There are many current and upcoming security challenges that shape the world we live in. From international flows of migration, to terrorism and organised crime on a national level to a growing number of fragile and failed states.

The gap between peaceful and conflict prone countries is widening. For the foreseeable future we will most probably see more fragile and failed states.

Growing fragility as a trend in and threat to international security 

Although the world has grown more peaceful over the last hundred years, the decline in world peace over the last decade cannot be ignored.

In the world today, migration and terrorism are the biggest drivers of conflict. However, these conflict drivers on their own do not constitute the most pressing threats to future stability. With the growing worldwide interdependence, decreasing resources, and the challenges affecting our climate, the nation-state is now under intense pressure.

 

All these multi-layered, interrelated and highly politicised themes are increasing fragility on a global scale, which instensifies the challenges already experienced by weak states. This results in a widening gap between peaceful and conflict prone countries. Hence for the foreseeable future we will most probably see more fragile and failed states.

Why is this an important trend?

Looking at the global level, insecurity is the rule; security is the exception. A subsequent growing fragility means even less security worldwide.

Fragile states are characterised by their (frequent) inability to establish and maintain a monopoly on the instruments of violence, an absent state, absence of basic state services, an ineffective rule of law, an abundance of informal security & justice actors, and poverty in all its forms. These conditions breed, perpetuate and reignite conflict.

 

Participate in the Training Course on International Security

Do you want to learn more about these international security trends? Are you interested in the world outside of your doorstep, and want to understand how in turn the world is coming to your doorstep more and more?

Then the course on international security is for you.

The upcoming June edition is already full, but you can still subscribe for the edition in October.

More information?

Please contact Mr. Rob Sijstermans, Training & Research Fellow, Clingendael Academy.