What are the global economy's 5 biggest threats in 2021?

The majority of the world is still ensnared in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic, but the biggest risk for the global economy in the year ahead is a politically divided United States — not the deadly virus outbreak.

That’s according to a new report published by the Eurasia Group on the 10 risks that could derail the global economic recovery, starting with the domestic challenges facing the incoming Biden administration.

“In decades past, the world would look to the U.S. to restore predictability in times of crisis,” said the report, authored by Eurasia Group President Ian Bremmer and Chairman Cliff Kupchan. “But the world’s preeminent superpower faces big challenges of its own.”

President-elect Joe Biden will have difficulty governing and handling domestic challenges — like the unemployment crisis — with a large segment of the U.S. viewing his victory over President Trump in the November election as illegitimate, the report said. As long as Republicans remain loyal to Trump and continue to be openly skeptical of the election, there will be questions about Biden’s political longevity and effectiveness, the future of the Republican Party, and the legitimacy of the U.S. political model, it added.

BIDEN CALLS FOR ERASING SOME STUDENT LOAN DEBT, FACES PROGRESSIVE PRESSURE TO GO FURTHER

"The credibility of U.S. foreign policy and the sustainability of U.S. domestic policy will be tested this year as they’ve not been in the postwar era," the report said. "A superpower torn down the middle cannot return to business as usual. And when the most powerful country is so divided, everybody has a problem."

Take a closer look at the other top risks identified by the report:

COVID-19 extending through 2021 

The virus may not disappear even as widespread vaccination begins, with countries struggling to meet the timelines needed to secure herd immunity. On top of that, a so-called "K-Shaped recovery"--in which some groups thrive and others increasingly suffer--could plague most countries.

"Sharply different rates of recovery, both within and among countries, will stoke anti-incumbent anger and public unrest. In addition, emerging markets could face a financial crisis," the report said.

AOC INSISTS BIDEN CAN USE EXECUTIVE ORDER TO CANCEL STUDENT LOAN DEBT

Net-zero emission goals 

Last year was Earth's hottest on record, prompting governments and companies to lay out new, ambitious policies to address climate change.

But the report noted that there will be costs for companies and investors from greater climate ambition and risks from overestimating how coordinated new climate plans will be.

"Make no mistake, the push for net-zero will create enormous opportunities for private capital, especially the growing pool of environmental, social, and governance dollars and euros," the report said. "But politics will be decisive, and winners and losers will be determined by factors other than market forces."

U.S.-China tensions

The relationship between the world's two largest economies will likely be less overtly confrontational once Trump leaves office, the report said. But the bilateral rivalry could become as intense as it was last year, given the spillover of tensions from the U.S. to its allies, a competition to heal the world and a competition for green energy.

"Yes, the two countries will seek some breathing room after the 20 January inauguration, Biden to focus on domestic affairs and Chinese President Xi Jinping to further consolidate his power in advance of the 2022 Party Congress. But a detente is not to be," the report said.

Global data control

Data is expected to emerge as a major battleground in the technology cold war between the U.S. and China.

The Chinese government will continue to push for "data sovereignty" in an attempt to reduce its reliance on American technology while resisting opening its markets to U.S. firms in areas like cloud computing and social media. At the same time, the U.S. will try to protect its citizens' personal information and ensure that data produced by billions of interest sensors do not pass through Beijing-controlled companies.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

"Authorities around the world have become increasingly preoccupied that their citizens’ personal data could fall into the hands of adversaries who could use it to improve their AI algorithms, influence public opinion, or commit blackmail," the report said.

It continued: "When the world’s biggest economy and its most populous democracy try to ban apps over these concerns, it encourages other countries to do the same."