The Year Ahead 2026

The Year Ahead examines what 2026 could bring as power, tech, unity and politics intersect in increasingly unpredictable ways. From domestic pushback in major democracies to intensifying rivalry between global powers, political pressure at home is reshaping decisions on the world stage. Across regions, governments grapple with trade disputes, security tensions, technological competition and the challenge of staying relevant in a fast-shifting global order. This episode explores how emerging technologies are becoming tools of influence and leverage, how alliances are tested by diverging interests, and why unity is harder to sustain amid economic strain and political polarisation. Featuring voices from leaders, experts and voters, the episode draws on reporting from CNA’s correspondents around the world to analyse both domestic concerns and global consequences, and how decisions made could shape stability, cooperation and conflict in 2026.