National Security Challenges Amid Global Instability

• •Domestic political discontent is undermining national security globally.
• •The conflict in Iran has disrupted critical global supply chains.
• •Governments must adopt a multi-domain approach to enhance resilience.

At the Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers (APPSNO) 2026, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan addressed the increasing domestic political discontent and its impact on national security. He highlighted that technological advancements and geopolitical tensions have led to weaponised interdependencies, posing significant challenges to national resilience. The ongoing conflict in Iran has disrupted global supply chains, particularly affecting energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz. This situation has exacerbated domestic social cohesion issues in various countries. Balakrishnan emphasized the need for governments to adopt a broader view of national security, integrating efforts across multiple domains including politics, economics, and technology. The conference gathered over 70 officials and experts from 21 countries to discuss these pressing issues. The theme for this year is 'Resilient Societies in a Fragmented World: National Security Beyond Borders'.