Preparing for the future of international security

The security and defence landscape of 2026 is defined by changing global norms. The repercussions of increased spending commitments, strategic realignments and the testing of established structures are compounded by volatile situations on the ground. Public and private stakeholders are facing the emergence of new regional dynamics and global trends against the backdrop of this rapidly shifting domain.

As NATO allies grapple with 5% defence spending targets, the concessions already granted and the speed of increased spending are testing the stability of the alliance, raising fundamental questions about burden-sharing and collective resolve. The return of a Trump administration to the White House has intensified these pressures. The United States’  approach to international relations is forcing allies and adversaries alike to recalibrate their strategies across multiple theatres of potential conflict.

China’s military modernisation continues to reshape the Asia-Pacific region, with the approaching centenary of the People’ s Republic in 2049 lending urgency to Beijing’s ‘rejuvenation’ and ‘reunification’ objectives. The intersection of these ambitions with a nuclear-armed North Korea, a strategically autonomous and increasingly assertive India, and the escalating tensions in the South China Sea has created an environment of instability. Meanwhile, the Middle East remains a region beset by both interstate and proxy conflicts, where traditional great powers and emerging middle powers compete for influence whilst grappling with the fundamental significance of religious and sectarian divisions. At the same time, the convergence of climate change and conflict has emerged as a defining characteristic of modern warfare, from the battlefields of Sudan to the competition for critical materials essential to defence production and societal resilience. Furthermore, as cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and espionage continues to adapt to the digital world, the traditional boundaries between the domains of conflict will blur, necessitating cross-domain analysis and strategy development. 

The 2026 Security and Defence conference brings together global policymakers, senior military and armed forces figures, business leaders and civil society experts. A day and a half of keynotes, high-level panel dialogues, and ‘under-the-Rule’ spotlights will explore how policymakers, military leaders and industry stakeholders can forge resilient public-private partnerships to navigate this complex threat landscape whilst ensuring that defence innovation remains effective against the challenges of tomorrow.

Why attend?

In-person networking opportunities with senior leaders from across the government, international militaries and global business, as well as access to exclusive ‘under-the-Rule’ sessions.

Understand the diverse array of threats facing the modern security and defence stakeholder and build out strategies to ensure resilience to these heightened risks.

Learn what leaders in this ecosystem are prioritizing and how to make increased defence spending more efficient and effective.