Vox's Future Perfect staff, along with other experts, released their predictions for major global events in 2026, assigning probabilities to each forecast to reflect their confidence levels. The predictions, the seventh annual effort by the group, leaned towards a pessimistic outlook, considering potential crises ranging from geopolitical conflicts to environmental disasters.

The forecasts included assessments of whether the United States would maintain its status as an electoral democracy, the likelihood of a U.S. recession, and the possibility of military conflict involving Taiwan. These predictions reflect ongoing global concerns about political stability, economic downturns, and international security. The staff also considered the chances of further state-level bans on lab-cultivated meat, reflecting debates over food technology and regulation, and the potential for a Category 5 hurricane to strike the U.S., highlighting the increasing risks associated with climate change.

The practice of assigning probabilities to predictions is intended to promote transparency and intellectual honesty, according to Vox. This approach aims to move beyond simple speculation by providing readers with a sense of the forecasters' conviction in their assessments. The predictions are rooted in current events, trends, and expert analysis.

The Future Perfect project at Vox typically focuses on in-depth reporting and analysis of potential future scenarios, covering topics such as technological advancements, policy changes, and global challenges. By making these annual predictions, the staff hopes to contribute to a more informed public discourse about the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead.