According to a recent World Economic Forum survey, chief economists worldwide are on edge due to U.S. trade policies and the rapid advancement of AI. The WEF’s May briefing reveals growing apprehension over these developments, citing a grim outlook for global economic stability. Economists link heightened global uncertainty to increased economic nationalism and unpredictable tariffs, warning that these factors, alongside potential misuse of AI, could significantly disrupt societal norms. Almost all surveyed economists implicated trade policy as a primary source of instability. With businesses facing a volatile decision-making environment, there’s a noted delay in long-term planning. Trump’s trade policies have stirred considerable disquiet, with the majority expecting these to permanently alter the international economic landscape. Curbed tariffs offer some respite, but the unpredictability associated with future trade strategies leaves many uneasy. In parallel, AI’s swift progress promises transformative changes but also raises unique challenges. Though intended to drive efficiency and growth, AI’s quick rollout is perceived as an economic destabilizer, heightening short-term uncertainties. Many specialists foresee AI-induced unemployment far exceeding job creation, primarily through task automation. A major concern is AI’s role in spreading disinformation, potentially unsettling societal frameworks and leading to increased market power centralization. Effective AI integration requires governmental backing in infrastructure and industry-wide adoption. Yet, escalating geopolitical tensions and rising defense allocations threaten the availability of required resources. Addressing both geopolitical shifts and technological evolution appears vital for businesses navigating contemporary economic challenges, with future resilience hinging on strategic adaptation. As noted by the WEF, synchronized efforts from both public and private sectors are essential to weather current economic trials while setting the stage for sustainable growth.