Introduction
The Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) Islamabad organized a roundtable discussion on ‘Evolving Warfare Techniques as Security Challenges: Options to Mitigate Threats’ on 16 August 2023.
Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi, Executive Director of CISS Islamabad, chaired the session. The speakers included Mr Khawaja Mohammad Ali (Head of Technology Strategy, Risk and Governance, National Bank of Pakistan), Professor Julian Richards (Director of the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies, University of Buckingham, United Kingdom), Air Commodore (Retd) Raza Haider (Director at Emerging Technologies and Aerospace Industry, Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies, Islamabad), and Mr Zeeshan Javed (Lecturer, National Defence University, Islamabad). Dr Atia Ali Kazmi (Director Research, CISS) gave concluding remarks, and Anum A Khan (Associate Director Research, CISS) moderated the session.
The roundtable session offered a useful avenue for experts, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore the evolving warfare techniques. The discussion aimed to navigate the complex landscape of modern security challenges and its impact on Pakistan, which holds a crucial position in the global security architecture.
In rapidly changing and interconnected world, warfare is experiencing a radical transformation. With the advent of new technologies, traditional ideas of conflict are being reshaped, causing the battlefield to shift from physical arenas to digital domains and hybrid spaces. In this dynamic landscape, where information is weaponized and the artificial intelligence (AI) augments weaponry, the traditional boundaries of warfare are blurring.
Therefore, states must adapt quickly to ensure their security and stability. There is a need to discuss the re-evaluation of international instruments and cooperation to respond to evolving warfare techniques. This discussion focused on examining the effectiveness of existing agreements while promoting innovation in defense strategies to address emerging threats and ensure global security.
