International Institute for Strategic Studies
Coverage of International Institute for Strategic Studies in the Nexus archive.
- What China’s carrier recruitment drive says about PLA Navy’s long-term ambitions
China’s aircraft carrier program is expanding its focus to improve recruitment and training of crews and pilots for operations beyond home waters. The PLA Navy is implementing changes to pilot recruitment and training, shifting from reliance on experienced aviators from operational squadrons.
- The 50 most expensive militaries in the world, ranked by defense budget
The US has the world's most expensive military, spending nearly $1 trillion on defense in 2025, over three times China's budget. Global military spending totaled $2.6 trillion in 2025, with the US accounting for over a third. President Donald Trump proposed increasing annual defense spending to $1.5 trillion, and NATO allies agreed to a target of 5% GDP defense spending by 2035.
- 'End of an Era': Facing an increasingly adversarial US, Europe embraces proactive defence strategy
Europe is adopting a proactive defense strategy in response to a perceived increasingly adversarial US. François Heisbourg criticizes the Iran-related 'peace deal' announced by Donald Trump as opaque, incomplete, and potentially unstable.
- Zambia: Elections 2026 - Is Zambia's Democratic Success Story Beginning to Fray?
The article discusses concerns that Zambia's 2026 elections may be influenced by legal maneuvers rather than voter choices. It highlights the potential risk of voters perceiving the election outcome as a result of legal strategies instead of democratic voting processes.
- American allies warn division weakens deterrence in calls for global unity to meet new threats
American allies emphasized the importance of global unity to strengthen deterrence against emerging threats, despite U.S. criticisms of European defense spending. Japan's defense minister highlighted the need for strong coalitions, while China criticized Japan's recent policy shift allowing lethal weapons exports. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated calls for increased defense contributions from Western Europe.
- American allies warn division weakens deterrence in calls for global unity to meet new threats
American allies emphasized global unity and cooperation at a defense conference in Singapore, warning that division weakens deterrence. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized European allies for insufficient defense spending, while Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stressed the need for stronger coalitions amid China's military expansion and Japan's recent policy shift on lethal weapons exports.
- Hegseth walks tightrope on China, urging Asian allies to share burden against threats
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reduced his criticism of China during remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore, weeks after President Trump's bilateral summit in Beijing. Hegseth urged Asian allies to share the burden against threats and promoted joint U.S.-China efforts.
- Hegseth tones down warnings about China but says US remains committed to Pacific security
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized continued American commitment to Pacific security while downplaying previous warnings about China's military threat. He highlighted efforts to build a 'constructive relationship of strategic stability' with China following President Trump's recent meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, though he reiterated the U.S. priority of preventing Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific. Chinese officials praised the Trump-Xi consensus, while U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized the administration's approach as overly accommodating to China.
- Hegseth tones down warnings about China but says US remains committed to Pacific security
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Pacific allies of Washington's commitment to regional security but softened previous warnings about China's military expansion. He emphasized maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, following a recent Trump-Xi meeting that highlighted efforts to build a 'constructive relationship.' Chinese officials praised the U.S.-China consensus, while U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized the Trump administration's approach to China.
- Asia defense summit opens amid doubts over U.S. priorities
The Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, is addressing tensions in the Middle East and Russia's war on Ukraine. The summit opens amid doubts about U.S. priorities.
- Asia defense summit opens amid doubts over U.S. priorities
The Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, is addressing tensions in the Middle East and Russia's war on Ukraine. The summit opens amid doubts over U.S. priorities.
- What Does China Really Spend on its Military?
China's official defense spending announcement of $276.7 billion for 2026 masks significantly higher actual military expenditures estimated by independent organizations at $313.7-$325 billion. The lack of transparency in Chinese defense budget reporting and the divergence between official figures and external estimates makes it difficult to accurately assess China's true military capabilities.