Human Security Centre Human Rights and International Security Research

Following an extended period in which Norway could focus its military efforts in the Middle East and Asia, Oslo is now having to face threats closer to home. NATO also has a major role in the defence of Norway and the surrounding region, but serious questions remain over the progress it has made in meeting the challenges on its northern flank.

With the inadequacy of the immediate defensive measures taken by NATO as a result of the Ukraine crisis now clear both in their own terms and in light of Russia's actions in Syria, the alliance has embarked on a build-up that is helping to close the defensive gap.

Facing a $1 trillion bill to recapitalise its nuclear triad, the US should now seek to assess the purpose for which it is sustaining its nuclear force not just in the context of symbolism, but for the practical value it can provide to the defence of its interests.

For a brief period after SDSR 2015, it looked like the British Army might be about to enjoy a mini-renaissance. But in a even if it proves possible to drastically improve the mass, readiness and combat support of the deployable force, the planned reforms may do little to solve the deeper problems the Army faces.

Despite the hopes of Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, this month’s elections in the country failed to produce a decisive outcome. However, one major aspect of Australian government policy that is unlikely to be significantly impacted upon by the absence of a strong government is the nation’s approach to security and defence.

The Pentagon must be granted sufficient funding to simultaneously fight today’s wars, prepare for contingences, fund modernisation and invest for the long term. But dysfunctional Washington politics stand in the way.

Japan is embracing a role in the security order of South East Asia that it has long denied itself. Whilst it will never take over the role of the US in ensuring regional stability, the country is currently in the process of positioning itself as a leader in the drive to contain Beijing’s ambitions.

While a significant number of details are still to be clarified, the path laid out by SDSR 2015 should be able to begin to restore the UK’s hard-power capabilities and standing. Although Britain may not quite be back, it is back from the brink.

Preparation for what is looking increasingly likely to be a period of enhanced tension lasting years or decades is now well under way across the Western alliance. Paradoxically, the diverse nature of NATO may be one of its greatest strengths in meeting the renewed Russian challenge.

There is little prospect of soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army splashing ashore along the Taiwanese coast in the immediate future. But the perceived need in Beijing to reclaim the island as part of China’s return to great power status means that the risk of conflict is likely to grow in the years ahead.