The Chatham House report argues that climate change represents Europe's greatest systemic security threat, citing recent extreme heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires that have caused massive economic losses, infrastructure failures, and excess deaths. These environmental shocks disrupt critical services (like energy supply) and increase vulnerability to non-conventional threats, forcing military resources to divert personnel away from traditional defense roles. To counter this, the report mandates a comprehensive security approach: treating climate adaptation as core national security spending, accelerating decarbonization to address root causes, and building robust societal resilience through coordinated civil preparedness.
The Lasting Wounds of the War in Ukraine
English Summary
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the primary focus is shifting from active combat to the profound post-war challenges of societal recovery. The article argues that when the war concludes, both Ukraine and Russia will face the massive undertaking of reintegrating thousands of veterans. This process requires significant state resources to provide long-term physical, mental, and financial support to service members. Consequently, both Kyiv and Moscow must prioritize comprehensive policy planning and allocate substantial financial capital to manage these lasting societal wounds, ensuring stability and preventing internal crises.
中文摘要
隨著烏克蘭衝突的持續,主要焦點正從實戰轉移至深刻的戰後社會復原挑戰。本文論述,當戰爭終結時,烏克蘭和俄羅斯兩國都將面臨整合數以千計退役軍人的艱鉅任務。此一過程需要大量的國家資源,以提供長期生理、心理和財務支持給服役人員。因此,基輔和莫斯科必須將制定全面的政策規劃列為首要任務,並分配實質的財政資本來處理這些持久的社會創傷,從而確保國家穩定並預防內部危機。
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1.Wildfires and extreme heat show climate change is now Europe’s biggest security threat (Chatham House)
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2.Critical minerals need secure supply chains – increasingly that depends on responsible production (Chatham House)
The security of critical mineral supply chains is increasingly dependent on responsible production practices, which are threatened by global geo-economic competition and climate change. Rapidly increasing demand for materials, coupled with geopolitical tensions, has led to a rise in human rights abuses and informal mining activities in producer states. To mitigate systemic risks, governments must avoid a 'race to the bottom' on standards and instead mandate universal adherence to responsible corporate action. Ultimately, the article argues that successful supply chain resilience requires engaging seriously with host countries, as producer nations are now taking the lead in setting global standards.
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The article argues that despite political volatility and threats from figures like Trump, the transatlantic alliance is fundamentally robust because both the US and Europe share critical mutual interests. This bond is sustained by deep economic ties ($2T+ trade) and the shared necessity of deterring Russian aggression on NATO's eastern flank, which makes a strategic divorce highly unlikely. For policy, Europe must adopt a strategy of pragmatic engagement—working within current political realities while aggressively increasing its defense spending to build capability. While self-reliance is necessary, the analysis cautions that true strategic autonomy remains politically challenging and requires continued reliance on US military power.
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Europe has emerged as a global leader in sanctioning Russia's 'shadow fleet,' significantly increasing its vessel designations and improving coordination with the UK and U.S. However, the analysis finds that these European sanctions alone have had only a limited impact on overall Russian oil exports from the Baltic Sea due to gaps in coverage. To maximize pressure on Russian revenue, the report argues that comprehensive action requires either the U.S. implementing broader secondary sanctions or Europe aggressively holding flag states accountable for oversight of flagged vessels. Collectively, these measures are necessary to significantly strengthen the enforcement of G7 price caps and constrain Russia's oil trade.
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The historical trajectory of U.S.-Canada relations reveals a persistent tension between deep economic interdependence and the maintenance of national sovereignty. Key evidence includes major security pacts like NORAD, which cemented continental defense cooperation, alongside massive trade agreements such as NAFTA and the Auto Pact, which created an integrated market. However, this integration is repeatedly challenged by disputes over tariffs (Smoot-Hawley), territorial claims (Northwest Passage), and perceived loss of autonomy. Strategically, the enduring nature of these ties suggests that while friction points will persist, cooperation remains mandatory for both economies, necessitating policy frameworks that balance shared prosperity with respect for distinct national interests.