Human Security Centre Human Rights and International Security Research

RealClear Defense has published HSC senior fellow Rowan Allport's call for the US to adopt a Aegis-based homeland missile defence system as part of its strategy for defeating the threat from cruise and ballistic missiles.

As Britain comes to grips with a series of (largely self-inflicted) political traumas, the country’s security focus is becoming increasingly rationalised around its NATO commitments. Whilst they were conceived of in a different era, the Queen Elizabeth-class have the potential – if properly supported – to greatly aid this mission.

That there is a need to rebuild the US Navy is disputed by few in the mainstream. Initially at least, readiness needs to be prioritised by beginning to clear the many years of deferred maintenance that have undermined the fleet. But in the longer run, building up both numbers and capabilities matter.

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.