The article describes the problem of asymmetric conflicts, regarded as a threat to the security of countries and the international community in the contemporary world. The analysis of this issue includes an explanation of the following terms: asymmetry, asymmetric warfare, asymmetric action, asymmetric conflict and asymmetric enemy. The article also presents the specific nature of the area where asymmetric threats occur and the modus operandi of asymmetric conflicts. The article provides examples of asymmetric threats, which include the threat of terrorism (in particular suicide terrorism), cyberattacks, arms trade, illegal drug trade, psychological warfare, information warfare and economic warfare.