The head of the British armed forces has declared that the world is becoming “much more dangerous” as tensions between major powers in several key regions are “coming to a boil”.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, commanding general of the British Army, described the past six months as “the most eventful and unsettling in global affairs since the end of the Cold War, with none of the optimism or hope that came with the fall of the Berlin Wall’.
The chief of the Defense Staff cited Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel and the increasingly assertive stance of China and Iran as just a few examples of how the world is approaching disaster.
Expressing his grave outlook during a speech in Washington yesterday, Sir Tony said: “In Europe, we have a war with no end in sight… In the Middle East, last October’s barbaric attacks on Israel, as we feared, have served to inflame regional tensions… North Korea remains as belligerent as ever (and) China’s stance is becoming even more assertive.
“Around the world, long-simmering tensions appear to be reaching a boiling point,” he warned, but went on to say that Western nations could navigate turbulent times as long as they “stay strong, stick together and get through this.” “.
Ukrainian soldiers operate a 2S1 Gvozdika (“Carnation”) self-propelled howitzer on April 27, 2024 in the Kherson region, Ukraine.
Hwasongpho-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched at undisclosed location in North Korea
This photo taken on May 9, 2024 shows a view of destroyed and heavily damaged buildings in the Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City.
NATO tanks and military vehicles join forces ahead of large-scale exercises
Chief of the British Defense Staff, Sir Tony Radakin
Speaking at the Ash Carter Exchange for national security, named after the late US Secretary of Defence, Sir Tony explained his view that today’s problems are more complex than ever, and the West’s rivals are plotting to challenge the international order.
“These challenges are becoming increasingly muddled and confusing: whether it is the ‘no holds barred’ partnership between Putin and Xi… Russia’s use of Iranian drones and North Korean munitions in Ukraine… or Moscow’s will , Beijing and Tehran of colluding to subvert oil sanctions: the so-called Axis of Evasion.
“And then, much more quietly, the architecture that governs our security is decaying as arms control treaties expire, regional forums go into abeyance, and the through lines that once spanned the divide become silent,” he continued.
“In the Middle East, last October’s barbaric attacks on Israel, as we feared, served to inflame regional tensions…Meanwhile, North Korea remains as belligerent as ever.”
But he went on to encourage his audience that Britain and its Western allies have the capacity and strategic advantages to overcome these difficulties, provided they can work together, both in a military and broader political sense.
He called for “the return of statecraft” and a commitment to maximizing the benefits of key security partnerships such as NATO and AUKUS, and international treaties and agreements.
“Western governments can harness enormous collective power whenever they want, presenting the greatest strategic advantage of all: choice,” he said.
‘In the United Kingdom, thanks to the improving economic outlook, the Government has decided to invest 2.5% of our national wealth in Defence.
‘It means we can continue to support Ukraine… look beyond the modernization of our Armed Forces… renew our nuclear deterrent… Realize the ambition of AUKUS.
“But it also means we can learn the lessons of the war in Ukraine and address our shortcomings.”
The Israeli army’s main battle tanks are positioned in southern Israel, near the border with the Gaza Strip, on May 9, 2024.
A photograph released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows missiles launched during a nuclear counterattack drill in an undisclosed location, North Korea, on April 22, 2024.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shake hands.
Sir Tony concluded his speech by remembering D-Day, when Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy and finally managed to bring about the fall of the Nazis and end the Second World War.
He called on Western partners to “demonstrate enormous courage and a clear sense of purpose” to defend an “international system that is open and free.”
‘In all the great conflicts of the 20th century, the West prevailed because we understood what was at stake.
“That was true in World War II. It was certainly true in the Cold War. And it is no less important precondition for success in the 21st century,” he stated.
‘Our greatest strength in the task we face are the very things we seek to preserve and protect.
‘Our willingness to trade and cooperate with each other. The strength and connectivity of our economies. Our unity and cohesion, and the determination to defend the rules and values we share.
“The task now is to stay strong, stay united and move forward,” he concluded.