Scenarios of Evolving Global Order

Influential research. Trusted analysis.

The global order is under strain, propelled by the complex interplay of numerous trends and impacts. Converging factors are redefining the contours of the international system, necessitating significant adaptation by states. While the forces for change are evident, the trajectory of the new order remains highly uncertain.

In this CIGI special report, Paul Samson, S. Yash Kalash, Nikolina Zikovic, Tracey Forrest and Bessma Momani seek to fill a gap between the analysis of current trends and mapping of potential futures by outlining five possible scenarios for an evolving global order, from the most modest plausible change to the most radical.

One of the scenarios explored in CIGI’s special report Scenarios of Evolving Global Order is the possible development of new security and economic regional blocs. In this opinion, S. Yash Kalash writes that “as China’s growing influence and expansionist bent challenge regional stability, India’s deepening partnerships with Southeast Asian nations now create an opportunity for the formation of a new security architecture — one that could be crucial for maintaining a balanced and multipolar Indo-Pacific landscape.”

In this episode of Policy Prompt, hosts Vass Bednar and Paul Samson speak with Susie Alegre to unpack her latest book, Human Rights, Robot Wrongs: Being Human in the Age of AI (Atlantic Books, 2024).

Listen to find out if Susie has ever been fooled by artificial intelligence, what the challenges and the tensions of rights for machines are, and why there is a palpable lack of urgency around the adoption of fully autonomous weapons.

CIGI is giving away copies of Human Rights, Robot Wrongs. For a chance to win, tell us in a comment what you liked best about this episode on LinkedIn, X or Instagram. Three winners will be chosen randomly.

“AI can open new horizons in war and warfare, but not to the extent advocated by many optimistic futurists....The futurists’ vision of future war, and their advocacy of stand-off warfare, is incompatible with the fundamental and inherent challenges of land war.”

In this paper, Amos C. Fox introduces a new theory of warfare — obstructive warfare — to sidestep the wide-ranging sensationalism associated with today’s new and emerging technology and provide an alternative assessment, based in causal logic, for how AI can be used in military operations.

In this opinion, Matthew da Mota reviews the chorus of criticism for Canada’s lagging innovation economy, despite vast resources, and considers the path ahead. For Canada to get off the sidelines, as “training camp and tech incubator to the United States and other larger nations,” da Mota says government officials and policy makers need to develop a coherent vision and strategy on its future in innovation and tech, both at home and in the global context.

Recommended

In Ottawa, the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions held its last scheduled day of public hearings on October 24. Led by Quebec judge Marie-Josée Hogue, the commission is examining allegations of foreign interference by China, Russia and other foreign states in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian federal elections.

On behalf of CIGI, Aaron Shull submitted observations and recommendations; listen to his remarks here (clip begins 4:06:30).

Reporting to the Manager, Digital Media and Software Development, the Multimedia Producer is responsible for the creation of multimedia content for CIGI’s channels, including CIGIonline.org and social media accounts.

The closing date for applications is November 6. Learn more about this opportunity and please share with your networks.

Follow us
                         
© 2024 Centre for International Governance Innovation