• In Focus

    Challenges to a rules-based international order

    A rules-based international order is typically used to refer to the system of political, legal, and economic rules which have arguably governed international relations since the second world war. It has been a long-established concept in UK foreign affairs doctrine. However, in recent years, many commentators suggest that a growing strain has been placed upon this system and that a new commitment to global stability and security is required.

  • In Focus

    UK’s contribution to UN peacekeeping operations

    The UK has been involved in UN peacekeeping since 1948. Its contribution includes determining UN security council mandates, providing financial support and deploying personnel to peacekeeping operations. This briefing examines recent UK peacekeeping operations and policies to support such efforts. This includes commitments to enhancing UK military training of peacekeepers before and during operations.

  • In Focus

    UK approach to the Arctic: Lords committee report

    The House of Lords committee on international relations and defence has called on the government to remain alert to emerging changes in the Arctic and to regularly assess whether its strategy towards the region is “appropriately calibrated”. In a report published in 2023, the committee suggested the Arctic was experiencing significant change and was no longer a region of low-tension. It argued the situation was critical to UK interests.

  • In Focus

    UK government policy towards China

    Relations between the UK and China are complex. China is an important trading partner for the UK but its human rights record and global actions attract regular concern and criticism. The Labour government has said that its relationship with China will be based on cooperation, competition and challenge. This briefing looks at the new government’s stance, as well as its position on issues such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and China’s human rights record.

  • In Focus

    Humanitarian assistance for Ukraine: December 2024

    The humanitarian crisis affecting Ukraine and its people has continued amid escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory, including on civilian centres and infrastructure, as temperatures drop towards zero and below. The UK government has pledged over £100mn in additional humanitarian support for 2024/25, as well as additional sums to support energy infrastructure resilience and stabilisation efforts. This comprises part of £5bn pledged in non-military support to date.

  • In Focus

    UK-EU relationship and the war in Ukraine: Lords committee report

    The House of Lords European Affairs Committee welcomed the EU and UK response to the war in Ukraine “in general terms”. In its January 2024 report, the committee said some areas of UK-EU cooperation had been broadly effective. The committee said the report’s aim was to consider a longer-term approach and make recommendations to strengthen the UK-EU response. It called for more formal arrangements in several security and foreign policy areas.

  • Research Briefing

    Women, Peace and Security Bill [HL]: HL Bill 20 of 2024–25

    The Women, Peace and Security Bill [HL] is a short private member’s bill introduced by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Conservative). The bill would require the secretary of state to have regard to the UK’s national action plan on women, peace and security (NAP) when formulating and implementing policy on foreign affairs, defence or related matters. The bill includes provisions requiring the government to report to Parliament annually on the progress made in implementing the NAP. It also requires considerations the government must have regard to when participating in multi-national organisations such as the United Nations. The bill was introduced on 4 September 2024 and is scheduled to have its second reading on 15 November 2024. The bill would extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It would come into force on the day the legislation was passed.

  • In Focus

    Threat posed by Hezbollah

    Hezbollah is an armed Shiite militia group, backed by Iran, which exerts considerable influence in Lebanon. It has been a proscribed in its entirety by the UK as a terrorist organisation since 2019. The current conflict between Hezbollah and Israel continues. Hezbollah has fired rockets at Israeli territory whilst Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes—including that which saw the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah—and has launched an armed incursion into southern Lebanon. The UK has called for an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement.

  • In Focus

    Minority faith communities in South Asia: UK government’s role in safeguarding freedom of religion or belief

    Human rights groups, the United Nations and governments have raised concerns about the rights of minority faith communities across South Asia. Members of communities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have reported discrimination or persecution based on their faith. The UK government has said it will promote freedom of religion or belief through diplomatic relations.

  • In Focus

    Tensions in the Horn of Africa

    Tensions have been rising among countries in the Horn of Africa in recent years, due to regional disputes and internal conflicts. For example, in January 2024, Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland to access one of its ports on the Gulf of Aden. Somalia has viewed the deal as a provocation, as Somaliland is not recognised by the international community and Somalia considers it part of its territory. This briefing examines those issues, as well as recent internal conflicts within Ethiopia and its relations with neighbouring Eritrea.

  • In Focus

    International Agreements Committee: Treaty on AUKUS naval nuclear propulsion and amendments to UK-US Mutual Defence Agreement

    In July 2024, the government published amendments to its longstanding agreement with the US on the sharing of nuclear materials, technology, and information. The government has also reached a new agreement with the US and Australia to support the development of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet. The House of Lords is due to debate two reports by the House of Lords International Agreements Committee on these two agreements.

  • In Focus

    War in Ukraine: Update October 2024

    The summer of 2024 has seen heavy fighting across the front lines in Ukraine. Russian forces continue to press in the east of the country whilst a Ukrainian offensive penetrated across the border into Russia. The new Labour government has pledged to be steadfast in the UK's support for Ukraine and has announced further measures designed to aid Ukraine’s military effectiveness. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian administration has reportedly developed a set of proposals for how they believe Russia can be forced to accept terms to end the conflict.

  • In Focus

    Ethiopia: Conflict and food insecurity 40 years on from the 1984 famine

    Recent years have seen conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and the country continues to face food insecurity. An estimated 16 million people needed food assistance by August 2024. This briefing provides a brief timeline of conflict and food insecurity issues in Ethiopia. It also summarises the current humanitarian situation in the country and UK government policy regarding assistance. The House of Lords is due to debate the subject on 17 October 2024.

  • In Focus

    Sustainable development goals and the impact of global conflict, extreme poverty and climate-related emergencies

    The United Nations has said that escalating global conflicts and climate-related emergencies have substantially affected progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals. These issues have also reversed progress in tackling extreme poverty around the world. This article looks at these interlinked issues, as well as some of the recommendations by international bodies and UK government policy commitments seeking to address these challenges.

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