Ed Arnold
@edrusi.bsky.social
European Security at RUSI - NATO, JEF, Arctic and High North security.
All views my own
All views my own
Reposted by Ed Arnold
I still don't buy the idea of a CRINK alliance - yes, there are points of convergence, yes, there is cooperation, but it's no tight strategic alignment or an "axis". For me, it's a US framing (from a very specific perspective) which does not help Europe tailor its foreign policy response.
‘The lack of response from 🇷🇺 and 🇨🇳 to 🇺🇸 bombing of 🇮🇷 nuclear facilities in June 2025 dispelled any illusions that the #CRINK might be anything more than a broad strategic alignment,’ says Andrew Yeh, China Strategic Risk Institute
#BigAsk #BritainsWorld
#BigAsk #BritainsWorld
Is the CRINK in crisis?
The Big Ask | No. 03.2026
www.britainsworld.org.uk
January 23, 2026 at 12:54 PM
I still don't buy the idea of a CRINK alliance - yes, there are points of convergence, yes, there is cooperation, but it's no tight strategic alignment or an "axis". For me, it's a US framing (from a very specific perspective) which does not help Europe tailor its foreign policy response.
Despite the matcho language to help credibility and deterrence, I see no circumstances where European forces would fire first on the US.
1-6
"Denmark was ready for battle ...
The order was issued as recently as last week. If Greenland were attacked, contrary to expectations, Danish soldiers would be ready with live ammunition."
www.dr.dk/nyheder/indl...
"Denmark was ready for battle ...
The order was issued as recently as last week. If Greenland were attacked, contrary to expectations, Danish soldiers would be ready with live ammunition."
www.dr.dk/nyheder/indl...
Danmark var klar til kamp: Her er ordren til de danske soldater i Grønland
Ordren blev udstedt så sent som i sidste uge. Hvis Grønland mod forventning blev angrebet, stod danske soldater klar med skarp ammunition.
www.dr.dk
January 23, 2026 at 9:48 AM
Despite the matcho language to help credibility and deterrence, I see no circumstances where European forces would fire first on the US.
Reposted by Ed Arnold
Dozens of shadow fleet tankers have traversed the English Channel since promises of tougher stance.
Danish Straits see about the same numbers.
BBC is not clear on if they mean flagless or flagged tankers, but either way there are lots.
Pic related, sanctioned tankers this minute.
Danish Straits see about the same numbers.
BBC is not clear on if they mean flagless or flagged tankers, but either way there are lots.
Pic related, sanctioned tankers this minute.
January 23, 2026 at 6:39 AM
Dozens of shadow fleet tankers have traversed the English Channel since promises of tougher stance.
Danish Straits see about the same numbers.
BBC is not clear on if they mean flagless or flagged tankers, but either way there are lots.
Pic related, sanctioned tankers this minute.
Danish Straits see about the same numbers.
BBC is not clear on if they mean flagless or flagged tankers, but either way there are lots.
Pic related, sanctioned tankers this minute.
Reposted by Ed Arnold
We are hosting a RUSI member exclusive briefing and Q&A with a panel of RUSI experts tomorrow. The panel will be exploring the implications of President Trump’s threats to annex Greenland.
Not a RUSI member? Join today: https://my.rusi.org/membership.html
Not a RUSI member? Join today: https://my.rusi.org/membership.html
Greenland: The New Battleground in US-Europe Relations
A briefing and Q&A with a panel of RUSI experts, exploring the implications of President Trump’s threats to annex Greenland, part of NATO ally Denmark.
my.rusi.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:09 PM
We are hosting a RUSI member exclusive briefing and Q&A with a panel of RUSI experts tomorrow. The panel will be exploring the implications of President Trump’s threats to annex Greenland.
Not a RUSI member? Join today: https://my.rusi.org/membership.html
Not a RUSI member? Join today: https://my.rusi.org/membership.html
Finally
France seizes suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker in the Mediterranean
France seizes suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker in the Mediterranean
The vessel, named Grinch, was stopped by the French navy as it travelled through waters between Spain and Morocco.
www.bbc.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Finally
Reposted by Ed Arnold
One part of The @economist.com's cover package this week is a detailed, methodical and compelling dismantling of the Trump admin's ever-shifting case for acquiring Greenland, almost every element of which is false, exaggerated or confused. A truly confected crisis.
www.economist.com/briefing/202...
www.economist.com/briefing/202...
