Expected Conflicts

Conflicts in the 21st century are expected to take on new forms, reflecting the changing nature of war and security challenges.

Some of the key highlights include:

• Cyber warfare: Cyber warfare is expected to be an increasingly significant form of conflict in the 21st century. Cyber attacks can be launched by state and non-state actors and can have a wide-ranging impact on critical infrastructure, economies, and societies.
  
• Asymmetric warfare: Asymmetric warfare, in which non-state actors use unconventional tactics, such as guerrilla warfare and terrorism, is expected to continue to be a significant form of conflict in the 21st century. This type of warfare is challenging to counter and can have a significant impact on civilians and societies.
  
• Hybrid warfare: Hybrid warfare, which combines traditional military operations with cyber attacks, propaganda, and other forms of irregular warfare, is expected to be an increasingly significant form of conflict in the 21st century. This type of warfare is challenging to counter and can have a significant impact on societies and economies.
  
• Climate-related conflicts: Climate change is expected to exacerbate existing conflicts and lead to new ones in the 21st century. As resources such as water and food become scarce, countries and non-state actors are expected to compete for them, leading to increased tensions and conflicts.
  
• Space-related conflicts: As countries and private companies continue to invest in space exploration and militarisation, space-related conflicts are expected to become more prevalent in the 21st century. This includes competition over access to and control of resources in space, as well as the potential for conflicts to arise over the use of space-based technology for military and intelligence purposes.

• Nuclear weapons and proliferation: The proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of nuclear war are expected to continue to be a significant source of conflict in the 21st century. This includes the potential for countries to develop and acquire nuclear weapons, as well as the possibility of nuclear accidents or incidents escalating into a wider conflict.
  
• Terrorist groups and extremism: Terrorist groups and extremist organisations are expected to continue to be a significant source of conflict in the 21st century. This includes the potential for terrorist attacks to take place in different parts of the world, as well as the possibility of extremist ideologies spreading and fueling conflicts in various regions.
  
• Political and ideological divides: Political and ideological divides are expected to continue to be a source of conflict in the 21st century. This includes the potential for conflicts to arise between countries with different political systems and ideologies, as well as the possibility of domestic conflicts arising from political and ideological divisions within countries.
  
• Economic and resource-based conflicts: Economic and resource-based conflicts are expected to continue to be a significant source of conflict in the 21st century. This includes the potential for conflicts to arise over access to and control of resources such as oil, water, and land, as well as the possibility of economic conflicts arising from trade disputes or currency fluctuations.
  
• Human rights and civil liberties: Conflicts arising from human rights and civil liberties are expected to continue to be a source of conflict in the 21st century. This includes the potential for conflicts to arise over issues such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as the possibility of conflicts arising from human rights abuses and political repression.

It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of the conflicts that are expected to take place in the 21st century. Other forms of conflict, such as pandemics, technological advancements, and demographic changes may also arise. As the world continues to evolve, it’s important to be aware of the potential for new forms of conflict to emerge and to work towards preventing and resolving conflicts through diplomatic and peaceful means.