The United States is going to have to confront a number of issues as the world becomes more fast paced and multipolar that will have great implications for defense and security, according to the National Intelligence Council’s new report: “Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released the report on Dec. 10. In its list of “megatrends” to watch, the report states that decreasing poverty, coupled with an increasing global middle class, will mean that more persons will have access to technology and communications than ever before—for both good and potentially ill purposes. Another trend is the diffusion of power, with the report noting that by 2030, Asia will surpass the West in gross domestic production, population, military spending, and technology investment. “Enabled by communications technologies, power will shift towards multifaceted and amorphous networks that will form to influence state and global actions,” states the report. Lastly, the demand for food, water, and energy will grow enormously across the world, states the report. The NIC provides long-term strategic analysis to the US intelligence community. (AFPS report by Jim Garamone)
The U.S. thwarted a drone attack on U.S. forces at Al Asad air base in western Iraq on April 22, marking the first time that American troops have been targeted since February, U.S. officials said. “We can confirm it was an attack on Al Asad,” a defense official told Air & Space…