Security and Defence

Switzerland’s system of conscription has been enshrined in the Constitutions since the establishment of the federal state in 1848, which reads “each Swiss is subject to conscription”. In other words, military service to the state and the concept of a “citizen-soldier”, is as old as the country itself.

Abe's assassination is an entirely unprecedented event has led the Kishida administration to face an epistemological insecurity which could well shake Japan and its very post-war identity as a democratic state to the very core

The House of Commons Defence Committee has published the HSC's evidence to the committee's inquiry into Aviation Procurement across the UK Armed Forces. The inquiry comes in the wake of last year's publication of the UK Government's Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper.

On 1 April 2022, the Malian government proudly announced their successes during a recent operation in Moura that left an estimated 300 ‘militants’ dead. Between 23 and 31 March, the Malian army and suspected Russian mercenary counterparts, Wagner Group (WG), summarily executed these estimated 300 men.

On February 21, 2022, three days before its invasion of Ukraine, Russia recognized the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics as independent states.

Corruption, mismanagement, poverty, and war provide fertile conditions for desperate youths with little prospect and lost patience with leaders to welcome such radical change as a military coup. And the pattern is clear; as long as coups succeed, coups will continue to take place.

While the Mali government have launched some investigations into atrocity allegations regarding Islamist groups, investigations into the Mali military have not been commenced.

HSC Deputy Director Dr Rowan Allport has offered his views on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine to CNN and radio host Michael Smerconish on his SiriusXM programme.

Moscow must not be allowed to get away with this, even if the sanctions are also costly to the side imposing them. If Russia thinks it has won Ukraine, it is naïve to think it will stop there – this victory will only embolden it to go after everything else it desires.

Since the fall of the USSR, Ukraine has come a long way. While the country still struggles with corruption and economic challenges, it has made strides towards becoming a successful, Western-facing democracy. To safeguard this progress, and the state’s territorial integrity, the West should stand firm against Russia’s recent manoeuvres in forthcoming talks – and Ukraine must be involved.