The Global Cooperation Barometer 2026

Extractive Summary of the Article | Read | Listen

The 2026 edition of the Global Cooperation Barometer shows that overall cooperation is largely unchanged from previous years, but its composition appears to be changing. Metrics relating to multilateralism weakened the most. Metrics in which more flexible and smaller arrangements of cooperation can operate—in data flows, services trade, and select capital flows, for example—have continued to grow, including in 2025.  These dynamics are visible in each of the five pillars of the barometer (Climat and natural capital, Innovation and technology, Trade and capital, Health and wellness, and Peace and security):

Trade and capital cooperation flattened. Cooperation remained above 2019 values, but its makeup is shifting. Goods volumes grew, albeit slower than the global economy, and flows are shifting to more aligned partners. Services and select capital flows show momentum, particularly among aligned economies, especially where they can contribute to bolstering domestic capabilities. While the global multilateral trade system faces rising barriers, smaller coalitions of countries are cooperating through initiatives such as the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership.

Innovation and technology cooperation rose to unlock new capabilities even amid tighter controls. IT services and talent flows are up, and international bandwidth is now four times larger than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions on flows of critical resources, technologies, and knowledge expanded—especially but not only between the United States and China. However, new cooperation formats are increasing, with instances of cooperation on AI, 5G infrastructure, and other cutting-edge technologies among aligned countries.

Climate and natural capital cooperation grew but is still short of global goals. Increased financing and global supply chains stimulated deployment of clean technologies, which reached record levels in mid-2025. While China accounted for two-thirds of additions of solar, wind, and electric vehicles, other developing economies stepped up. As multilateral negotiations become more challenging, groups of nations—for example, the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations—are combining decarbonization with energy security goals.

Health and wellness cooperation held steady, with outcomes resilient for now, but aid is under severe pressure. Top-line cooperation in this pillar did not fall, in part because health outcomes continued to improve after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although health outcomes have stayed resilient, the stability masks growing fragility. Pressures on multilateral organizations have eroded support flows, and development assistance for health contracted sharply, with further tightening in 2025; this affected low- and middle-income countries most acutely.

Peace and security cooperation continued to decrease, as every tracked metric fell below pre-COVID-19-pandemic levels. Conflicts escalated, military spending rose, and global multilateral resolution mechanisms struggled to de-escalate crises. By the end of 2024, the number of forcibly displaced people reached a record 123 million globally. Still, growing pressures are creating an impetus for increased cooperation, including through regional peacekeeping mechanisms.

Since key challenges and important opportunities cannot be addressed by individual countries alone, leaders should anticipate shifts and move proactively to “remap” international engagement, strengthen resilience by building new capabilities, and find new forums to cooperate—matching the right format to the right issue.

show less