FUTURE

of WAR

-> Predicting the future of war is challenging, but based on current trends and analysis, some potential futures of war include:

- Increased automation - Militaries are likely to make greater use of AI, robotics, drones and autonomous weapons systems. This may change the nature of tactics and operations.

- Cyberwarfare - Digital warfare in cyberspace will become more prominent as militaries, states and non-state actors try to disrupt, degrade and influence opponents through hacking, viruses, disinformation etc. 

- Space as a domain - Access to and control of space through satellites, orbital weapons etc. may become a critical axis of military power.

- Hypersonic weapons - Weapons traveling over 5 times the speed of sound will compress decision-making time and complicate defenses.

- Proxy wars - Countries may increasingly use non-state actors, militias, armed groups to wage war indirectly against rivals.

- Urban warfare - Fighting is likely to concentrate in cities as urbanization increases worldwide. This poses operational challenges.

- Irregular and asymmetric warfare - Weaker actors using unconventional tactics to offset conventional military disadvantages. 

- Increased civilian targeting - Adversaries may seek to undermine populace and economic stability through attacks on critical infrastructure, cyber networks etc.

- Automation of defense systems - Detection, response and coordination of threats may rely more on AI-enabled, automated processes and less on humans.

However, cooperation through alliances and treaties could decrease risks of large-scale conflict. The future remains uncertain and complex. Strategic foresight and adaptability will be key.