The Strategic Security Risk Report 2020 presents the top ten risks facing humanity in 2020. It stresses the need for a long-term view of the strategic security risks emerging that could negatively impact the future of humanity.
The Strategic Security Risk Report 2020
The second edition of Risk Group’s Strategic Security Risk Report 2020 is published as digital disorder is rising and the geopolitics of cybersecurity is threatening the contested commons of cyberspace, aquaspace, geospace, and space. In addition to economic and security implications, the threat to the future of humanity necessitates we define a path for collective action for our collective security. The reason is cyberspace is human-made and is connecting everyone, humans as well as machines. The rapidly evolving interconnected human NGIOA/CAGS ecosystem is on its way to bring a fundamental transformation to the way we live, work, do things and more. While the interconnected CAGS ecosystem has allowed nations to redefine and redesign the systems at all levels, the rushed transition to the emerging connected systems (which went forward without us first understanding the associated risks and having in place proper change management processes) is failing to promote progress and advancement for everyone. As a result, amidst the echoes of failed globalization and the rise of digital disorder, the growing concerns of the emerging turbulence are giving rise to social, political, and economic chaos.
The powerful forces of democratization of constructive and destructive ideas, imaginations, and innovations are proving to be disruptive at all levels across the entire CAGS ecosystem. Every individual and entity across NGIOA, every component of a nation is impacted. Despite that, nations are struggling to keep up. Amidst the democratization of destruction, do-it-yourself movement, shifting surveillance power, commoditization of intelligence, and the lack of integrated NGIOA approach, decision-makers today are ill-positioned to address the vulnerabilities of emerging technologies, technology transformation and its associated changes. This is visibly seen in the design, development and deployment of cyberspace technologies like AI, 5G and more.
AI-driven surveillance technology is not only bringing fundamental transformation to surveillance and sabotage but is also shifting the power structure and the nature of power. The technology layers from cyberspace are creating new power centers. The new mode and nature of intelligence are disrupting traditional alliances. Understandably, the geopolitical risks and the environment are driving the Strategic Security Risks for 2020.
It is fitting that this year’s Risk Report coincides with the Risk Group publication of the book, Geopolitics of Cybersecurity: Implications for the Future of Humanity. The book focuses on the rapidly emerging technological transformation from cyberspace that is fundamentally altering aquaspace, geospace, and space (CAGS). Amidst a backdrop of increasing global competition, mistrust, disorder, and conflict, there are many growing concerns for the future of humanity. Conversations about cyberspace and technology are now inextricably linked to broader conversations affecting each one of us across nations, from trade policy and digital autonomy to cyber warfare and the weaponization of artificial intelligence. As a result, the geopolitical forces are shaping not only the future of nations but also the future of humanity. Ultimately, how nations handle these issues and conflicts will determine the future of humanity.
Jayshree Pandya, Founder and CEO, Risk Group LLC
This Risk Report is part of the Risk Group’s Strategic Security Initiative
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