Global Stability at a Crossroads: 7 Flashpoints Defining the 2026 Security Landscape

Hands are shaken, but fists remain clenched. As we exit 2025, the global geopolitical landscape is more fragmented than ever. From the expanding settlements in the Middle East to the brutal civil wars in Africa, the promise of a peaceful world is facing its toughest test in decades.

The Middle East and Africa: Enduring Conflicts

Israel's expansion of illegal settlements continues to draw international condemnation, posing a direct threat to any future two-state solution. In Africa, the struggle against al-Shabab is raising hard questions about the efficacy of current counter-terrorism strategies. Meanwhile, the prospects for peace in Sudan remain dim as internal factions fail to find common ground.

Diplomatic Deadlocks and Regional Volatility

Political instability in Bangladesh has emerged as a significant regional concern, while the EU-Mercosur deal's delay signals growing protectionism. In Southeast Asia, Thailand and Cambodia struggle to bridge their diplomatic divide, adding to a year characterized by security challenges across Syria and beyond.