integrated review refresh 2023 (united kingdom)
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Integrated Review Refresh 2023: Responding to a more contested and volatile world
Source: His Majesty’s Government, United Kingdom Date: March 2023
The “Integrated Review Refresh 2023: Responding to a more contested and volatile world” is the United Kingdom’s updated national security and foreign policy strategy. It was published in March 2023 to account for the significant changes in the global security environment since the original 2021 Integrated Review, most notably Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Key Elements of the Strategy
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A More Contested and Volatile World: The review acknowledges that the world has become more dangerous and competitive than anticipated in 2021. It highlights the return of major state-on-state conflict in Europe and the growing assertiveness of authoritarian powers.
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Russia as the Most Acute Threat: The document identifies Russia as the “most acute threat” to UK and Euro-Atlantic security. It commits the UK to a leading role in NATO and to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.
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China as an “Epoch-Defining Challenge”: The review describes China as an “epoch-defining and systemic challenge.” It adopts a more robust posture towards China, emphasizing the need to protect UK national security and values, while also maintaining channels for cooperation on issues like climate change.
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Strengthening Deterrence and Defence: The strategy commits to an additional £5 billion in defense spending over two years and sets an ambition to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP. It prioritizes the modernization of the UK’s nuclear deterrent and investment in new technologies.
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The “Indo-Pacific Tilt”: The review reaffirms the UK’s “Indo-Pacific tilt,” aiming to build stronger security and economic partnerships in the region. This is exemplified by the AUKUS security pact with Australia and the United States.
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Transatlantic and European Security: The strategy emphasizes that NATO is the “cornerstone of our security” and that the US is the UK’s “most important ally.” It also signals a desire for a closer, more pragmatic relationship with the European Union on shared security challenges.
The Integrated Review Refresh 2023 represents a significant adaptation of UK strategy to a more dangerous world. It demonstrates a renewed focus on state-based threats, a hardening of its posture towards Russia and China, and a clear commitment to strengthening its key alliances.