The Chatham House analysis concludes that the UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will be viewed by NATO allies as a mixed bag, primarily due to its failure to commit to higher GDP spending targets. However, the plan signals critical strategic improvements by emphasizing novel technologies—such as autonomous systems and digital infrastructure—and enhancing readiness. Crucially, the DIP adopts an international focus through major collaborative programs (e.g., AUKUS, GCAP) and establishes a new National Armaments Director Group (NADG). This structural shift toward flexible, portfolio-based collaboration is strategically valuable for NATO allies seeking reliable partners as US conventional forces reduce their European presence.
In the face of growing AI cyber threats, do middle powers have agency?
English Summary
The proliferation of advanced AI cyber models, restricted primarily to US and Chinese partners, is creating a critical global cyber defense gap for middle powers. While alignment with a superpower offers immediate security benefits, the analysis argues this path is insufficient and does not guarantee access during a crisis. Instead, middle powers must prioritize 'coordination,' leveraging a rare window of international awareness to strengthen multi-stakeholder networks. This involves enhancing institutional cooperation, information sharing, and cross-border rapid response capabilities to build collective cyber resilience and avoid geopolitical dependence.
中文摘要
先進AI網路模型（cyber models）的普及，目前主要受限於美中兩大夥伴，這正在為中等權力國家（middle powers）造成關鍵的全球網路防禦缺口。儘管與超級大國結盟能提供即時的安全效益，但本分析認為此途徑不足，且無法在危機時期保證獲得必要的支援。相反地，中等權力國家必須將重點放在「協調」（coordination）上，利用國際意識的稀有窗口期，來強化多方利益相關者網絡。這包括提升制度性合作、資訊共享，以及跨國界快速應變能力，從而建立集體網路韌性，避免過度依賴地緣政治。
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