Intel / Oceania

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The future will thank us: an intergenerational approach to security

2026-01-12T02:30:27Z

Open source

Summary

Intergenerational security emphasizes the importance of considering long-term implications of current security decisions on future generations. Younger generations prioritize a broader range of security issues, including climate change and AI risks, over traditional defense concepts. The interconnectedness of various security issues, including economic security and public trust in government institutions, is increasingly recognized as vital for younger Australians. Young Australians are influenced by their global connections, with many having overseas roots, which challenges traditional national security concepts. The rise of digital risks, such as deep fakes, necessitates a balanced approach to AI policy and youth protection measures. Education on media literacy is identified as a priority for all generations to combat misinformation and enhance resilience. A significant percentage of Generation Z believes that politicians do not care about their needs, contributing to a growing trust gap. This distrust is exacerbated by perceptions of unfairness in opportunities compared to older generations, particularly in housing and education. Financial security is a shared concern, with younger Australians facing significant challenges related to rising living costs and housing affordability. Intergenerational security is closely linked to economic stability and social resilience, with rising living costs impacting citizens' perceptions of security. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored vulnerabilities in economic security, particularly for international students in Australia. Climate change is viewed as a critical issue for younger generations, with its impacts felt in their daily lives and future prospects.

Perspectives

Analysis of intergenerational security and its implications for national security.

Proponents of Intergenerational Security

Emphasize long-term implications of security decisions
Highlight the importance of climate change and AI risks
Advocate for inclusivity in decision-making processes
Stress the interconnectedness of various security issues
Call for enhanced media literacy to combat misinformation

Critics of Current Security Frameworks

Question the effectiveness of current policies in addressing youth concerns
Highlight the growing trust gap between generations
Critique the lack of tailored support for marginalized groups
Point out the systemic biases in leadership structures
Challenge the adequacy of existing economic security measures

Neutral / Shared

Acknowledge the need for better communication strategies regarding climate risks
Recognize the impact of rising living costs on perceptions of security
Identify the importance of engaging younger generations in democratic processes

Metrics

other

20 to 50 years

future security considerations

This timeframe highlights the long-term impact of today's decisions.

thinking about the future of Australians in 20 to 50 years

other

massive proportion of young people

impact of climate change in developing countries

This demographic is crucial for understanding future security challenges.

youth bulges in a lot of these countries where there's a massive proportion of young people

other

30 years post-Prosis Fukuyama's end of history years

time since a significant geopolitical theory was proposed

This timeframe highlights the rapid changes in global security dynamics.

we're growing up, let's say 30 years, post-Prosis Fukuyama's end of history

other

half Australians are born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas %

percentage of Australians with overseas roots

This statistic highlights the global connections influencing young Australians' views on security.

half Australians are born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas

other

50 years

time frame for future considerations of younger generations

Understanding future implications is crucial for current policy-making.

it's good to think about Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and how they're going to cope in 50 years time.

other

number one priority

importance of education in media literacy

Prioritizing education can enhance resilience against misinformation.

education as a number one priority when it comes to media literacy

trust

61%

percentage of Gen Z who feel politicians don't care about them

This statistic highlights a significant disconnect between youth and political leaders.

61% of Gen Z said politicians don't care about people like me.

home ownership

50%

percentage of 30 to 34 year olds who own their home in 2021

This indicates a significant decline in home ownership opportunities for younger generations.

57% of 30 to 34 year olds own their own home in 2001, 50% did so by 2021.

