The concept of ‘Comprehensive National Security’, expands the traditional view of national security to include internal and external affairs of the state and society. It encompasses both traditional military security and non-traditional dimensions of human security. Pakistan’s first formally declared ‘National Security Policy’ is based on this concept, emphasising a whole-of-nation approach to develop a cohesive and responsive security policy.
Emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D printing, Quantum Computing, 5G, block chain, autonomous systems, robotics, hypersonic missiles, and biotechnology are rapidly transforming societies, economies, as well as warfighting capabilities leading to a shift in global power centres. These technologies have implications for both human security and state security, requiring a futuristic approach.
Technological advancements driven by the digital revolution are revolutionising various fields by gathering, analysing and utilising vast amounts of data. They offer numerous social and economic benefits, enhancing productivity in sectors such as health, energy, finance, education, agriculture, and environment. In the realm of traditional security, these advancements lead to the development of new weapons, integration of existing systems, and changes in operational concepts and organisations. Acquiring these technologies will impact power balances and create challenges at national, regional, and global levels.
In this regard, on 8 June 2023, the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) organised a seminar on the subject of ‘Role of New & Emerging Technologies in Comprehensive National Security.’ The aim of the seminar was to examine the formulation of policies and implementation strategies for investing in the development of newer technologies to achieve Pakistan’s Comprehensive National Security goals.
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CASS Opinion Roundup – May 2026, Vol. No. 0001
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The West: The History of an Idea
The world is witnessing the collapse of the Western order, if not the emergence of an alternative one. The idea of ‘West’ as against the rest is still at the root of contemporary understanding of world politics. Georgios Varouxakis, a remarkable voice on Modernity and Nationalism, has provided the historical origins and modern connotations attached with the idea of ‘West’. In his book ‘The West: The History of an Idea’, Varouxakis has argued that the West is not an eternal entity, rather it is a modern socio-political construct that emerged in the political philosophy of the early 19th century and evolved with the passage of time. The book provides an in-depth historical analysis of the idea to determine the roots of its modern interpretation.
Space-Enabled Warfare in the 21st Century: Pathways for Developing States
Space has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare alongside land, sea, air, and cyber. Developed countries like the United States, Russia, and China possess offensive and support capabilities in space. In the shadowed expanse of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where satellites operate like silent custodians, the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine transformed the nature of modern conflict. As Russian troops marched forward, the commercial satellites like Maxar and Planet, which are operated by Western firms, captured high-resolution imagery of Russian troops, providing real-time intelligence to Ukrainian commanders, unlike ever before.
