International Institute for Strategic Studies

Trump’s notably hostile agenda towards Latin America has resulted in some early progress, however, long-term success is far less certain. Read IISS expert Irene Mia’s thoughts. https://lnkd.in/dhVTyycU

Leaders of the UK and France have discussed a ‘coalition of the willing’ to safeguard a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. In the latest IISS paper, IISS researchers assess three options for a reassurance force, also noting the challenges that may be posed to their deployment. ◻ A small-scale force with a deployed land component of a brigade of about 10,000 troops, supported by a limited air component and naval assets; ◻ A medium-scale force based on a land component of a large division, with about 25,000 troops supported by larger air and maritime components; and ◻ A large-scale force centred on a corps-sized land component of between 60,000 and 100,000 troops, supported by substantial air and maritime elements. Authors: Ben Barry, Jonty Kennon, Douglas Barrie, Nick Childs, James Hackett, Henry Boyd, Jonathan Bentham, Dzaky Naradichiantama, Michael Tong ➡ Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dbWC5J6W

The US is developing missile defence and surveillance infrastructure to better protect Guam, a key military hub. #MilitaryBalance Find out more from Rupert Schulenburg: https://lnkd.in/eWGWefmP

Given the naval sector’s demand for their high-end principal surface combatants (such as the European Multi-purpose Frigate (FREMM)) to have all-round capabilities geared towards anti-submarine, anti-surface and anti-air warfare tasks, a range of critical materials are needed to support modern warship and system design. The latest report illustrates how important the critical raw materials are to modern defence equipment and discusses some of the measures that governments are taking to mitigate risk. ➡ Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eNGdAJ_4

In Australia, the US is increasing its rotational presence of various types of aircraft and pre-positioning equipment. #MilitaryBalance Find out more from Rupert Schulenburg: https://lnkd.in/eWGWefmP

The US has expanded its basing access in the Philippines and is working to modernise its presence in Japan. #MilitaryBalance Find out more from Rupert Schulenburg: https://lnkd.in/eWGWefmP

Across Europe, policymakers have expressed concern over the level of dependence on external suppliers for defence-critical raw materials. The latest report illustrates how important these materials are to modern defence equipment and discusses some of the measures that governments are taking to mitigate risk. ➡ Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eNGdAJ_4

India’s nuclear strategy has always stood out for its emphasis on restraint. India has declared a no-first-use policy, credible minimum deterrence and a long-standing commitment to strategic autonomy. In a region where Pakistan fields a full spectrum of nuclear weapons and China expands its strategic arsenal, can India’s posture hold? Listen to the latest episode of The Arms Control Poseur, as nuclear policy experts Dr Manpreet Sethi and Dr Jayita Sarkar dive deep into India’s approach to deterrence, its historical ambivalence toward weaponisation and the future of arms control in South Asia. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/ebPCWjpY

Beijing’s naval capabilities are often portrayed in terms of their bellicose applications. However, China’s priorities regarding critical maritime infrastructure protection offer further insight into the growth and capabilities of its navy and coastguard. China possesses the world’s largest naval force in terms of the sheer number of naval platforms and hull count. It is often compared to that of the United States, especially considering the tensions around the potential for future Chinese action against Taiwan. However, China’s vast maritime forces – most notably the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and China Coast Guard (CCG) – also provide Beijing with an outsized advantage in protecting its maritime security interests, which include critical maritime infrastructure (CMI) in its near and far seas as well as in the undersea domain. Read the latest Charting China analysis by Jonathan Bentham and Louis B.: https://lnkd.in/eu7ktpZt

Europe is increasing defence spending at a pace not seen in decades. But is this growth strategically grounded — or fiscally fragile? In this episode of Sounds Strategic, host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Fenella McGerty, Ester Sabatino and Ben Schreer to discuss: ◻ Global and regional defence budget trends ◻ The EU’s ReArm Europe ◻ Germany’s evolving role and debt reform ◻ Industrial and institutional constraints ◻ Strategic outlook for the next 12–24 months 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/eqb4xnJe