Geopolitical competition in the international system
This article examines challenges to the international system, considering how a more competitive and uncertain world will affect the UK.
Table of contents
Overview
Ten different issues were identified under this topic.
Short articles have been written on these issues to help parliament identify what action it may wish to take. New articles will be added when they become available.
Articles
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The UK and China relationship
China is the UK’s fifth-largest trading partner. Recent issues have complicated the relationship with China, but opportunities remain.
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UK-EU relations and European security
With growing cooperation between the UK and EU on various fronts, what new opportunities and challenges lie ahead?
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Critical infrastructure: readiness, resilience, and security
Infrastructure is at risk from a range of threats including climate change and cyber-attacks. What can the UK do to protect infrastructure against these threats?
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Climate security
Climate security refers to the impact of climate change on national security. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change described the threat posed by climate change to human and national security as a “code red for humanity”.
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War and the future of war
What emerging trends can we identify in modern warfare, and how will new technologies shape future conflict and the military operating environment?
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AI, disinformation and cyber security
UK national security risks are growing with the wider use of digital technologies. Could these technologies also strengthen UK national defence?
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Geopolitics and global trade: how can the UK navigate an increasingly volatile situation?
Countries increasingly prioritise economic security in geopolitics and trade. How can the UK enhance its security while upholding rules-based free trade?
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UK foreign policy in a changing world
What does the future hold for alliances such as NATO and AUKUS, and how can the UK enhance its reputation and influence in the world?
Upcoming articles
- The UK and the Middle East
Acknowledgements
POST would like to thank consultation respondents and peer reviewers for kindly giving up their time to support this work, including:
- Dr Richard Byrne, Harper Adams University*
- Nicola Perugini, University of Edinburgh
- Dr Mark Lacy, Lancaster University*
- Professor Helen Storey, London College of Fashion
- Professor Noam Lubell, University of Essex
- Dr Chrispas Nyombi, University of Derby
- Dr Winnie King, University of Bristol*
- Dr Ben Cormier, University of Strathclyde
- Professor Syed Kamall, St. Mary’s University
- Professor Jack Holland, University of Leeds
- Professor Michael Goodman, King’s College London
- Dr Jonathan Gilmore, University of Manchester
- Dr Adam Bower, University of St Andrews
- Dr Solava Ibrahim, Anglia Ruskin University
- Dr John Curry, Bath Spa University
- Professor Helena Farrand Carrapico, Northumbria University*
- Professor Jocelyn Mawdsley, Newcastle University
- Professor Phil Legg, UWE Bristol
- Dr Andrew Defty, University of Lincoln
- Professor Philip Murphy, University of London
- Professor Karen Wells, Birkbeck, University of London
- Professor Daniel McCluskey, University of Hertfordshire
- Dr Suzanne Doyle, University of East Anglia*
- Emily Woodruff, University of Warwick
- Dr Maria Bada, Queen Mary University of London
- Professor Jamie Gaskarth, The Open University
- Professor Vincent Connelly, Oxford Brooks University
- Professor Ben Farrand, Newcastle University*
- Dr Leslie-Anne Duvic-Paoli, King’s College London*
- Dr Niccolò Ridi, King’s College London*
*denotes people and organisations who acted as external reviewers of the briefing.
