rising of new conflicts, maybe localized carrying a potential significant impact for our nation, Europe and the Atlantic Alliance. In a global context, traditional wars between states over control of resources or due to the resurgence of unresolved situations could cause a domino effect of widening the crisis. At the regional level, changes in the balance of power, such as those produced by conflict in the Euro-Atlantic region, the weakening or ineffectiveness of the Atlantic Alliance and the imbalance between the defence resources and the security challenges, may mean that new conflict are more probable. 30. Changes in political structures. These changes seem to slow down the process which has characterised last decade that is the gradual transition from autocratic or illiberal regimes to forms of government with greater democracy. However, even though many populations are now aware that they can aspire to democracy, the real possibility of attaining a democratic system is not always guaranteed in a growing number of cases. This situation, exacerbated by economic and social crises, can lead to internal instability and civil wars in countries apparently stable today. 31. Increased influence and widespread technologies. The current speed of research and use of technologies, together with the innovation process resulting from the integrated use of existing and emerging technologies, will lead to a faster rate of change. Likewise, the traditional margin of technological superiority held by the military has been eroded in favour of technologies for civilian use. The latter are often available at a lower cost resulting in wider access to even the most sophisticated technology. This will increase the possibility of technology being used by non-state actors to offend enemies or opponents, thus significantly decreasing state control and prevention. 32. The centrality of computer networks. The world is becoming increasingly connected and integrated making possible a universal access to knowledge and information. The West is particularly dependent on information network systems, so that it is essential that these systems are functional, secure and resilient and this results in the emergence of a new operational domain, the cybernetic domain, which must be protected and defended. The effects of cyber-attacks on networks or computer services - 23 -