New Read in a Leading U.S. Security Journal

Our Partner & Middle East–Africa Specialist, Harry Geisler, has published an article in Global Security Review on how civilian dual-use technologies - like commercial drones and AI - are reshaping global security policies.

How Civilian Dual-Use Technologies Are Reshaping Global Security Policies

By Harry Geisler – July 2025

Civilian technologies, such as drones and AI-driven tools, are increasingly being repurposed for military and hybrid conflict, exposing critical infrastructure—from energy grids to airports—to new security threats. Incidents in Germany, Ukraine, and Sudan highlight how easily off-the-shelf systems can be weaponised, blurring the lines between civilian and military domains.

The rapid adoption of dual-use technologies is outpacing current legal and regulatory frameworks, leaving significant gaps in governance. Jurisdictional confusion, slow procurement processes, and fragmented international coordination have created vulnerabilities that adversaries are exploiting.

Allied nations are beginning to respond. The EU has launched a counter-drone strategy, NATO is incorporating counter-UAS drills, and AUKUS partners are sharing emerging tactics. However, there is still no global treaty on armed drones or autonomous weapons, and export controls remain limited.

The article argues for a coordinated international framework that integrates civilian innovators and start-ups into defence planning. Lowering barriers to entry, improving procurement pathways, and fostering cross-border collaboration would allow governments to harness the agility and creativity of smaller firms—turning a potential risk into a strategic advantage.

Read the full article on the Global Security Review's main page here: https://globalsecurityreview.com/how-civilian-dual-use-technologies-are-reshaping-global-security-policies/