The article argues that modern conflicts are increasingly defined by attrition, driven by three strategic gaps: the difference between nominal military power and usable capacity; the difficulty of achieving breakthroughs in a technologically advanced battlefield; and the detachment of military means from clear political objectives. Evidence from Ukraine and the Middle East demonstrates that sustained logistics, rapid technological adaptation, and proxy networks are now more decisive than sheer military size. For policymakers, this implies a strategic shift away from seeking short, decisive victories toward preparing for prolonged, high-cost engagements, requiring a focus on sustainable supply chains and defining concrete, attainable political end-states.
Could Britain really rejoin the EU? Independent Thinking podcast
English Summary
This podcast explores the complex feasibility of Britain rejoining the European Union, questioning whether a credible bid is likely to emerge on the UK's political agenda. The discussion analyzes how drastically changed economic and defense environments might influence the case for re-entry. Key considerations include the specific terms under which European leaders might accept the return of the former partner. Ultimately, the episode suggests that the UK's potential return hinges on addressing its relationship with the continent and meeting the evolving standards set by the EU.
中文摘要
本播客深入探討了英國重返歐盟的複雜可行性，並質疑是否有可信的提案將會浮現於英國的政治議程中。討論分析了經濟和國防環境的巨大變化，如何影響重返歐盟的論點。關鍵考量包括歐洲領導人可能接受前夥伴國重返的具體條件。最終，本集指出，英國是否能重返大陸，取決於其能否調整與歐洲大陸的關係，並達到歐盟不斷演變的標準。
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