RETHINKING GLOBAL SECURITY USING DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES: AN ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper highlights how technological innovation in the 21^st century supports the decentralization of power as opposed to the technological infrastructure of the 20^th century which supported the centralization of power. It builds on the assumption that amidst the current wave of technology, states need to adapt accordingly to ensure their commitment to security with their citizens. For that, this research uses a critical approach to international security and highlights different ways in which disruptive technologies such as blockchain, Internet of Things, Artificial intelligence etc. can play a decisive role. Theoretically, it is aligned with the approach of Robert Cox’s critical theory through which it proposes a post-structural approach to resolving non-traditional security threats by adopting the route of digitization. It assumes that the current security infrastructure is driven by a traditional understanding of security which not only needs revision but also requires structural amendments. To keep its scope focused and manageable, this paper uses Kotler’s six stages of digitization through which exponential technologies move, to reimagine security options.