Drug Wars: The Growing Threat from Antibiotic Resistance

The risks associated with antimicrobial resistance have repercussions extend far beyond the health sector. It is a genuine risk to security and stability; the UK's National Security Risk Assessment is considering including it in the National Risk Register, which includes, among other things, influenza pandemics.

Antimicrobial resistance—the resistance of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses to the drugs previously used to treat them—is a growing concern, not only in the health sector, but also increasingly in the areas of defense, security, and stability. Antimicrobial resistance not only makes treating infectious diseases more difficult, but also has significant direct and indirect economic effects.

These effects impact social infrastructure, which in turn can affect political stability. The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms is forcing governments to improve cooperation, influencing both national and international policies. This is happening at a time when raising public awareness and taking the necessary measures to address current challenges is already an enormous task. This article outlines the risk posed by antimicrobial resistance, highlights the specific problems in the context of military operations, and attempts to identify the measures taken in response to current concerns.