The way we think about national security is changing. Traditionally, the idea of protecting a nation focused on military contests over power, wealth or territory. Not surprisingly, military strength was the chief determinant of war and peace. States and governments were the key players involved.
No longer. As Alan Dupont explains in this important study, national security establishments must expand their perspectives and consider new forces and actors that are shaping the threat environment.
Remember the smog/haze that blanketed Southeast Asia in 1997-98? The haze was caused by fires in Indonesia that were lit to clear forests. The smoke caused serious health problems and substantial economic losses (by scaring off tourists and forcing companies and schools to shut down) throughout the region. It wasn't deliberate state action against another country; no state actor was directly involved, although corruption was a contributing cause. This is one of the new types of security challenges that we need to consider.