A new poll ahead of next week's Davos Forum is suggesting inter-state conflicts are going to be the biggest threat to global stability over the coming decade.

The survey of some 900 international observers is suggesting issues, such as the conflict in Ukraine and the rise of the Islamic State, as well as cyber-attacks, are going to be the biggest problem in the coming 10-years.

Espen Barth Eide is the Managing Director of the World Economic Forum.

"Well, we are living in an uncertain world, and we are seeing that trust between key governments unfortunately is going down. We are not getting better, but actually less good at solving problems together, and we see rising tensions in many parts of the world. And what we are suggesting is that we are seeing a return of strategic competition that does not have to lead to wars, but where key players are competing rather than cooperating. We think that's bad for all of us, because we think cooperation will make us all more prosperous and more safe."

Other major concerns highlighted in the survey include extreme weather, the spread of infectious diseases, climate change and youth unemployment.

The survey has been conducted to give talking-points to those set to attend this year's World Economic Forum in Switzerland this coming week.