The question is not simply how much we spend on defence, but what we understand defence and security to mean, says SIMON BRIGNELL
THIS THIRD week of February 2025 will go down in history as a turning point in world affairs.
The post-WWII system, extended 35 years ago with the end of the cold war, is dead. It was on life support long before Donald Trump resumed the presidency of the US. He has moved with whirlwind speed over the last month to rip up a dying order of multinational capitalist institutions through which the US exercised hegemony over allies and domination over foes.
Now resuscitation efforts have stopped. Anyone with any sense has called time of death.
While millions face poverty and public services are squeezed, France is committing billions to defence spending and weapons production, in a dangerous shift towards permanent preparation for war, says CONOR BOLLINS
The defence secretary’s resignation reveals not a split over principle but a dispute over pace of military spending, as Britain’s political Establishment unites behind deeper Nato commitments, argues NICK WRIGHT