Key entities

Companies

ANU National Security College • Development Intelligence Lab • E-safety commissioner • Young Diplomat Society

Countries / Locations

Asia

Themes

#diplomatic_activity • #escalation_risk • #information_warfare • #military_first_strike • #military_mobilization • #security_alert • #ai_safety • #climate_action • #climate_crisis • #climate_migration • #cultural_diversity • #democratic_engagement

Timeline highlights

00:00–05:00

Intergenerational security focuses on long-term strategic environments and the implications of todays security decisions on future generations
The climate crisis is an immediate concern, affecting current and future generations, rather than a distant issue
Economic, environmental, social, technological, and political security are critical components for younger generations
Younger generations are particularly concerned about AI risks and the impacts of climate change on developing countries
Incorporating the perspectives of younger generations in decision-making is essential for ensuring their future security
Traditional security concepts are often associated with federal government defense and home affairs, but emerging generations prioritize broader security issues

05:00–10:00

Intergenerational security emphasizes the interconnectedness of various security issues, including economic security and public trust in government institutions. The rise of China and shifting geopolitical landscapes are reshaping how younger generations perceive and prioritize security.

Intergenerational security intersects with traditional national security concepts, highlighting the interconnectedness of various security issues
Economic security, including tariffs and protectionist measures, plays a significant role in influencing national security
Public perception and trust in government institutions are critical components of national security that are often overlooked
The geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically, particularly with the rise of China, affecting how younger generations perceive security
Generation Z and Generation Alpha are growing up in uncertain times, requiring more agile and adaptive security strategies from Australia
The concept of human security is becoming increasingly important in understanding how citizens relate to their government and security

10:00–15:00

Young Australians are increasingly influenced by their global connections, with half having overseas roots, which challenges traditional national security concepts. The rise of digital risks, such as deep fakes, necessitates a balanced approach to AI policy and youth protection measures.

Young Australians are increasingly connected globally, with half having overseas roots, influencing their views on security
The traditional concept of national security is challenged by the diverse backgrounds and experiences of younger generations
Digital natives face unique risks, such as the rise of deep fakes and misinformation, impacting their perception of reality
AI technology presents both opportunities and risks, necessitating a balanced approach to policy and safety measures
Recent statistics show a significant increase in the sharing of explicit images of underage Australians online
The Australian government is launching an AI safety institute to address AI-related risks and harms

15:00–20:00

Intergenerational security highlights the necessity of digital literacy for all age groups, especially vulnerable populations. Younger generations exhibit greater adaptability to technology and media literacy, contrasting with older generations who are more susceptible to misinformation.

Intergenerational security emphasizes the importance of digital literacy across all age groups, particularly for vulnerable populations
Younger generations, such as Generation Z and Generation Alpha, are more adept at navigating technology and identifying misinformation compared to older generations
The rise of social media as a primary news source has created epistemic bubbles, leading to differing perceptions of truth across generations
Older generations are more susceptible to scams and misinformation due to a lack of media literacy skills
Community engagement and discussions around media consumption are essential for fostering resilience and social cohesion
The changing media landscape has contributed to a widening trust gap between younger and older Australians

20:00–25:00

A significant percentage of Generation Z believes that politicians do not care about their needs, contributing to a growing trust gap. This distrust is exacerbated by perceptions of unfairness in opportunities compared to older generations, particularly in housing and education.

% of Generation Z believe politicians do not care about their needs, indicating a significant trust gap
Younger generations feel comparatively worse off than their parents, contributing to a sense of intergenerational distrust
Digital misinformation and disinformation are prevalent, exacerbating distrust among younger populations
Fairness is a core value for Australians, with younger generations feeling disadvantaged in housing and education opportunities
Reverse mentoring is suggested as a method to bridge the gap between generations and enhance trust in leadership
Diversity in leadership positions does not reflect the multicultural makeup of Australian society, impacting trust levels

25:00–30:00

Intergenerational security emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding between different age groups, particularly in navigating cultural differences. Financial security is a shared concern, with younger Australians facing significant challenges related to housing affordability and the rising cost of living.

Intergenerational security emphasizes empathy and understanding between different age groups
The decline of third places, where intergenerational dialogue occurs, is highlighted as a concern
Cultural differences between generations can be navigated through empathy and openness
Financial security is a common concern across generations, particularly regarding housing affordability
Statistics show a significant decline in home ownership among younger Australians over the past two decades
The rising cost of living and student debt are major issues impacting younger generations