Donald Trump’s grab for Greenland makes no sense
It would harm America’s security and its economy
www.economist.com
January 22, 2026 at 11:41 AM
One part of The @economist.com's cover package this week is a detailed, methodical and compelling dismantling of the Trump admin's ever-shifting case for acquiring Greenland, almost every element of which is false, exaggerated or confused. A truly confected crisis.
www.economist.com/briefing/202...
www.economist.com/briefing/202...
Reposted by Ed Arnold
Four VCs for UK forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two of them posthumous. An obvious question for his British admirers.
Trump on NATO: "I've always said, will they be there if we ever needed them? That's really the ultimate test. I'm not sure of that. We've never needed them. They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan and this or that. And they did. They stayed a little back, off the front lines."
January 22, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Four VCs for UK forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two of them posthumous. An obvious question for his British admirers.
What a week to discuss Arctic and High North security at the @rusi.bsky.social
Now to write something coherent and future proofed...
Now to write something coherent and future proofed...
January 22, 2026 at 9:37 AM
What a week to discuss Arctic and High North security at the @rusi.bsky.social
Now to write something coherent and future proofed...
Now to write something coherent and future proofed...
Reposted by Ed Arnold
Of course the NATO Secretary General isn't going to further inflame things by commenting in public, but he must know that this is nothing like Greece-Turkey. The US has been the dominant state NATO, the primary security provider, and it's now threatening to invade a fellow member.
Listening to Rutte. Pressed on Greenland, cites precedent of Greece Turkey tensions and says shouldn't comment in public because if he does then won't be able to address the issue in private. "I'm working on this issue behind the scenes...statements from me will not add anything"
January 21, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Of course the NATO Secretary General isn't going to further inflame things by commenting in public, but he must know that this is nothing like Greece-Turkey. The US has been the dominant state NATO, the primary security provider, and it's now threatening to invade a fellow member.
Eurgh
Listening to Rutte. Pressed on Greenland, cites precedent of Greece Turkey tensions and says shouldn't comment in public because if he does then won't be able to address the issue in private. "I'm working on this issue behind the scenes...statements from me will not add anything"
January 21, 2026 at 10:06 AM
Eurgh
Reposted by Ed Arnold
“We have done so much for America”: Denmark fought alongside the U.S. in Afghanistan. Now, as Trump eyes Greenland, the families of fallen soldiers have a message for him, @isaacstanleybecker.bsky.social reports: theatln.tc/I8nGcxwO
January 19, 2026 at 5:45 PM
“We have done so much for America”: Denmark fought alongside the U.S. in Afghanistan. Now, as Trump eyes Greenland, the families of fallen soldiers have a message for him, @isaacstanleybecker.bsky.social reports: theatln.tc/I8nGcxwO
Reposted by Ed Arnold
@jasonralph.bsky.social and me wrote the following bit about what Trump's shenanigans mean for the balancing act Starmer has tried to maintain in British foreign policy. TLDR, there's a reckoning coming...
theconversation.com/why-keir-sta...
theconversation.com/why-keir-sta...
Why Keir Starmer had to speak out against Trump over Greenland after staying quiet on Venezuela
Pragmatic realism called for compromise when it came to Venezuela, but there is no reasonable explanation for an invasion of Greenland.
theconversation.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:10 PM
@jasonralph.bsky.social and me wrote the following bit about what Trump's shenanigans mean for the balancing act Starmer has tried to maintain in British foreign policy. TLDR, there's a reckoning coming...
theconversation.com/why-keir-sta...
theconversation.com/why-keir-sta...
Called it!
And the advance teams are on their way to 🇬🇱Greenland to prepare deployment of 🇩🇰Danish and allied troops from 🇸🇪Sweden, 🇳🇴Norway, 🇩🇪Germany & 🇫🇷 France. More countries will join Operation Arctic Endurance. Stay tuned.
January 14, 2026 at 8:55 PM
Called it!
Reposted by Ed Arnold
Senior figures from across the British political spectrum are calling on the government to make a more visible show of support for Greenland in the face of continued threats from Donald Trump’s White House.
UK urged to beef up Greenland support amid Trump threats
Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is among those calling for Britain to make better use of the existing Joint Expeditionary Force.
www.politico.eu
January 13, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Senior figures from across the British political spectrum are calling on the government to make a more visible show of support for Greenland in the face of continued threats from Donald Trump’s White House.
Reposted by Ed Arnold
This is *before* the new budget increases, which could take the total cost over £100bn www.ft.com/content/3f73...
January 13, 2026 at 9:26 AM
This is *before* the new budget increases, which could take the total cost over £100bn www.ft.com/content/3f73...
