Complexity in the Convergent Forces of Change

Complexity in the Convergent Forces of Change

Speaker: Hughes, P. (Retired)

Date: 11 July 2018

Speaker Session Preview

SMA hosted a speaker session presented by Lt Gen (Ret) Patrick Hughes as a part of its SMA DHS Speaker Series. Lt Gen Hughes began his presentation by stating that the United States, its allies, and its enemies are all beset by threats, challenges, and complexities of the modern age. He stated that this condition will only intensify, and therefore, we need to prepare for the future. He explained that we are living in an era of convergence and emergence: several evolving conditions are converging, and new conditions are emerging, simultaneously. For the remainder of the brief, Lt Gen Hughes outlined the key concerns that civil society faces (instability, the rise of transnational crime and criminal enterprise, environmental change, etc.), described the “global condition,” and discussed what implications these impending problems may have.

Speaker Session Audio File

Download Lt Gen (Ret) Hughes’ biography, handout, and slides