A Donald Trump presidency would be as big a global risk as the rising threat of jihadi terrorism, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.

In a list released Thursday, the research team also suggested Trump's rhetoric toward the Middle East will in itself raise the jihadi menace.

"His militaristic tendencies towards the Middle East and ban on all Muslim travel to the US would be a potent recruitment tool for jihadi groups," the EIU said in its global risk assessment.

The research firm says Trump's hostile attitude toward free trade could also prove a worldwide issue.

"In the event of a Trump victory, his hostile attitude to free trade, and alienation of Mexico and China in particular, could escalate rapidly into a trade war," the report said.

The EIU ranking combines impact and probability on a scale rating of 1 to 25, with a Trump presidency scoring a rating of 12.

However, more dangerous events listed include China experiencing a hard landing and a breakdown of the European Union.

The top 10 risks with their scores, are: