The DCDC Global Strategic Trends Programme - Global Strategic Trends Out to 2040

Global Strategic Trends is produced by the Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre (DCDC).  This is the fourth publication produced by DCDC, as part of the Global Strategic Trends Programme and this edition describes how the period out to 2040 will be a time of continuing transition, characterised by uncertainty, challenge and opportunity.  The document gives a detailed consideration of how climate change, global inequality, population growth, resource scarcity and the shifting balance of global power will transform the strategic context and create persistent, complex, global challenges.

Global Strategic Trends seeks to build on previous editions, informed by the lessons we have learned from contemporary events, and has a greater focus on global defence and security issues.  It does not predict the future and the opportunities exist for many of the challenges outlined in the document to be overcome, largely through global collective action.  However, due to the nature of these challenges, states may choose to protect their own interests first and independent responses may increase instablity and tension.

Global Strategic Trends has informed the Defence Green Paper although the findings contained in the document are DCDC's and do not necessarily represent an official position of Her Majesty's Government or the UK MOD.  The research and evidence that underpins the main findings has been undertaken with consultation with our key allies, partners and academia.

DCDC would welcome feedback using the link below either electronically or at the address given in the publication.