UK Must “Rearm Rapidly” as Old World Order Dies

Global Order Shifts: UK Faces New Dangers

The long-standing liberal international order, built on democracy and global cooperation through institutions like the United Nations, is effectively dead. This is the stark assessment from a joint committee of MPs and peers, including former defense officials. The committee warns that the United Kingdom can no longer rely on the United States as its primary security partner. Instead, Britain must urgently rebuild its military strength and forge new alliances to protect its interests in an increasingly dangerous world.

Mike Martin, a Liberal Democrat MP and former Army captain who sits on the committee, emphasized the gravity of this shift. “The international order as it was, liberal, democratic, small L, small D, United Nations, that’s dead,” Martin stated. “We have to start thinking about what the world is like as we see it in front of us.” He added that the world is becoming much more dangerous, and the old order is gone, necessitating a significant increase in military power to avoid coercion.

Rethinking Defense: Beyond the US Alliance

For decades, British defense planning has been deeply intertwined with the United States. This includes decisions on military equipment, size, operations, and intelligence sharing. However, the committee’s report suggests this reliance is no longer tenable, particularly given the unpredictable nature of American foreign policy under leaders like Donald Trump. The report urges the government to prepare for a scenario where Europe might not receive U.S. support in a crisis.

Martin explained that while the UK might need to separate its nuclear deterrent system, Trident, from American control, other intelligence and special forces links are still valuable. “America has been trying to pivot away from European security for a very, very long time,” he noted, referencing past U.S. policy shifts. “So I think we can bank that and start to plan for that.” This means Britain must take greater responsibility for its own defense and that of its European neighbors.

Building New Alliances: Europe and Middle Powers

The report advocates for strengthening ties with European partners and engaging with so-called “middle powers.” These are countries that, while not superpowers, hold significant influence and can contribute to global problem-solving. Potential partners mentioned include Canada, Brazil, South Africa, and India. These alliances would form a new framework for addressing global challenges like climate change, insecurity, and migration.

“Europe is an obvious set of partners for us locally, not just in economic and trade terms, but also in security terms,” Martin said. He highlighted the idea of a “European pillar of NATO” that could defend the continent. Beyond Europe, “variable geometry” alliances would form, where different groups of countries collaborate on specific issues. This flexible approach is crucial as the world faces complex, interconnected problems that require collective action.

The Urgency of Rearmament: A Stark Reality Check

The committee’s findings paint a concerning picture of Britain’s current military capabilities. Martin shared a striking anecdote about speaking with sixth-form students who vastly overestimated the size of the Royal Navy. “They thought we had about 200 to 250 ships,” he recalled. “I said, we’ve got 13.” This misunderstanding highlights a broader public unawareness of the UK’s diminished military strength.

The MP stressed the need for “hard power” to navigate the coming decades, which he predicts will be chaotic and violent. He pointed to recent examples of the UK’s struggles to deploy military assets, such as a destroyer to the Eastern Mediterranean or a battle group to Europe. “We have fallen a very long way,” Martin stated, contrasting the current situation with the deployment of 50,000 troops in 2003.

Funding Defense: Difficult Choices Ahead

The prospect of rearming rapidly presents a significant financial challenge, especially given the UK’s current economic pressures. The committee acknowledges that difficult choices must be made regarding tax, spending cuts, and borrowing. The Liberal Democrats have proposed ideas like “defense bonds” to raise funds from the public and increase awareness of the security situation.

However, Martin believes a broader national consensus is needed. “The three main parties need to come together and hammer this out between them and come to a consensus,” he urged. This collaborative approach is necessary to address the “parlous state” of the military and ensure Britain has the capabilities to participate in shaping the future world order. Without adequate investment in hard power, the UK risks being marginalized in the decades to come.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Action

The committee’s report serves as a wake-up call, urging policymakers and the public to confront the reality of a changed global landscape. The era of unquestioned American security guarantees is over, and Britain must adapt. The path forward involves strengthening European defense ties, building new alliances with middle powers, and, most critically, investing significantly in its own military capabilities. The next 20 years are expected to be challenging, and Britain’s ability to protect its interests and influence the future world order hinges on its willingness to rearm and act decisively.

Source: ‘The Liberal International Order As It Was… Is Dead’ | Mike Martin MP (YouTube)