Global Strategic Trends describes a strategic context for defence and security looking out to the middle of the century. It takes a comprehensive view of the future derived through research headed by the Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre (DCDC). Since its inception in 2001, the Global Strategic Trends publication has undertaken continuous research to identify the key drivers of change that will shape and reshape our world. This analysis helps Defence, and our cross-government partners, to identify future developments, spot potential disruptions and detect weak signals that need to be evaluated. This helps improve our strategic foresight, offering us the potential to evolve upstream of threats and opportunities.