Global threats and challenges constantly evolve, reflecting the changing geopolitical landscape and technological advancements. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the global landscape, causing widespread illness and death, disrupting economies, and leading to significant changes in how people live and interact with one another. The pandemic has also highlighted and exacerbated pre-existing inequalities and vulnerabilities within and between countries.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has also had significant consequences, including the displacement of thousands of people and the strain on Ukraine’s economy and political system. These events have had far-reaching effects on the international community and have led to shifts in global power dynamics and relationships.
Another concerning issue is China and the growing tensions in the Southeast Asian region. As a significant economic and global political force, Beijing’s impact can be seen all around southeast Asia. On the one hand, China has fuelled economic growth and development in several south-east Asian nations. Still, on the other hand, its growing assertiveness in the area has also sparked tension and worry, causing some south-east Asian countries to try and balance their connections with China by fostering closer ties with other forces, like the United States (and by that causing more tensions and anger on Beijing’s side).
“The difficulties also present possibilities.”
“The world has changed dramatically in recent years, challenging our sense of security and stability. National defence has become more important than ever as we grapple with these complex and multifaceted threats.”, says Aviad Matza, Avnon group’s CEO.
“As a security and defence business, we have observed how worldwide changes have affected the industry. However, these difficulties also present possibilities for progress and innovation. We remain dedicated to being on the cutting edge of these advancements to offer our clients and communities the best solutions possible.”, he adds.
Here are some key trends that are shaping the international security and defence landscape for the past years:
Rise of non-traditional security threats: While armed military and territorial conflicts still pose a threat, the current global security landscape is shaped by various non-traditional threats such as terrorism, pandemics, natural disasters, and climate change. These threats often have cross-border implications and require a coordinated response from the international community.
The growing use of drones: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sometimes known as drones, are employed for various operations, including border patrol, targeted assassinations, and surveillance. Drones have the benefit of operating in hazardous and challenging-to-access regions without endangering human life. However, concerns about privacy and the possibility of misuse have been raised due to their widespread use.
Shift towards asymmetrical warfare: Asymmetrical warfare, in which non-state actors deploy guerrilla tactics and unusual weapons, is replacing traditional warfare, which is characterised by massive armies and expensive weapons systems. Conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, where terrorists and extremist groups have proven to be very adaptable and difficult to defeat, are where this pattern is most clearly seen.
“We learn from our clients and work closely with them.”
And how this complicated and fast-changing world affects the Avnon Group? If you ask Matza, little did this change the already focused and ambitious strategy of the solution-oriented companies within the group.
“Our clients usually know their problems and threats and seek solutions. That’s where Avnon comes into action – we’re not trying to explain to our clients their problems. We learn from them and work closely together on designing the most suitable solutions. The truth is that we’re often discovering new things alongside our clients – because you can never stop learning, especially in light of the current events”, says Matza.
“Here also lies Avnon’s strength as a group in the years that follow, and that is also why we established the business division and are working on expanding it – The ability to see the whole picture, know how to connect technologies and build solutions that can answer on complicated challenges and threats. With this in mind and as a group, we can reach higher and hopefully contribute to a safer world”, Matza concluded.
Written by Daniela Ginzburg