In an era of increasing global uncertainty, businesses face a myriad of security challenges. From civil unrest to geopolitical tensions, the need for robust intelligence and security services has never been more pressing. Rob High, Head of Intelligence and Risk at Assist Security Group (ASG), offers his expert insights on recent events and their implications for organisational security.
Environmental activist groups like Extinction Rebellion (XR) are evolving their tactics, collaborating with other groups such as Just Stop Oil and Youth Demand, and broadening their targets.
“They’re now focusing on what they call the ‘1 percent’, claiming they’re responsible for 50% of aviation carbon emissions,” he explains. This shift in strategy has led to multiple occupation-style protests across London, targeting a wider variety of organisations than before, including large sporting events, fashion shows, and conferences.
Rob monitors the significant uptick in protest activity from the far right across the UK and Europe, with demonstrations by and against the far right in multiple London locations, including Stratford, Hackney, Brixton, Finsbury Park, Victoria, and Whitechapel. These events aren’t isolated incidents but part of a broader trend of civil unrest affecting various organisations.
The rise of far-right movements across Europe presents another layer of complexity. Rob points to alarming scenes in France following a far-right surge, with Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party making significant gains, especially among 18-24 year olds. Similar trends are observed in Germany with the rise of the AfD party. “These movements are increasingly using social media to attract younger supporters, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas,” Rob says.
Global Threats
This shift isn’t limited to Europe. Rob highlights recent events in the US, where political tensions have led to violent confrontations and increased polarisation. The impact of these movements extends beyond immediate security concerns, affecting everything from stock markets to international relations. A recent example saw Trump’s comments about Taiwan paying for US protection causing semiconductor stocks to fall dramatically.
Rob and ASG’s analysis extends to broader geopolitical issues.
Rob points to the recent elections in Venezuela, where allegations of vote-rigging have raised concerns about regional stability. He also highlights warnings from commodities traders about potential “food wars” due to geopolitical unrest, protectionist policies, and global conflicts impacting food prices and availability.
The Paris Olympics presented a unique set of challenges: fortunately, the event passed off with relatively little or no unrest. “With France experiencing political turmoil and a rise in far-right support, security for such a high-profile event became increasingly complex,” Rob notes. This complexity was underscored by recent arson attacks on France’s high-speed rail network just before the Olympics opening ceremony, causing major disruptions.
Duty of Care
Rob also emphasises emerging risks in the digital realm. “We’ve seen insider threats in unexpected places, such as the recent drone spying incident involving Canada’s Olympic football team,” he says. This underscores the need for comprehensive security strategies that include both physical and digital domains.
The impact of these global events on organisations is significant. Rob also cites a 37% rise in stalking, domestic violence, and sexual assault against women in England and Wales over the last five years, emphasising the importance of organisations meeting their duty of care responsibilities to staff members. “Everyone has the right to feel safe at work and on their commute,” he stresses.
As global events continue to unfold at a rapid pace, organisations must remain vigilant and informed.
“Understanding your risk landscape is key to maintaining business continuity and protecting your assets and people,” Rob concludes. He advises that getting the right intelligence and travel risk reporting in place is critical to ensuring duty of care, particularly for organisations with international operations or travel.
For business leaders and security professionals grappling with these complex issues, expert guidance is crucial. Assist Security Group offers tailored intelligence and risk management services to help organisations navigate the ever-changing security landscape.
To find out more about how ASG can help you meet your organisation’s security needs, contact Rob High directly at rob.high@assistservicesgroup.co.uk.
