The international security landscape

On the one hand, we see a resurgence of political, economic, security and even cultural competition
between states. Although it remains the world’s sole superpower. Failing and fragile states have
created a belt of insecurity stretching from West Africa to Afghanistan. The global order dominated
by the US as the sole hegemonic power since the fall of the Berlin Wall is seeing more players
stepping onto a more leveled playing field. Filling this power vacuum, complex and interdependent
networks of diverse non-state actors from terrorists to organised crime have filled the space

Regional powers are also becoming more assertive in their neighborhoods, such as Iran and Saudi
Arabia series of proxy wars in Syria and Russia for influence over vast areas of the globe. This
competition usually plays out in indirect ways, such as vying for political influence or preferential
trade agreements. However, with the races on for next generation weapons and especially
dominance of cyberspace through quantum computing and AI, the possible vectors for direct and
indirect clashes are increasing. In this increasingly fragmented Global Order where insecurity and
security is purveyed by state and non-state actors alike, the volatility of the balance of power
increases.

Yemen and Iraq as well as fuels broader disputes across North and East Africa, the Middle East,
South and Central Asia. From transnational corporations and private military companies to
insurgents and terrorist organisations, these actors act as a force multiplier to threats and their
countermeasures. US is facing stronger competition from China. On the other hand, non-state actors
influence and engage in global politics like never before. The domino effects of these conflicts
spilling over from state to state increases global insecurity by fragmenting social, political and
economic order on the ground and pulling international powers into deeper competition. Altogether,
this rapidly shifting landscape makes it more critical than ever for today’s practitioners to develop
and hone the tools to counter the threats of tomorrow.