Prosegur Research defines 2026 as "the year of critical security" in the face of the global polycrisis

 

Prosegur Research has presented its annual strategic report, identifying 2026 as a pivotal year marked by the need to strengthen security in a more fragmented and violent world. Faced with a scenario of global polycrisisWhere economic, geopolitical and technological factors converge, the organization urges governments and corporations to prioritize the protection of sensitive infrastructure and redefine their resilience models.

 

According to the organization's analysis, current international dynamics necessitate abandoning fragmented security approaches. Exposure to multidimensional crises will require a greater capacity for anticipation to mitigate uncertainty in global business.

 

The five structural trends of global risk

 

The report highlights five main vectors that explain the emerging challenges in a context of extreme competition. These trends shape an environment where conflict is normalized and value chains are constantly being reconfigured:

 

• Diffuse power and "autocracy at full gallop": The international system is transitioning towards an unstable multipolarity. Prosegur Research It warns of an accelerated democratic erosion and an increase in active conflicts to levels not seen since World War II, with regional powers operating with greater autonomy.
• Geoeconomics as a weapon: The economy and foreign trade are becoming increasingly powerful instruments. Factors such as tariffs, access to critical resources, and technological constraints are reshaping the global logistics landscape.
• Empowerment and polarization: Territorial and generational disparities, coupled with demographic transformation, are affecting trust in institutions and complicating the management of social cohesion.
• Technological convergence: Data control, semiconductors, and Artificial Intelligence They create power asymmetries. The interconnection between the physical and the digital drastically expands the risk surface for companies.
• Environment and logistics: Extreme weather events (droughts, floods) are no longer exceptional but are becoming recurring patterns that directly impact business continuity and infrastructure.

 

Key data on the economic and security landscape

 

The document underscores global financial pressures and the transformation of security. The following details the qualitative and quantitative indicators highlighted in the report for the 2026 horizon:

 

Risk factor	Data / Observed Impact	Business Consequence
Global Debt	Exceeding 230% of global GDP	Limited growth and financial vulnerability.
Unrest	Levels unseen since World War II	Insecurity in supply chains and markets.
Infrastructure	Consolidation as "strategic assets"	Need for hybrid protection (physical + digital).
Climate	Recurring disaster patterns	Critical disruptions in logistics and operations.

 

Towards comprehensive security in critical infrastructure

 

The central concept that introduces Prosegur Research is "critical security"In a hybrid threat environment, critical infrastructure is becoming a strategic asset requiring proactive defense. The convergence of security and defense highlights the value of capabilities such as intelligence and anticipation.

 

For the business sector, the increasing interdependence between physical and digital environments exposes organizations to structural risks. This necessitates abandoning siloed management and adopting a holistic approach.

 

In the words of José María Blanco, director of Prosegur Research: "The evolution of global risk is forcing a profound redefinition of the concept of security, which is shifting from being reactive and sectoral to strategic and integrated.".

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about The World in 2026

How does the report define the year 2026?
Prosegur Research He defines it as "the year of critical security," highlighting the vital importance of protecting sensitive and strategic infrastructure against hybrid threats.

What role does geoeconomics play in current risks?
It plays a central role, as trade, tariffs, and strategic regulation are used as instruments of political power, affecting value chains in a context of high global debt.

What is the main recommendation for companies?
Organizations must move from reactive security to strategic and integrated security, strengthening operational resilience and the ability to anticipate the convergence of physical and digital risks.