EVENT RECAP: Global Trends: Forces Shaping National Security in Coming Decades
On February 10, the American Security Project hosted an event titled, “Global Trends: Forces Shaping National Security in Coming Decades.” The virtual event was moderated by ASP Board member Lee Cullum, who spoke with former chairman of the National Intelligence Council (NIC), Gregory F. Treverton, to discuss the latest Global Trends Report 2040.
The discussion opened by addressing the intense rivalry between the scientific and technological communities in and outside government and the security implications. Dr. Treverton notes that there has been a movement towards harmonizing relations, given the neutrality of the technology itself.
Conversation then focused on the evolution of public-private partnerships and their importance in the growing mismatch between citizens’ expectations and government provisions. Dr. Treverton argues that new alliances can lead to new forms of government that can bridge cooperation across different levels of government and the public and private sectors.
The growing issue of climate change is referenced frequently throughout the report, and both Ms. Cullum and Dr. Treverton discuss the increasing demand for reengineering and technical solutions to climate change. Treverton explained that some of these solutions may have unforeseen consequences and noted that international cooperation would be necessary for the implementation of any solution. However, Treverton cites that the most significant uncertainties come from the U.S. and China.
The conversation also included demography, innovation, self-sufficiency, catastrophic food shortages, the political divide in the United States, migration, currency shifts, and the future of cooperation on the pandemic.
