Event Details

New World (Dis)Order - Security Lancaster Theme Launch and Workshop

The liberal world order is fraying at the seams. New powers are rising. Non-state actors are testing the boundaries of political authority and legitimacy. And (some) allies are becoming increasingly isolationist, unilateral and adversarial.

• How should the UK respond to these challenges as the international order transforms?
• Is international disorder becoming the new norm and what risks does this pose for national, regional and global security?

This workshop will examine the sources of disorder in international affairs, how and why the existing order is under threat, and whether foreign and security policy decisionmakers need to reformulate their thinking for an increasingly disorderly world.

A central focus is examining the role of emerging technologies as both sources of disruption and tools for change. On the one hand, technologies including cyber, AI, quantum, the metaverse, and biotechnologies are destabilising institutions, shifting power balances, and transforming the nature of conflict and influence. On the other hand, these same technologies opportunities to strengthen societies, enhance decision-making and build resilience.

Beyond merely reacting to disorder, how might the UK proactively harness technological change to shape a more stable and stable future?