An Overview of British Defence Policy in the North

Abstract

Before we concentrate on Northern issues, it is right and proper that I should conduct a brief tour d’horizon of the global scene so that the Northern Flank is seen in perspective. Today, the United States and the Soviet Union dominate (and will continue to dominate) the world political stage, as the Superpower representatives of opposing political ideologies. It would seem to be no coincidence that the Soviet Union has developed — and continues to enhance — a global maritime capability which supports their political aspiration wherever and whenever ‘opportunity knocks’. The Soviets, while ever mindful of the security of their homeland and the importance of their strategic rocket, land and air forces, are alive to the possibilities of sea power, and have probably made greater advances in their maritime capability than in any other military (or non-military) area.