Geopolitical Security Challenges and Technology Insights

This document is a report on a tabletop exercise conducted at the 2024 Munich Security Conference, focusing on the evolving global security environment. The exercise was organized by the Special Competitive Studies Project and led by RAND, involving 22 participants, including senior government officials and industry executives. The primary objectives were to assess whether the global security landscape is at an inflection point and to explore how governments can leverage technology to address contemporary geopolitical challenges. The report outlines various global security threats, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Chinese militarization, and North Korean provocations, alongside technological advancements in artificial intelligence and synthetic biology. Key insights from the discussions indicate that the geopolitical environment is indeed at a critical juncture, influenced by both technological developments and diminishing government capacities. The report emphasizes the importance of effective government-private partnerships and the need for democracies to align their technological strategies to address these challenges effectively.