For billions of people around the world, the quest for security remains an overriding concern. For some, it is to secure basic needs like food, shelter and health care; for others it’s the pursuit of fundamental human rights like freedom from oppression or fear.
At the national level, the concept of security often revolves around a nation’s military defense capabilities and its territorial boundaries. But at the global level, security focuses on threats and risks that transcend national borders and require cooperation among nations. This new level of analysis is referred to as global security, and it’s distinct from international security, which addresses interstate conflicts and territorial concerns.
Global security challenges are reshaping the operating environment of organizations in 2025. From heightened political tensions and GZW actions to the rise of online radicalization and lone-wolf attacks, these broader geopolitical developments will require more informed assessments and operational resilience measures from corporate security leaders.
Rapid shifts in climate also pose emerging threats to global security, expanding the areas that are prone to natural disasters. From hurricanes to wildfires and floods, these changes expose businesses and families to new vulnerabilities in regions they’ve historically considered safe. In addition, policy changes in the United States can trigger backlash abroad and spark societal protests that threaten the safety of executives traveling to foreign countries. These broader global security trends call for more collaboration between security vendors and governments to address these new threats effectively.
About the Author
