Ruling the waves is the only defence strategy that will protect our interests James Rogers One of the consequences of Russia’s intensified aggression towards Ukraine has been growing concern about whether Britain’s investment in the armed forces is sufficient to meet the threats of the future – or even of today. After all, despite a welcome uptick in outlay of some £16.5bn in November 2020, British defence investment remains at [...]
Six months on, we must continue to stand with Ukraine James Rogers It has been six months since Russia renewed its offensive against Ukraine. During that time, governments and strategists have been forced to let go of their prevailing post-Cold War assumptions about international relations – even in Europe, where peace was thought to be most embedded. Geopolitical competition has returned with a vengeance. Unfortunately for Russia, [...]
Self-confidence has left Nato and Britain unprepared for a threat against the alliance JAMES ROGERS Earlier this week, General Sir Richard Barrons warned the Defence Select Committee that the United Kingdom (UK) would not be ready if Russia attacked British territory or that of Nato allies. Since 1949, the government has pledged to defend the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation alliance. Although one nuclear-armed peer is unlikely to attack another, the [...]
As Britain turns its head to China, it must keep hold of strategic strength in Europe March 16, 2022 It was an apt anniversary; a year ago last week, the government published the “integrated review”, designed to reshape Britain’s global posture in the aftermath of Brexit. Along with the previous decisions to merge the Department for International Development into the Foreign Office and increase defence spending by over £16bn over four years, the review [...]
The pact between Australia, UK and the US is a historic face-off with China and proof of Global Britain September 17, 2021 In a joint speech by Boris Johnson, Scott Morrison and Joe Biden, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States announced a historical pact dubbed AUKUS. It will allow the Royal Australian Navy to construct and operate nuclear-powered attack submarines. But AUKUS is about more than just what powers Australia’s submarines. The agreement also covers [...]
Fall of Afghanistan: Britain must learn to make itself independent from the US on foreign policy decisions August 18, 2021 It will be a sight etched into the public imagination forever: a US Air Force transport aircraft taking off with scores of Afghans clinging to the wheels. Some reached a significant altitude before falling off, presumably to their deaths, as the aircraft soared into the air. So ended the Allied intervention in Afghanistan, with the [...]
British warships are traversing the world to the South China sea as the UK strengthens its foreign policy July 20, 2021 The expedition to the South China sea by the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is the largest display of British maritime power in a generation. The group, led by the HMS Queen Elizabeth, is complete with combat jets, two destroyers, two frigates, two replenishment vessels and a nuclear attack submarine. They are supported by HNLMS [...]
