Europe Must Stand Strong: Why the UK and NATO Must Arm Up to Face a Resurgent Russia

Europe has long relied on its historical alliances and the deterrent power of collective strength, but the passage of time and geopolitical shifts have revealed vulnerabilities. The collapse of the Soviet Union lulled much of the West into complacency, cutting defense budgets and letting intelligence capabilities wither. The 9/11 attacks shattered this illusion of peace, prompting a knee-jerk reaction from the United States that led to extended conflicts across the Middle East, from Afghanistan to Iraq. NATO was called upon, but as time has shown, America's military might alone cannot serve as a shield forever.

Today, Europe faces a resurgent Russia. Putin has played a long game, awaiting the possibility of a U.S. presidency disinterested in NATO and willing to abandon Ukraine. Should such a shift materialize, Europe must be ready to fill the void left by a wavering ally. We must reimagine what collective defense looks like for the 21st century—our survival demands it.

The UK’s Post-Brexit Responsibility

For Britain, the stakes are even higher. Brexit has left the UK more isolated from the European mainland, but no less critical to its defense. NATO remains a pillar of our collective security, and Britain’s obligations cannot be shirked. We need robust land, sea, and air capabilities—troops who can be rapidly deployed, a navy capable of patrolling strategic waters, and aircraft to defend our skies and support allies. Anything less risks betrayal of our NATO commitments and, ultimately, our sovereignty.

Britain must work harder to remain entwined with European defense networks. Bilateral and multilateral cooperation, joint exercises, and intelligence-sharing are crucial, but they must be backed by tangible investment in our military. The 2% GDP spending target for NATO is a baseline, not a ceiling.

Rebuilding and Resourcing Defense

Europe and Britain alike must overhaul how we view our armed forces—not as mere cost centers but as engines for social and economic growth. Offer our youth the chance to learn trades, develop skills, and serve their countries with pride. Rebuild military capabilities internally, rejecting over-reliance on private contractors. Let our forces cook, build, drive, and heal from within, strengthening both military cohesion and national resilience.

Investment in technology is equally vital. Modern threats require modern tools, from cyber defenses to advanced weaponry. The frozen Russian assets in Western banks—if strategically utilized—could arm Ukraine and deter aggression further, proving our resolve.

Standing Together for Security

The greatest unifier of peoples is a common foe. Russia’s ambitions extend far beyond Ukraine; an emboldened Russia threatens all of Western Europe. Rule by law cannot be subverted by rule by autocrats or convicted criminals, wherever they might emerge. Trust in democratic principles and law must remain unwavering—both in Europe and across the Atlantic.

Europe and the UK must stand tall, wielding friendship in one hand and strength in the other. For the UK's part, staying close to European allies, investing in defense capabilities, and meeting NATO commitments is not an option—it is a necessity. How much more must we witness before we rise to this challenge? The time to act is now—before it is too late.

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See Robin Horsfall's latest article: https://open.substack.com/pub/robinhorsfall/p/europe-must-not-bend-the-knee-to?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web