Reposted by Ed Arnold
Louise Casey blunt on grade inflation in the civil service - compares decisions grade 5s make now to those fast streamers used to make…
January 13, 2026 at 9:49 AM
Louise Casey blunt on grade inflation in the civil service - compares decisions grade 5s make now to those fast streamers used to make…
All good but where is Bush and Gates?
Joint statement by 4 former officials in Democratic and Republican Administrations—including four NATO Ambassadors, 3 Assistant Secretaries of State for Europe, and 3 NSC Senior Directors.
Excellent opening in particular.
Excellent opening in particular.
America’s Strategic Alliance with Denmark and NATO
A statement by 14 former officials in Democratic and Republican Administrations—including four NATO Ambassadors, 3 Assistant Secretaries of State for Europe, and 3 NSC Senior Directors
newsletter.ivodaalder.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:14 PM
All good but where is Bush and Gates?
Reposted by Ed Arnold
Note: In their relevant joint declarations, NATO and the EU have committed themselves to working jointly on "promoting the women peace and security agenda".
All EU security and defence partnerships include sections on the role of women in peace & security.
All EU security and defence partnerships include sections on the role of women in peace & security.
Rutte's War on Woke
"NATO is falling into line with the US warpath against DEI. Phrases have been rephrased in legislation by NATO committees. Any language around 'gender' or 'women, peace & security' is avoided. 'Worst thing you can do is present it as a diversity issue. It’s not a woke agenda.'"
"NATO is falling into line with the US warpath against DEI. Phrases have been rephrased in legislation by NATO committees. Any language around 'gender' or 'women, peace & security' is avoided. 'Worst thing you can do is present it as a diversity issue. It’s not a woke agenda.'"
January 12, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Note: In their relevant joint declarations, NATO and the EU have committed themselves to working jointly on "promoting the women peace and security agenda".
All EU security and defence partnerships include sections on the role of women in peace & security.
All EU security and defence partnerships include sections on the role of women in peace & security.
Reposted by Ed Arnold
Translation: "I would like a job please"
Zahawi: “Britain needs Nigel Farage as prime minister.”
January 12, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Translation: "I would like a job please"
Reposted by Ed Arnold
a decade is a long time in politics
January 12, 2026 at 11:55 AM
a decade is a long time in politics
Some comments from me on Greenland. Regardless of the detail the political crisis is that when NATO faces external threats it galvinises the Alliance. When it faces internal challenges it weakens it
Denmark’s race to defend Greenland – and why it may be too late
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
Denmark’s race to defend Greenland – and why it may be too late
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
Denmark’s race to defend Greenland – and why it may be too late
Copenhagen’s £4.8bn defence package is no deterrent against Trump’s determination to annex mineral-rich island
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 10:26 AM
Some comments from me on Greenland. Regardless of the detail the political crisis is that when NATO faces external threats it galvinises the Alliance. When it faces internal challenges it weakens it
Denmark’s race to defend Greenland – and why it may be too late
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
Denmark’s race to defend Greenland – and why it may be too late
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
Reposted by Ed Arnold
It is fascinating to me how in Germany there is this strong conviction that the UK (and France) have these super strong militaries and when you look inside the countries, it’s 👇
www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/a...
www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/a...
Senior military chiefs warn Keir Starmer of £28bn defence shortfall
Britain’s top officers say the Ministry of Defence faces a funding gap over the next four years despite spending plans and rising pressure to prepare for war
www.thetimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:12 AM
It is fascinating to me how in Germany there is this strong conviction that the UK (and France) have these super strong militaries and when you look inside the countries, it’s 👇
www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/a...
www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/a...
Slight change of focus from me but still highly relevant to security. Food security is well known, but the argicultural sector could also have a role in protecting CNI, freeing up capacity of the police and military.
The UK believes in a whole-of-society approach to national security. Agriculture has both a traditional and a novel role to play in protecting the country, writes Ed Arnold in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Farming is Critical to UK National Security
The UK believes in a whole-of-society approach to national security. Agriculture has both a traditional and a novel role to play in protecting the country.
www.rusi.org
January 9, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Slight change of focus from me but still highly relevant to security. Food security is well known, but the argicultural sector could also have a role in protecting CNI, freeing up capacity of the police and military.
Reposted by Ed Arnold
Food security matters, and this time I am tagging the author, my friend and colleague @edrusi.bsky.social
The UK believes in a whole-of-society approach to national security. Agriculture has both a traditional and a novel role to play in protecting the country, writes Ed Arnold in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Farming is Critical to UK National Security
The UK believes in a whole-of-society approach to national security. Agriculture has both a traditional and a novel role to play in protecting the country.
www.rusi.org
January 8, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Food security matters, and this time I am tagging the author, my friend and colleague @edrusi.bsky.social