Post-Pandemic Global Defense Dynamics have undergone significant transformation, as countries change the way they respond to new security challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic not only affects public health, but also influences defense policy, military strategy and international diplomacy. One big impact is increased attention to cyber security. With more and more interactions taking place online, countries are now more vulnerable to digital attacks. Therefore, increasing budgets for cybersecurity has become a top priority for many governments. For example, countries such as the US and China have increased their efforts in strengthening cyber defenses to protect critical infrastructure. In addition, international cooperation in defense is experiencing a morphosis. The pandemic forced countries to collaborate in responding to the health crisis, which then spilled over into the security sector. Joint military exercises and intelligence exchange increased, given the importance of confronting cross-border threats, including terrorism and transnational crime. Another important aspect is the change in defense budget allocation. Many countries, especially in Europe, are starting to divert funds from traditional military programs to invest in new technologies and non-military crisis capabilities. The use of drones, AI technology and data-based defense systems is becoming more dominant. The economic crisis triggered by the pandemic has also affected defense dynamics. Developing countries have been forced to reduce their defense budgets, prioritizing urgent needs in the health and economic sectors. This creates instability that bad actors can exploit. On the other hand, countries that have strong economies continue to strengthen their military capabilities. Strategic competition between the US and China is increasing, with both countries competing to expand their influence in the Indo-Pacific region. These changes pushed Southeast Asian countries to balance their relations with these two great powers. In response to new threats such as pandemics and geopolitical instability, many countries are shifting from conventional defense strategies to more flexible approaches. This includes the development of an “adaptive defense doctrine”, under which military forces are expected to carry out a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance to armed forces operations. Changes in social behavior due to the pandemic also have an impact on public compliance with defense policies. With increased public awareness of health and resilience issues, society is more supportive of policies oriented towards general welfare. This puts pressure on the government to adopt a comprehensive approach in defense policy. Going forward, it will be a challenge for world leaders to balance resource allocation between health, economic and security needs. Collaboration between government, industry and civil society sectors is becoming increasingly important in building a responsive and sustainable defense model. By focusing on flexibility and innovation, countries can position themselves to be better prepared to face rapidly changing global challenges, both military and non-military. This condition encourages the application of new technology and innovative methods in maintaining national and regional security.
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