Defence Talks: Securing UK Advantage The world in 2026: Challenges, risks and opportunities for the UK
Feb 5, 2026
James Rogers, co-founder (Research) at the Council on Geostrategy, brings expertise in geopolitics and UK strategic policy. Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History, offers insight on trade networks, climate and space militarisation. They discuss power shifts to the Indo-Pacific, Britain’s strategic strengths and vulnerabilities, tech and defence investment needs, and urgent priorities like Ukraine and the High North.
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Noise Versus Signal In 2026
- The present feels noisy and dislocating, making signals hard to pick out from the background.
- Peter Frankopan argues living now is preferable to many past eras despite visible turmoil.
Europe Becoming A Periphery
- Power is shifting from the Euro-Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific and within the West itself.
- James Rogers warns Europe is becoming a geopolitical periphery amid Indo-Pacific focus.
US Strategy: Stall Rival Blocs
- The US seeks to block formations threatening its lead, using sanctions and coercion to counter BRICS-style alignment.
- Peter Frankopan suggests Trump's actions aim to prevent rival blocs becoming cohesive.
