Vox's Future Perfect staff, along with other experts, released their predictions for major global events in 2026, assessing probabilities for various outcomes ranging from political stability in the United States to potential environmental disasters and cultural shifts. The forecasts, published January 1, 2026, reflect a generally pessimistic outlook, considering the backdrop of recent global events.

The predictions cover a wide array of topics, including the stability of electoral democracy in the U.S., the likelihood of a recession, the possibility of military conflict involving Taiwan, the expansion of bans on lab-grown meat, and the potential for a devastating Category 5 hurricane making landfall in the U.S. The team also speculated on the more cultural front, such as the chances of Beyoncé releasing a rock album.

According to Vox, the predictions are not based on mere speculation but are assigned probabilities to reflect the confidence level in each forecast. This approach aims to promote "epistemic honesty," providing readers with a transparent understanding of the reasoning behind each prediction.

The annual forecasting exercise by Vox's Future Perfect team has become a regular feature, providing insights into potential future developments across various sectors. The project aims to go beyond simple predictions, offering a framework for understanding the complex interplay of factors that shape global events. The inclusion of probabilities is intended to encourage a more nuanced understanding of the uncertainties inherent in forecasting.