Strong militaries alone are not enough to secure a nation. A wide range of non-traditional issues-such as financial instability; food, water and health insecurities; energy shortages; organized crime; climate change; terrorism by non-state actors backed by a state; and technological disruptions-play a critical role. Yet, these often receive insufficient attention, as policymakers tend to treat them as secondary. This mindset must change, as old frameworks cannot address new challenges. Operation Sindoor is a good example of a new approach.
Written from an Indian perspective, The Silent Enemy: Non-traditional Challenges to National Security argues that national security planning must also take into consideration non-traditional security issues. The 'silent enemies' should not be addressed in isolation, but holistically. This comprehensive approach is critical for a nation's security. The book also examines how demographic shifts and narrative warfare impact both national and global security.
