Global Risk Landscape Unveiled: 2026 Global Guardian Map Highlights Emerging Threats and Security Challenges Worldwide

"As geopolitical tensions rise, so too does the unpredictability of global events. Organizations that fail to plan for worst-case scenarios are more likely to experience severe disruptions."

Global Guardian’s 2026 Global Risk Map—featuring the new Terror Index—was highlighted in Travel and Tour World. The article underscored key insights from our intel analysts on current and emerging regional risks and outlined practical steps travelers can take to better prepare before their journeys.

Use extreme caution when visiting these 3 countries

“These three airstrikes on boats with alleged members of Tren de Aragua coincides with a relatively large deployment of some 6,500 troops into the Caribbean region. You have U.S. Navy warships there now—part of it is counter-narcotics operations, part of it is sending a message to President Maduro, whom the U.S. government largely sees as illegitimate.”

In a recent Border Report Live interview, Global Guardian Director of Intelligence Mike Ballard discusses the growing instability across Latin America, drawing on insights from our 2026 Risk Map. Mike weighs in on the region’s widening security challenges—from escalating unrest in Haiti to mounting tensions in Venezuela and ongoing cartel violence in Mexico—each shaping a complex and volatile threat environment for businesses and travelers.

Analysis: Business Executives' Personal Safety In Focus

“All it takes is one small trigger for someone to say, ‘I’ve had enough’—and it is extremely difficult to stop these lone wolf attacks.”

In an article for Family Wealth Report, Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner discussed the findings from the World Security Report, which reveal a sharp rise in concerns over the safety of business leaders.

Dale weighed in on the societal pressures driving this trend—from inflation and geopolitical tensions to growing anti-Western sentiment—and the urgent steps organizations should take to protect their leadership. He emphasized that safeguarding executives must begin at home and extend through every aspect of travel, work, and digital life.

The Rise of Corporate Espionage: What Executives Need to Know About Modern Threats

“All of that tradecraft that you used to think 20, 30, 40 years ago was just in the movies, just in spy novels…make absolutely no doubt whatsoever, it has completely infiltrated the Western business environment. And now it's something that C-suite leaders have to be thinking about, and they have to be asking themselves that key question of what is it I have and how am I going to protect it?”

On the Tomorrowist Podcast from SHRM, Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner discusses how nation-state tactics are rapidly moving into the private sector, and why business leaders must rethink how they approach security. From cyber theft and insider threats to supply chain infiltration, the risks facing executives are multiplying. Dale shares why due diligence, a “trust but verify” mindset, and integrating security across people and systems are essential for resilience.

Inside the Sinaloa cartel: One year of terror

“The natural conclusion (of the war) is this is going to keep going until there’s a winner. You’re going to eventually have one group taking over control of the original Sinaloa cartel territory or you could see agreement to split territory…but I really don’t think that’s likely. I think this is going to keep going.”

In a recent Border Report article, Global Guardian Director of Intelligence Mike Ballard provides insight into the status of the Sinaloa Cartel following a year of internal conflict. Since September 2024, a violent power struggle has unfolded between the sons of El Chapo and the faction loyal to El Mayo. The fighting has left thousands dead or missing, displaced communities, and disrupted daily life along the Mexican Pacific Coast, while the government continues to struggle to contain the violence.

Russian Drone Incursion in Poland Tests NATO Defenses, Cohesion

“Right now Russia is watching very carefully to see how quickly NATO responds, what assets it uses and what its messaging is going to be from the U.S. and other allies. They’re going to see, you know, how synchronized is NATO and what is the U.S. response.”

In an article in The Wall Street Journal, Global Guardian VP of Client Risk Management Seth Krummrich highlights the significance of Russian drones entering Poland’s airspace and how NATO’s reaction is being scrutinized by Moscow.

“The next 24 to 48 hours are going to be a real bellwether to what this means not just between Israel, Iran, and Qatar, but for the entire region—and for all the business interests across the region as well.”

Global Guardian VP of Client Risk Management Seth Krummrich joined ABC News to discuss Israel’s strike against Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, and what it could mean for regional stability and peace negotiations going forward.

West Africa is enjoying a tourism boom

"Mitigate your risks. Be aware, accept them, then plan to mitigate them. But definitely keep traveling. People love to travel, and the journey should continue."

In a Travel Weekly article on West Africa’s tourism boom, Global Guardian Vice President of Client Risk Management James Wiggins weighs in on the region’s security landscape. He notes that while parts of the Sahel face rising security threats, the coastal nations driving much of the tourism growth remain largely stable. Wiggins advises travelers and industry professionals to stay informed, mitigate risks, and work with reputable operators who understand both physical and digital security considerations.

Should I still travel to Mexico? Security expert weighs in on updated terrorism risks

"You still want to avoid those areas that are hotly contested by the cartels or are under outright total control of the cartels. There are certain states within Mexico that are really hot zones for this, but those typically are not your prime vacation spots."

In a USA Today article, Global Guardian Director of Intelligence Mike Ballard explains the recent changes to Mexico’s travel risk advisory and offers travelers practical guidance on how to prepare, from selecting safe destinations to taking precautions before and during their trip.

Netanyahu imposes his plan on the generals

 "When you're fighting in an urban area, if you want to hold ground—not just attack and retreat, as the Israeli army has done so far—you need a huge amount of personnel and equipment. And it's much more difficult if the urban environment has been destroyed, as it has been in much of Gaza."

In a new piece for Diari Ara (Barcelona), Global Guardian's VP of Client Risk Management Seth Krummrich gave his perspective on the reported decision by the Israeli government to take complete control of Gaza, and what that means for the future of the conflict.