FROM EFFICIENCY TO RESILIENCE: RETHINKING LOGISTICS IN THE AGE OF GEOPOLITICAL AND DIGITAL DISRUPTIONS

Abstract

This paper examines the evolving role of logistics amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty, digital transformation, and global interdependence. Traditionally perceived as an operational support function, logistics has become a critical infrastructure shaping economic stability, national security, and global power dynamics. The study addresses the growing misalignment between efficiency-oriented supply chain models and the need for resilience in a volatile environment characterized by disruptions such as geopolitical conflicts, cyber threats, and systemic shocks.

Building on the concepts of resilience and “weaponized interdependence,” the paper explores key vulnerabilities of modern supply networks, including dependence on critical resources, exposure to strategic chokepoints, and risks associated with digitalization. Through a conceptual analysis supported by relevant literature, the research identifies major categories of geopolitical and technological risks and examines their potential impact on state stability and supply chain continuity. The findings highlight the need to rethink traditional logistics paradigms by integrating resilience, adaptability, and anticipatory capabilities into supply chain design and management. The paper contributes to the understanding of logistics as a strategic domain that extends beyond operational efficiency, emphasizing its role in ensuring long-term sustainability and security in an increasingly complex global environment.