Is the world becoming more dangerous? A critical examination of perception versus reality in global security
Abstract
This paper explores the relationship between perceived and actual danger in today’s world; while statistical evidence shows improvements in safety, including declines in crime, homicide, and terrorism rates, public fears remain high. The expanded view of danger in contemporary contexts accounts for emerging risks such as cybercrime and artificial intelligence (AI), which, although difficult to quantify, complicate risk perception due to their inherent uncertainty. The role of perception in danger is explored, highlighting media amplification, the spread of mis- and disinformation, and the political weaponisation of fear as key factors. The paper emphasises that risk is contextual, varying by geography, individual profile, and availability of mitigation. Security professionals are encouraged to consider risks within the context of their organisational footprint, strategic goals and resource constraints, and resist fear-driven responses. To navigate this complex landscape, a shift from reactive to initiative-taking security strategies is required — leveraging risk intelligence, scenario planning and business continuity, and crisis management programmes — to facilitate organisational growth and strategy. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Lucy Stone currently works as Regional Security Manager within the GSOC at Healix. She is responsible for the EMEA team, providing security risk assessments, crisis management, and incident response for clients across the globe. She has more than 10 years’ experience across both public and corporate security, previously having designed and embedded crisis management programmes for clients alongside developing and executing incident response and risk management frameworks. Before joining the private sector, Lucy worked in the UK central government, where she was responsible for identifying and delivering complex intelligence and operational requirements for insider threat investigations.
Paul Davison joined Accenture Global Protection and Security team after 15 years’ experience in the financial sector with a leading US bank. Here he led several EMEA Operations roles covering physical security; crisis, incident, and emergency management; EMEA Executive protection, plus VIP event and travel security. In his final two years he created the threat management procedures for a new retail bank function, including workplace violence policy and external threat assessments. Paul has taken over a new dedicated role at Accenture, building a programme to focus on the security response and case management of behavioural threat assessment cases and emergencies/personal crisis related to individual employees. Before working in corporate security, Paul worked in UK law enforcement for 17 years, including roles in firearms and drugs investigation units.
Citation
Stone, Lucy and Davison, Paul (2026, May 24). Is the world becoming more dangerous? A critical examination of perception versus reality in global security. In the Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, Volume 19, Issue 4. https://doi.org/10.69554/DFRS5612.
Publications LLP