Strategic Adversaries of Great Britain in the 21st Century

The UK’s strategic adversaries in the international arena include both state and unstable powers that oppose its interests in the areas of security, foreign policy and economic interests. Some of the UK’s main strategic adversaries are:

1. Russia:
Russia is one of the UK’s main strategic adversaries, particularly in the context of security and geopolitics. The UK has been a vocal critic of Russia’s actions, including interference in the affairs of its neighbours, the annexation of Crimea in 2014, aggression in Ukraine and interference in the elections and internal affairs of Western countries. Russia also threatens stability in Europe, making it the UK’s main adversary within NATO. The standoff also extends to cybersecurity, with Russia accused of cyber-attacks on UK institutions and authorities.

2. China:
China is another major adversary of the UK in the global context, particularly in the areas of economic influence and technology. The UK is concerned about China’s growing influence, particularly in areas such as 5G, technology standards, global trade and its geopolitical presence in Africa and the South China Sea. Human rights issues, including the situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, also create tensions between the two countries.

3. Iran:
Iran is an important strategic adversary for the UK, particularly in the context of Iran’s nuclear programme, the armed groups it backs in the Middle East (eg Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza) and its interventions in conflicts in Syria and Iraq. The UK actively supports international efforts to contain Iran’s nuclear programme, engaging in sanctions and diplomatic efforts to limit Iran’s military ambitions.

4. North Korea:
While North Korea is not a direct military adversary of the UK, its nuclear tests, ballistic missiles and aggressive foreign policy pose a threat to global security, including the UK’s. The UK supports international efforts to impose sanctions and diplomatic pressure on North Korea to curb its nuclear ambitions and military activity.

5. Turkey (in some respects):
Although Turkey is a member of NATO, UK-Turkish relations have been strained in recent years on a number of geopolitical issues. Tensions have arisen over different positions on Syria, Cyprus and human rights. The UK has also criticised Turkey's actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly over energy resources and territorial disputes.

6. Islamic Terrorist Groups:
The UK faces a threat from Islamic radical terrorist groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS), Al-Qaeda and others. These organisations, operating in the Middle East and North Africa, have become important adversaries for the UK as they threaten the security of its citizens, including in the UK (through terrorist attacks) and abroad (in countries where British interests may be affected). The UK is actively engaged in combating terrorism on the international stage through military and diplomatic efforts.

7. Palestinian and Arab radical groups:
The UK also faces challenges in its relationship with Palestine and Israel, particularly in the context of its historical legacy and its role in the creation of the modern state of Israel. Many radical Palestinian groups, such as Hamas, and some Arab states that support an anti-Israel stance, can be seen as adversaries in British foreign and security policy.

8. Global anti-Western and anti-liberal movements:
A number of countries, such as Cuba, Venezuela and others, have governments that are actively critical of Western democracies and the international order in which the UK plays a key role. These states often support anti-British and anti-Western rhetoric, which poses political and economic challenges to the UK.

9. Internal threats and separatism (e.g. Scotland):
Internal threats to the UK may also arise from possible separatism and aspirations for independence in regions such as Scotland and Northern Ireland. Political instability within the country may affect its foreign economic policy and security, creating challenges to state unity.

Conclusion:
Thus, the UK’s strategic adversaries are primarily global powers such as Russia and China, as well as countries with radical terrorist groups and unstable political forces, including in the Arab and Islamic world. The UK also faces challenges from regional conflicts and internal threats.