International security threats – What are the main ones?

The modern world faces an unprecedented convergence of international security threats and instability. Factors such as war, climate change, mass migration, the explosion of artificial intelligence, terrorism, and the changing geopolitical landscape, means the world faces numerous issues that leaders will need to tackle together to prevent tensions boiling over.

This, coupled with rising national and international crime rates and criminal organisations, which increasingly operate across international borders can pose an incalculable threat to the global community in an increasingly connected world.

In this post, we will take a closer look at what international security is and what the most important threats are today. And if you would like to be a leader in a world of constant change and help to improve and find the necessary solutions, you might want to think about studying the Degree In International Relations at the Universidad Europea.

International security definition

Before looking at the different threats and challenges in international security that we face as a global community, it is important to understand what we are talking about.

International security, also known as global security, is a term that refers to the measures taken by governments and international organisations, such as the United Nations, the European Union and others, to ensure the survival and security of all.

Our understanding of international security has changed and evolved over the years. Today, several interconnected issues in the world are covered. They range from traditional or conventional modes of military power, the causes and consequences of war between states, economic force, to ethnic, religious and ideological conflicts, trade and economic conflicts, energy supply, science and technology, food, as well as threats to human security and environmental degradation, infectious diseases, climate change and the activities of non-state actors.

Biggest threats to international security

The following list are some of the biggest threats to international security we face on a global scale. However, this is not all the threats – there are many more that not only government leaders need to work on and find solutions, but all of us as global citizens.

• Terrorism: Global terrorism is an unfortunate reality of modern times. These indiscriminate and targeted acts can come from a range of terrorist organisations, small groups or individuals. These attacks can affect any person, establishment or business at any time and target any location in the world.
• Climate change: Extreme weather is becoming increasingly common as the world gets warmer. Recurrent droughts in Africa; floods in Asia and Latin America; and violent wind and fire storms affecting even rich countries are destroying homes and livelihoods and creating new vicious cycles of poverty. Rising sea levels, changing seasons and the threat of new disease outbreaks are affecting rural and urban communities and increasing tensions as water supplies dwindle, food prices rise, and people leave their homes to seek safety elsewhere.
• Conflict and war: There are now more active conflicts than at any time since 1945. Civil and internal conflicts, insurgencies and political chaos in places such as Yemen, South Sudan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Venezuela and Myanmar are causing massive displacement of people. Globally, there are now more than 82 million people living in refugee and displacement camps or far from home, creating tensions between host communities, forcing families to make dangerous journeys and exposing vulnerable people, especially women and children, to trafficking gangs and exploitation.
• Hunger and malnutrition: The threat of hunger now faces 45 million people in 43 countries around the world, according to World Vision. Millions of people are living on the brink of starvation and urgently need food to survive. The challenge of overcoming hunger by 2030, one of the development goals set by the United Nations, is seriously misplaced due to several issues, including conflict, COVID-19 and climate change.
• Artificial intelligence: This year has seen a rapid rise in the use of artificial intelligence. Already it is having an impact in almost every sector and while it has its positives in many processes much more efficient, there are also numerous concerns about it. Some of these concerns include the increased likelihood of cyber-attacks on organisations, the misuse of AI to develop more sophisticated weapons, and indeed its use in spreading false information of all sorts.

How to work in the international security sector?

As you can see, international security encompasses several important topics. If you are passionate about working in the field of international development, security, or international relations, at Universidad Europea, in addition to the aforementioned degree, we offer the Global Bachelor in International Relations and the Degree in International Relations Valencia.

In all our programmes, you study under the guidance of experts and professionals in their areas of knowledge. In addition, knowing the importance of already having the necessary problem-solving skills, you will have opportunities to do internships in important organisations and companies in the sector.