5.2a What are the current and emerging national security issues related to transnational threats including international terrorism, illicit finance, organised crime, private security actors, conflict, proliferation, disinformation and state and non-state threats?

Background

Threats to UK and international security take multiple forms, from the changing nature of warfare; role of illicit flows; patterns of organised crime and terrorism as transnational threats; the increase in state-linked hostile activities; to risks of direct confrontation with adversaries; and increasing salience of nuclear weapons. Disinformation and new technology bring new vulnerabilities. Research supports policy makers in understanding, adapting and responding to geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts; systemic competition; rapid technological change; and transnational challenges. Countering threats and harnessing scientific advantage will require the ability to combine innovation with international collaboration.

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