Newscast Is It The End Of The Global Order As We Know It?
23 snips
Feb 16, 2026 
James Landale, an experienced BBC political correspondent on defence and security, and Katya Adler, BBC Europe analyst reporting from Munich, discuss shifting global power and transatlantic pressure on Europe. They cover possible UK defence spending hikes, divergent European responses to Russia, Germany’s major policy shift, and worries about nuclear deterrence and proliferation.
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US Pushes Europe To A New Order
- Marco Rubio signalled the US wants Europe to share a reformed, value-driven global order rather than cling to the old status quo.
- Katya Adler warns this marks a nuanced shift after Donald Trump's return and pressures Europe to align or face unilateral US action.
UK May Speed Up Defence Targeting
- The UK is debating accelerating defence spending targets to hit 3% of GDP this parliament instead of later.
- James Landale notes this would cost about £13–14 billion extra per year and strains the government's fiscal choices.
Standing Still Costs More In Defence
- Rising procurement costs mean countries must spend more just to maintain current defence capabilities.
- James Landale says this creates a cash shortfall and political trade-offs across welfare, health and education.