In a joint statement, the chiefs of the UK’s MI6 and the CIA, Sir Richard Moore and William Burns issued a warning about the state of the international world order. They described the current geopolitical landscape as under threat in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War.
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Moore and Burns highlighted that the post-World War II international order, which has brought decades of relative peace, prosperity and stability, is now facing threats unlike anything seen since the Cold War.
They pointed out that this World Order, which provided a balanced system of international relations is essential for maintaining global peace, security and rising living standards.
The fragility of this system is now exposed by various actors who seek to disrupt it through aggression, disinformation and covert operations.
Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, which began with the 2022 invasion, was a central focus of the intelligence chiefs’ concerns.
Burns and Moore said that their agencies had foreseen the invasion and took measures to warn the global community by declassifying intelligence to strengthen international support for Ukraine.
Both leaders underlined the importance of continuing to support Ukraine as it fights to defend its sovereignty and maintain its independence against Russian aggression.
The intelligence chiefs revealed that Russia has been engaged in a campaign of sabotage and covert operations across Europe attempting to destabilize and weaken European democracies.
This campaign includes covert activities such as arson, espionage and the use of criminal networks for sabotage.
The use of criminals and less professional operatives, Moore suggested points to a degree of desperation within Russian intelligence services, which are increasingly willing to act feral in their efforts to achieve Moscow’s objectives.
These operations remain dangerous and reckless, and European intelligence services alongside their US and UK counterparts are working to disrupt and prevent actions.
The Ukraine conflict has underlined the role of technology in modern warfare with both sides leveraging advanced systems to gain a tactical advantage.
Burns and Moore stressed that technology has changed the nature of war and that intelligence agencies must adapt, innovate and experiment to stay ahead of adversaries.
The development and deployment of new technologies whether for reconnaissance, communication or weapons systems has had a huge impact on the war’s dynamics.
Despite tactical defeats on the battlefield and internal tensions both Moore and Burns agreed that there is little indication of any imminent weakening of Vladimir Putin’s hold on power in Russia.
While Ukraine’s military successes such as the seizure of territory in the Russian region of Kursk, have been described as significant, the intelligence chiefs warned against assuming that these will lead to Putin’s downfall.
Burns also disclosed that in late 2022, there was a moment of concern over the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia in response to battlefield setbacks.
The CIA passed messages to Russian officials, warning of the consequences of such an escalation, which appears to have been averted for now.
The COVID-19 pandemic and climate crises have highlighted how vulnerable populations in the region are disproportionately affected by global challenges.
Southeast Asia sees multilateralism as the only viable way to tackle large-scale issues that transcend borders such as pandemics, climate change and economic inequality.
In 2000, Malaysia called for a overhaul to make the council more representative and transparent. Thailand, in 2014, proposed an interim membership for countries that have never had the chance to serve.
Indonesia joined the chorus in 2015, the need for UN reform during the 60th anniversary of the Asia-Africa conference in Jakarta.
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Southeast Asia is leading the charge on several fronts in reforming global governance, with a unique, pragmatic approach.
Southeast Asian nations are finding common ground with other nations in the Global South. The Indonesia-Africa Forum and ASEAN’s initiatives such as local currency transactions, exemplify how the region is creating alliances and new channels of influence without necessarily abandoning the current world order.
Countries like Malaysia and Thailand have even expressed interest in joining BRICS.
Southeast Asia is setting up frameworks that are expected to influence global governance on technology. ASEAN is working on a Digital Economy Framework Agreement anticipated to be the world’s first region-wide digital economy pact by 2025.
The agreement could serve as a model for other regions, setting the rules for how external entities engage in Southeast Asia’s digital markets.
Beyond trade, data-driven technologies like AI, data centers and submarine cables hold strategic importance. Southeast Asia is involved in discussions about regulating these technologies.
At the UN’s Summit of the Future, youth participation will be emphasized as a major pillar, recognizing the impact and organizational power of younger generations in global social justice movements.
The youth in Southeast Asia, as in many regions have shown greater conviction and courage on issues such as climate change and inequality.
ASEAN remains central to the region’s multilateral efforts. The group has made progress in various cooperative areas such as, Security cooperation in the South China Sea, where members engage in cautious diplomacy to manage territorial disputes.
Economic integration through initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade agreement among 15 Asia-Pacific nations.
ASEAN’s multilateral engagements are pragmatic, maintaining a balance between global powers like China and the US without alienating either side.
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