Britain’s army chief has warned that “simmering tensions” around the world are “reaching boiling point”. According to Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the world is undeniably becoming “much more dangerous”. But the chief of staff also remains hopeful: “The international order is being tested, but our national and collective interests are converging and pushing like-minded countries to action.”
The head of the British armed forces shared his findings during an event in Washington, the Ash Carter Exchange. Radakin cited a “belligerent” North Korea, a “more assertive” China and last October’s “barbaric attacks in Israel” as tensions and conflicts that have fueled hostilities around the world.
“Long-simmering tensions around the world appear to be coming to a boiling point,” the army chief said. “The world is becoming more and more dangerous.”
His speech came shortly after Putin was sworn in as president of Russia for the fifth time. During his inauguration speech, the Russian leader blamed the West for his invasion of Ukraine and said Russia must remain strong.
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Battle of ideas
According to Radakin, a battle of ideas has also broken out between authoritarian and democratic regimes.
“What we have seen unfold in recent years is a battle of ideas: between an authoritarian and belligerent Russia and a dynamic, democratic Ukraine; between a reckless Iran and its terrorist network on the one hand, and the responsible nations of the Middle East on the other; between a coercive China that believes it can dominate, and countries that want an international system that is open and free.”
Moreover, the architecture that regulates our security is also falling into disrepair, Radakin warns. “This is because arms control treaties are expiring, regional consultative bodies are falling into oblivion and hotlines that once bridged the gap are falling silent.”
Heap
Yet the British chief of staff remains hopeful. “But as discouraging as this seems, we will be okay, and that is my second message. The international order is being tested, but our national and collective interests are converging and driving like-minded countries to action.”
“And our greatest strength in the task at hand is the very things we want to preserve and protect. Our willingness to trade and cooperate. The strength and connectivity of our economies. Our unity and cohesion, and the determination to uphold the rules and values we share.”
“The task now is to stay strong, show unity and persevere,” Radakin advises.
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Tags: British army chief sounds alarm Global tensions reach boiling point UkraineRussia war
