The article argues that the post-Cold War era of U.S. unipolarity, established by the perceived invincibility demonstrated during the Gulf War, has ended. This decline is driven by globalization and technological diffusion, which have democratized advanced military capabilities, allowing regional actors to challenge major powers. Consequently, policymakers must prepare for a more volatile international order marked by frequent crises, heightened costs for securing global trade chokepoints, and reduced predictability from American power. The new rules dictate that great powers can no longer effortlessly impose their will through force.
Defence Investment Paralysis: Why the UK’s defence minister quit, and what it means
English Summary
The resignations of key UK defence ministers signal a profound crisis in Britain's rearmament efforts, suggesting that political will and funding are lacking to properly execute national defense plans. Ministers argue that the existing Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is inadequate for current threats due to insufficient commitment from the Treasury and government leadership. This 'defence paralysis' raises serious questions about the UK’s ability to strengthen its military posture independently. Furthermore, this domestic instability mirrors broader European struggles in coordinating rearmament efforts amid geopolitical concerns regarding US commitments.
中文摘要
英國多位關鍵國防部長辭職，顯示出其重整軍備行動正處於深刻危機之中，暗示國家缺乏足夠的政治意願和資金支持來有效執行國防計畫。這些部長指出，現行的《國防投資計畫》（DIP）因財政部和政府高層承諾不足而無法應對當前的威脅。這種「國防癱瘓」狀態引發了關於英國是否能獨立強化其軍事態勢的嚴重質疑。此外，這種國內不穩定性也反映出歐洲在面對地緣政治考量以及美國參與度的不確定性時，協調重整軍備行動所面臨的更廣泛掙扎。
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