worldwide, including 3,595 AXA experts, on their perception of future risks. In Switzerland, the sample of the population survey comprised 1,000 people.

Compared to other European countries, the risk of another world war is seen as less relevant in Switzerland at 69 percent. In France (77%), Spain (80%), and Italy (85%), the risk is judged to be significantly more relevant. The assessment is particularly high in the United Kingdom at 89%. Only in Germany is the risk assessed the same as in Switzerland at 70%. "Switzerland remains moderate in its risk assessment compared to Europe, but geopolitical tensions noticeably affect the economy and cooperation even here. Companies must also evaluate production sites concerning political frameworks and diversify supply chains regionally to reduce the risk of sudden trade stoppages," explains Monika Wieneke, Head of Risk, Actuarial & Security at AXA Switzerland.

Real Risk of Energy and Food Shortages

Energy and food shortages are of less concern to the Swiss population compared to other European countries. Nevertheless, 60 percent of respondents rated these risks as relevant or very relevant. The risk of energy and food shortages is rated significantly higher in populations in France (71%), Italy (77%), and Spain (78%).

Climate Change Remains Risk Number One

In global ranking, climate change remains the number one risk for both the public and experts. However, there are notable differences in the second-place concerns. While pandemics and infectious diseases are feared in Asia and on the African continent, social tensions, geopolitical instability, and new security threats are considered the most relevant risks by the population in Europe. Risks associated with financial stability and artificial intelligence are deemed less relevant. "Climate change remains the dominant global risk, and the insurance industry continues to be indispensable for the climate transition. Without appropriate insurance solutions, the pace of the necessary change would be significantly slower," says Monika Wieneke.

About the Study

From May to June 2025, over 26,000 people over 18 years of age from 57 countries were surveyed online. The study was conducted by the research institute Ipsos, ensuring a representative depiction of the population through the quota method. Two target groups were studied: 3,595 professionals from AXA and other companies from various industries in 57 countries and the general population in 18 countries. Of the respondents, 44% are female, 55% male, and 1% non-binary.

Media contact:
Nicole Horbelt
Head of Media Relations
058 215 22 22
media@axa.ch

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