Whalesbook
Global Cooperation Resilience Tested
Global cooperation is demonstrating resilience despite significant geopolitical challenges, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Cooperation Barometer 2026. The study, developed with McKinsey & Company, analyzed 41 metrics across five pillars: trade and capital, innovation and technology, climate and natural capital, health and wellness, and peace and security.
Evolving Collaborative Landscape
The overall level of global cooperation has remained largely static in recent years. However, the nature of these collaborations is shifting. As multilateral cooperation weakens, innovative, smaller regional and inter-regional arrangements are increasingly emerging. Progress on global priorities is most pronounced when it aligns directly with national interests, particularly in climate, nature, and innovation.
Sectoral Divergence
Cooperation in climate and natural capital has increased but still falls short of established global goals. Conversely, the peace and security pillar has seen a marked decline, with all tracked metrics dropping below pre-pandemic levels. Escalating conflicts, rising military spending, and struggling multilateral resolution mechanisms contribute to a record 123 million forcibly displaced people globally as of 2024.
Drivers of Cooperation
Despite challenges, growing global pressures are spurring increased cooperation. Aligned partners are deepening ties in sensitive areas like critical technology flows. Examples include the US strengthening critical mineral partnerships with Australia, Canada, and Japan, and AI cooperation involving India, the Gulf, Japan, and Europe. Collaboration on AI data centers, semiconductor fabrication, and 5G infrastructure is also strengthening among smaller country groups.
Trade in Green Goods
Trade in low-carbon goods has emerged as another significant driver of global cooperation. Expanding global supply chains have enabled manufacturers to achieve scale, reduce prices, and facilitate deployment in emerging economies. India, for instance, has stepped up solar installations, benefiting from affordable solar modules, adding the second-most solar capacity globally in 2025 after China.