Global Cooperation Survives by Taking New Shape

Here's the hopeful news about how nations work together: cooperation is alive and well, just wearing a different outfit than before.

The 2026 Global Cooperation Barometer from the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company tracked 41 metrics across trade, technology, climate, health, and security. Overall cooperation levels held steady compared to 2024, proving countries still recognize they're better off working together than going it alone.

What changed is how they cooperate. Instead of massive multilateral agreements involving dozens of nations, countries now prefer smaller, flexible partnerships built around shared interests and values.

"The resiliency of cooperation, even if not at needed levels, is likely based on shared assessments around the world that it makes sense," wrote the report's authors. Economic growth, artificial intelligence opportunities, and global security all require aligned action.

Trade patterns tell the story clearly. While overall trade volumes grew 2.4 percent in 2025, they shifted dramatically toward politically aligned partners. Countries increasingly trade with nations they trust and share values with.

Cross-border investment surged in semiconductors, data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and critical minerals as nations built strategic capabilities with close partners. Services trade continued expanding, driven by digitally delivered services, travel, and professional services.

Technology cooperation rose roughly 3 percent year over year, powered by increases in data flows between allied nations. Even with some export controls in place, countries found ways to advance innovation together.

Regional partnerships filled gaps left by strained multilateral frameworks. When sweeping global agreements proved too difficult, smaller coalitions stepped up to tackle specific challenges.

The Bright Side

This shift toward flexible partnerships might actually work better than old models. Smaller groups can move faster, align more easily on goals, and adapt quickly when circumstances change.

Countries proved they understand a fundamental truth: the biggest challenges require teamwork. Climate change doesn't respect borders. Neither do pandemics, cyber threats, or economic opportunities from new technologies.

The reorganization of global cooperation shows resilience and creativity. When one approach struggled, nations didn't give up on working together; they just found new ways to collaborate that fit today's world better.

International cooperation adapted to survive, proving that the human instinct to solve problems together remains stronger than forces trying to pull us apart.