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The Hollow Shield: Britain and the Crisis of Defence
Paperback
General Political ScienceMilitary Strategy
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Jun 14 2026
Pages: 268
Weight: 0.80
Height: 0.56 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
Is Britain prepared for the security challenges of the twenty-first century-or has the shield grown hollow?
For centuries, Britain built its security upon maritime power, industrial strength, global alliances, and strategic adaptability. From the Royal Navy and the defence of Europe to nuclear deterrence and NATO, British defence policy has evolved in response to changing threats and shifting balances of power.
Today, however, the strategic landscape is changing once again.
Great power competition has returned. Russia's war in Ukraine has challenged assumptions about European security. China is reshaping the global balance of power. Cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, drones, and space technologies are transforming the character of conflict. Meanwhile, questions persist over defence spending, procurement, recruitment, and national resilience.
In The Hollow Shield: Britain and the Crisis of Defence, Alina Vey examines the historical evolution of British defence and the challenges facing the United Kingdom in an increasingly uncertain world.
Drawing upon history, strategic studies, and contemporary security analysis, this book explores:
- The rise of Britain as a maritime power
- The legacy of the Cold War and the post-Cold War peace dividend
- Defence spending and procurement challenges
- NATO and Britain's international role
- Recruitment and the future of the armed forces
- Russia, China, and renewed geopolitical competition
- Cyber warfare, hybrid threats, and information operations
- Artificial intelligence, drones, and emerging technologies
- Nuclear deterrence and the future of Trident
- Britain's place in an increasingly multipolar world
Written in a balanced and evidence-based style, The Hollow Shield avoids partisan advocacy and instead focuses on institutions, strategy, and long-term historical trends.
At a time when assumptions about security are being tested once again, this book asks a fundamental question:
Can Britain adapt its defence institutions to the realities of a changing world-or is the shield upon which its security rests becoming increasingly hollow?
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