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National Security Strategy outlines international military crises

Report states that strategic interests and responsibilities overseas could in some circumstances justify the threat or use of military force.

The National Security Strategy has been published, which outlines one of its key priorities as international military crises.

It states that no state currently has the combination of capability and intent needed to pose a conventional military threat to the territorial integrity of the United Kingdom, although history shows that both capability and intent can change, sometimes in a matter of only a few years an so the aim is to deter direct threats.

It also states that strategic interests and responsibilities overseas could in some circumstances justify the threat or use of military force, and that will also be occasions when it is in our interests to take part in humanitarian interventions, but each situation will be different and these judgements will not necessarily be easy.

The report states that regional power struggles and the desire of some states to acquire nuclear weapons capabilities increase the danger of escalating crises and unresolved border and sovereignty disputes could spark regional conflicts and draw in major regional powers.

The government will work with others to seek to prevent such crises developing, to deter malign forces and, in the last resort, to intervene militarily.

Further information:
Cabinet Office

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