Security and Defence

Russia’s influence in the Sahel region and across Africa more generally is a constantly growing threat to Western security.

If negotiations between Tokyo and Washington do not terminate positively,, there is the risk that their economic interdependence between Japan and China will increase to the point that former becomes dangerously vulnerable to geopolitical shocks, as was the case with Germany and Russia in the leadup to the latter’s invasion of Ukraine.

HSC Deputy Director Dr Rowan Allport is giving evidence to the UK House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee’s inquiry ‘The UK contribution to European Security’ on Tuesday 29 April 2025.

There is no doubt that Russian state security services are in a strong position — rebuilding quickly after a tricky few years of alleged intelligence failures at the start of the Ukraine War.

The label of an “Arms Race” is an exaggerated view on current events in the western Balkans. Croatia and Serbia both have legitimate cases to modernize and strengthen their armed forces in light of war in Europe and the desire for strengthened EU and NATO integration. It is the decision of politics to turn to historical animosity to justify the ongoing developments of both armed forces for domestic purposes.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania saw the signs that Russia was preparing its society for a large-scale war with the West, and they knew it could have occurred in their countries – but it was Ukraine who fell victim to Russia’s expansionist ambitions.

The highly militaristic nature of the North Korean-Russian alliance can escalate the tensions on the Korean peninsula, making it a global concern.

The escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah has caused a heightened and critical concern for regional stability. If Hamas is joined by Hezbollah in an all-out armed conflict with Israel, the lives lost, and damage done will multiply to unimaginable levels.

The House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee has published the HSC's evidence on the implications of the war in Ukraine for UK defense. The inquiry comes as the conflict enters its third summer and Russia has intensified its offensive operations.

The House of Commons Defence Committee has published its ‘Ready for war?' report. The HSC provided evidence to the inquiry centred upon a breakdown of key capability shortfalls.