Whether it’s Russia’s war on Ukraine, the proliferation of space satellites by private actors, the war in the Middle East, or the geopolitical risks of AI-assisted warfare, the issue of defense preparedness has become a prominent concern for political leaders, military analysts, and investors in recent years. The global race for technological supremacy, allied with the traditional imperative of mobilizing troops and materiel, has made armed conflict less predictable and potentially more devastating. This panel will explore how new weaponry, the revolution in automation and AI technology, and the shifts in political debates, and public opinion will shape our preparedness for global conflict.