In an era where digital technologies dominate global infrastructure, security challenges have evolved beyond traditional state-to-state conflicts to encompass transnational threats that leverage networks, artificial intelligence (AI), and cyber capabilities. This panel will explore the multifaceted security concerns arising from these modern risks, focusing on the ways in which digital powers—both state and non-state actors—are reshaping global security dynamics.
The panel will begin by examining the rise of transnational threats, where global networks become the battlefield for issues such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and disinformation campaigns that cross borders and undermine national security. We will discuss how these threats transcend geographic limitations, posing significant challenges for states and international organizations that are often ill-equipped to address them.
In particular, the rapid development of AI technologies has introduced a new layer of complexity to the security landscape. From autonomous weapons systems to deepfake technology, AI’s potential to disrupt traditional security frameworks is both profound and troubling. The discussion will highlight the dual-use nature of AI and its potential to be weaponized in ways that are difficult to predict or control, further complicating international security.
Finally, the panel will explore the growing interstate competition for dominance in digital technologies. As nations vie for control over the most advanced cyber and AI capabilities, this competition has the potential to create new fault lines in global governance and security. By examining these challenges, the panel will offer insights into how states, international organizations, and private sector actors can collaborate to protect against the evolving threats in this interconnected, digital age.