NOW OR NEVER - Murrin, David

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Résumé :
I am delighted to present my NOW OR NEVER: Global Forecaster UK Strategic Defence Review 2020, which I sincerely hope will inform you of the clear and present threats Britain faces and stimulate action to secure our island home from attack, whilst simultaneously stimulating our depressed economy to new and significant growth. In a world consumed by the pandemic and its self-imposed economic impact, you might wonder why defence is such a critical issue? Whilst struggling to optimise our response to the pandemic, we risk being distracted from a much greater existential threat to our nation. We have all experienced or observed the behaviour of bullies: aggressive opportunists who seek to intimidate with words and jibes that diminish and control, much like we see in a playground. These bullies may also choose to escalate their hold by suggesting or using physical violence. Most importantly, all bullies are predators and as such will exploit any weakness, but avoid the strong, who might defend themselves and inflict harm upon then in return. In the geopolitical world, words and jibes equate to cyber-attacks, manipulation of social media, and physical intimidation and attacks to open warfare. Playground gangs are very similar to defence and security alliances. Putin is a classic bully. Russia is not overtly expansive, due to its negative demographics, but Putin is aggressive and opportunistic. As such, British and Western weaknesses will be punished at a moment of friction, unless we raise our awareness and strengthen our defences. China, however, is a super-bully: strong, fast, increasingly powerful and until now, patient, who will take on even the strongest nations in time, to seek total global domination. Only maximised national strength coupled with strong alliances will be able to stand up to this 'super-bully'. Thus Britain faces a critical moment of decision. A now or never moment. In response to this clear threat, I hope that you will join my call to arms by taking the time to read this report and commend it to your friends and colleagues in regards to Britain's security and safety.