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Russia will seek to intensify offensive operations to build pressure during negotiations, but the pressure cannot be sustained indefinitely.

Nine years after the Brexit vote and five years after the UK left the EU, both sides have finally agreed to structured cooperation on defence and security. While it lays a comprehensive framework and options for future cooperation, the current level of ambition falls far short of the geopolitical moment.

The Trump Administration is likely to adopt a more assertive defence policy than during his first term, with greater preparedness to threaten and use military force in a targeted way in pursuit of foreign policy goals, whilst avoiding ‘boots on the ground’.

Decades of peace building could unravel in the Balkan region under the influence of Russian 'grey zone' activities unless a multinational security platform can mobile against the tide.

The US Army’s fleet consolidation and narrowing of equipment speaks to a desire to change its approach to contracting and improve efficiency.

Peace negotiations with Russia require more than a contemporary understanding of events, and diplomats would do well to recognise the patterns Russia’s past teach us.

The UK high street has caught the attention of organised criminals seeking avenues for money laundering, leading to recent and high-profile action from British police forces.

Changing technologies are driving global demand for transition minerals – and drawing the attention of organised crime. Illegal armed groups in Latin America are eyeing new mineral opportunities after success with gold, threatening clean energy supply chains and legitimate investment in the sector.

With the fall of the Assad regime, a change of Syrian leadership presented an opportunity for Israel to soothe relations with its neighbour and alleviate trouble at the border, but the Netanyahu government's choice, a course of military strikes and territorial advances into Syria, shows a preference for continuity of relations.

Those facing the challenge of integrating cyberspace activity into civil society can learn from more mature industries, with the defence sector setting a good example.

Despite vast mineral riches, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains impoverished and plagued by conflicts, including the M23 rebellion – which has just announced a ceasefire. But will peace talks overcome proxy ambitions and economic greed?

North Korea has supplied up to 5.8 million artillery rounds to Russia according to the Open Source Centre. This is potentially 40% of Russia’s ammunition, showing the extent to which North Korea’s illicit activity has extended the war.

Technical security protects against an important range of threat vectors. It has been neglected by both business and government.

Given the operational challenges of the PLA executing an amphibious invasion against Taiwan on a scale without historical precedent, China’s greatest hope is to ‘win without fighting’ by destabilising defence spending essential to the island nation.

Despite the G7’s efforts, oil revenue is still filling the Kremlin’s coffers. A new approach to restricting Russian income is needed.

As the prospect of a ceasefire in Ukraine grows, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations were held up to the light at a UN Security Council meeting in March 2025.

The British Army needs the ability to find targets in the corps deep, but an exquisite medium altitude long endurance drone is not the answer.

Trump’s shift to unilateral tariff enforcement weakens the international systems on which sanctions depend. Europe must lead in rebuilding credible enforcement.

Under increasing economic and diplomatic pressure from the US, it is time for Canada to reconsider joining the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). The UK should support its likeminded ally and put the question of Canadian membership to the JEF at its Leaders’ Summit in Oslo on 9 May.

As defence budgets grow across Europe, fragmented procurement, tight budgets, and currency instability demand innovative financial solutions. The Defence, Security and Resilience Bank might hold the key to balancing security and economic stability.