Abstract:
The twenty-first century has seen the rise of non-traditional security threats, which significantly differ from conventional military challenges. These include environmental degradation, cyber conflicts, demographic shifts, transnational crime, and the growing influence of non-state actors such as terrorist groups and organised crime networks. This paper critically examines these evolving security threats, their causes, and the complex impact they have on both national and global stability. It also analyses the pressing need for comprehensive strategies that move beyond traditional military solutions, encompassing diplomatic, environmental, technological, and economic approaches. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of these threats, emphasising how demographic changes can intensify environmental degradation or how cyber-attacks contribute to political instability. For instance, organised crime networks exploit technological advancement to conduct illegal operations across borders, while environmental degradation leads to resource conflicts and displacement. The paper further addresses the role of non-state actors in undermining state sovereignty and their increasing capacity to operate on a global scale through digital platforms. The paper draws from a qualitative analysis of secondary data. The study identifies the current countermeasures in place and argues for a shift toward more integrated and flexible solutions, particularly in addressing terrorism, climate change, and cybersecurity threats. Existing strategies are critiqued for their inability to adapt to the multidimensional nature of modern security challenges. The findings underscore the need for international cooperation, stronger policy frameworks, and enhanced resilience measures to effectively confront these non-traditional security threats. Ultimately, safeguarding human security and promoting global stability require a proactive, coordinated approach that addresses the root causes of these emerging threats.
