5 Geopolitical Threats to Watch For, According to Former National Security Advisor to the VP, Dr. Phil Gordon
As a speaker, Dr. Phil Gordon goes beyond the chaos of daily headlines and looks ahead at the major geopolitical threats shaping our world. His analysis highlights America's strengths while also emphasizing the immense challenges ahead. The good news? The U.S. remains an economic and technological powerhouse, well-positioned to navigate global uncertainty. The bad news? The challenges—from artificial intelligence to great power competition—are only getting bigger.
Gordon’s ability to move past surface-level news cycles and dive into long-term, structural threats is what makes his insights invaluable. Here’s a breakdown of the five biggest geopolitical threats he notes we must prepare for in the coming years.
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1. The Rise of AI and Its National Security Implications
It might not be what most people expect as a top geopolitical threat, but according to Gordon, AI could soon be the defining security challenge of our time. AI's ability to outperform humans in cognitive tasks—ranging from engineering breakthroughs to cyber warfare—could bring both tremendous innovation and catastrophic risks.
In the near future, AI could be used to develop dangerous new technologies or manipulate information on a massive scale. There’s also a chance that adversaries could get there faster. AI is undoubtedly raising the stakes for national security.
2. China’s Expanding Power and the Risk of Conflict
While concerns about China surpassing the U.S. economy have diminished in recent years, its global influence—particularly in the military realm—continues to expand.
One area of heightened attention is Taiwan. As global power dynamics shift, tensions in the region remain a key focus, with questions about future stability and strategic decision-making. Gordon suggests that recent U.S. political changes could influence Beijing’s approach, potentially reshaping regional dynamics. Beyond Taiwan, China’s growing role in areas like technology, trade, and space underscores its increasing significance in global security discussions.
3. Climate Change as a Security Threat
While renewable energy is growing rapidly, global energy demand is rising just as fast, meaning fossil fuel use remains stubbornly high. The U.S. isn't alone in falling behind on climate goals, but Gordon warns that unchecked climate change will cost trillions, displace millions, and exacerbate global instability. Unfortunately, climate change’s long-term consequences make it easier to ignore until it’s late.
4. Russia & the Authoritarian Axis
The conflict in Ukraine has broader implications for the international system, raising questions about how territorial disputes and power shifts are managed on the global stage. How nations respond to such events could influence future geopolitical decisions elsewhere.
Gordon points to a growing alignment among certain countries—Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea—where cooperation in areas like defense and technology is increasing. He suggests that the U.S. and its allies should remain attentive to these developments, as they may shape global security dynamics in the years ahead.
5. The Middle East: A Perpetual Crisis with New Opportunities
The Middle East remains a region of ongoing complexity, with both challenges and opportunities shaping its future. Gordon notes that shifting dynamics have altered the influence of key players, yet broader stability remains uncertain. As geopolitical realities continue to unfold, Gordon emphasizes the importance of remaining attentive to developments that could shape international priorities in the years ahead.
Final Takeaway: America Can Handle These Challenges
Despite the enormous geopolitical risks ahead, Gordon closes with a message of resilience: The U.S. is well-positioned to handle these threats. From economic strength to technological leadership and military power, America’s global standing remains formidable. But the key is staying ahead of the curve—recognizing threats before they escalate.
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