This comprehensive work addresses the multifaceted challenges facing Western security and defence architecture in the postmodern era. Each chapter examines critical aspects of contemporary geopolitical dynamics, offering both theoretical analysis and practical insights for understanding the evolving security landscape. The chapter-by-chapter development demonstrates the interconnected nature of modern security challenges and the urgent need for adaptive responses to emerging threats.

This Book aims to analyse from a multidisciplinary perspective the current geopolitical challenges. Collectively, these chapters provide a comprehensive examination of postmodern security challenges facing Western democracies. The work demonstrates the interconnected nature of contemporary threats, from cyber warfare and information operations to environmental security and transnational crime. Each chapter contributes essential insights for understanding how traditional security paradigms must adapt to address 21st-century challenges.

The research presented addresses urgent policy requirements for Western governments and international organisations. From NATO adaptation to European Union governance, from transatlantic relations to Indo-Pacific Strategy, the chapters provide theoretical foundations and practical recommendations for navigating an increasingly complex security environment. The work proves particularly valuable for understanding how postmodern conditions reshape both threats and opportunities in international security.

This comprehensive analysis establishes the work as an essential contribution to contemporary security studies, offering both scholarly rigour and practical relevance for addressing the multifaceted challenges of security and defence in the postmodern era. International law seems to be overwhelmed by military actions and factual pressure on the ground, while the battle of ideas extends to the cognitive domain. The consequences of this growing escalation of political and territorial tension, which grows without interruption on the planet in full recovery from the health crisis caused by COVID-19, can be disastrous for the economy and societies, if not for the planet itself. 

The different origins of the authors, with extensive academic, military, police forces and business experience, undoubtedly enrich the unique perspective that this work intends to address, always in the attempt to enforce international law and the channels of dialogue between nations, such as the best solution to conflicts. Our analysis encompasses a broad spectrum of contemporary security challenges, from the psychological dimensions of postmodern polarisation to the emergence of new conflict domains such as the Metaverse. The proposal examines critical issues, including industrial espionage, the erosion of international humanitarian law, and the privatisation of security services, whilst also addressing regional security concerns across Latin America, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific.

Dr. Juan Cayón Peña (Madrid, 1968) holds degrees in French Language and Civilisation (Sorbonne, 1988), Law (UPCO, 1991), Legal Practice (UPCO, 1992), and a PhD in Law (UPCO, 1998). He served as Rector of Nebrija University (2014–2020) and currently leads UDIT (2023–present). His academic career spans roles from Department Director to Secretary General and Vice-Rector for Institutional and International Relations at two universities. Since 1993, he has taught extensively in law, philosophy, and politics, and has been a visiting professor at institutions including Sorbonne (France), University of Buenos Aires, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and CESEDEN (Spain). He has collaborated with Spain’s Ministry of Justice and National Police Training Division.

Dr. Cayón has supervised doctoral theses, authored 26 book chapters with publishers such as Aranzadi Thompson-Reuters, Cambridge Scholar Publishing, and Springer, and published numerous research articles. He is a corresponding academic at the Royal Academy of Jurisprudence and Legislation (Spain), the Academy of Arts and Sciences of Puerto Rico, and a Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences. He chairs the Spanish National Group of the Pugwash Movement (Nobel Peace Prize 1995) and is a full member of the Institute for European Studies, Antonio Rosmini. His honors include Spain’s First Class Cross of San Raimundo de Peñafort and Grand Cross of Naval Merit, as well as international distinctions such as the Medal of the Colombian War School and recognition from the Lima Bar Association.

Dr. Valentín Martínez-Otero Pérez (Oviedo, 1963) holds two PhDs—Psychology (UCM) and Philosophy/Educational Sciences (UNED)—both awarded the Extraordinary Prize. He specialized in Clinical Psychology at UCM, earned a Master’s in Psychopathology and Health, and holds certifications in Community Mental Health and Trainer of Trainers. A Professor and Researcher in Educational Studies at UCM’s Faculty of Education, he has taught for decades, supervised doctoral theses, and contributed to postgraduate programs and academic committees. His international work includes lectures, visiting professorships, and research in over 30 countries.

Dr. Martínez-Otero has participated in national and international research projects and advised on educational innovation, mental health, and school coexistence programs. His interdisciplinary approach integrates psychology, pedagogy, and sociology. He serves as a peer reviewer for scientific journals and delivers seminars on violence prevention and emotional well-being. Committed to holistic education, he promotes ethical and humanistic values. He currently directs the Complutense Research Group Psychosociobiology of Violence: Education and Prevention and is an active member of professional associations, frequently speaking at international scientific events.