By: Dr Agostinho Paiva da Cunha

The United States, under the aegis of Donald Trump and the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, have inaugurated a new era of conflict that compares to a state of war. This is not a war based on kinetic force, even though its military power remains an ever-present shadow. It is, rather, a Cognitive War. This strategy has been widely used both internally and in relations with allies and international partners, aiming for hegemony through the colonization of thought.

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Crossroads:
The 1862 Great Sioux Uprising and its geopolitical implications for today

A two part series by Joseph E. Fallon

Part 1
Lincoln's template for the dispossession of American Indians

One of the first Indian treaties to be broken by the United States was a colonial treaty with the Wea tribe. In 1751, "the Wea and the Piankashaw signed a treaty with the British and accepted an alliance with the Pennsylvania colony." With the outbreak of the American Revolution, the Wea allied themselves with the British. It was a fateful decision. As the war ended, the Wea wrote to London. "In endeavoring to assist you, it seems we have wrought our own destruction."

By a series of new treaties with the new republic, the Wea were forced further and further West. The process of dispossessing the Wea took seventy years. In 1862, Lincoln created a template to expediate dispossession of American Indians in months instead of decades.

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We mark the passing of those who have served this country. Contributions from comrades and families welcome. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This is the last "Old guard" listing for the foreseeable future although there may be occasional special features

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We've been tracking developments in Iran's Nuclear & Missile Programmes for nearly 20 years. Here's the latest, where diligent work by researchers has been replaced by ChatPGT. Sources include ft.com, trtglobal, en.wikipedia.org, thenationalnews.com. apnews,com, global-worldscope.blogspot.com, iranprimer.com, ginc.org, thetimes.co.uk, iranwatch.org, commonslibrary.parliament.uk, iaes.org, reddit.com, landfonline.com, time.com, nypost.com

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This update of improvements to capabilities (and challenges) in Russia's Northern Fleet over the last 18 months was prepared using ChatGPT as the primary research tool. It's sources are cited wherever possible.

Modernisation and Enhanced Capabilities

1. Submarines

Yasen-M Class (Project 885M)

In December 2024, the Arkhangelsk nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine was commissioned into the Northern Fleet. This is the fleet's third Yasen-class submarine, equipped with Kalibr, Oniks, and Tsirkon missiles, bolstering its strike capabilities. Sources :High North News, Naval News, Izvestia, Etterretningstjenesten, https://debuglies.com

Borei-A Class (Project 955A)

The Knyaz Pozharsky, a strategic ballistic missile submarine, was launched in early 2024. Armed with 16 Bulava ICBMs, it increas Russia's nuclear deterrent in the Arctic region. Source :High North News, Izvestia, https://debuglies.com

Lada Class (Project 677)

The diesel-electric submarine Kronshtadt joined the fleet in January 2024. Equipped with Kalibr missiles, it offers improved stealth and versatility for coastal defense and reconnaissance missions. Sources : https://debuglies.com, Izvestia, gfsis.org

2. Surface Fleet

Admiral Golovko Frigate

Commissioned in December 2023, this Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate is armed with Kalibr, Oniks, and Tsirkon missiles, along with advanced air defense systems, enhancing the fleet's multi-role capabilities. Source :https://debuglies.com

Project 23550 Arctic Patrol Vessels

The Nikolai Zubov, launched in December 2024, is the second in this class designed for Arctic operations. With reinforced hulls and the ability to operate in ice up to 1.7 meters thick, these vessels support patrol, logistics, and potential missile deployment roles. Source : Naval News

3. Aerial and Unmanned Systems

Mixed Arctic Aviation Corps

Established in December 2023, this corps integrates fighter regiments, anti-submarine helicopters, and mixed aviation units, enhancing aerial surveillance and defense in the Arctic. Source: gfsis.org

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

The fleet is integrating advanced systems like the Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone, capable of delivering strategic payloads to expandi its deterrence and operational reach.. Source :ArcticToday

Maritime Surveillance and Deterrence

The fleet has increased its patrols in the North Atlantic, aiming to deter NATO forces and secure maritime routes.. Source : Etterretningstjenesten

Submarine Deployments

Yasen-M class submarines have been active in projecting power and gathering intelligence, supporting operations related to the Ukraine conflict. Sources : Izvetia, Naval News, https://debuglies.com

Operational Challenges

Despite advancements, the Northern Fleet faces several hurdles: Source :The Barents Observer

Maintenance Backlogs

Aging infrastructure and limited shipyard capacities have led to delays in vessel maintenance, affecting operational readiness. Source : The Barents Observer, rcinet.ca

Resource Allocation

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has strained resources, leading to difficult choices between fleet expansion and maintenance.. Source : The Barents Observer, rcinet.ca

Command Structure Reorganization

Reverting to the Soviet-era military district model has introduced integration challenges, potentially impacting coordination and efficiency. Source : Arctic Institute

"Times are bad. Children no longer obey their parents, and everyone is writing a book." — Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.)

Editor's note : In these uncertain times there's concern that the youngest generation lacks the will to serve.

As a sixteen year old I was in my first fire fight on a ship in the South China Sea.

I had joined the Royal Navy in May 1964 having just turned 16 and commenced initial training at HMS Raleigh, down by Plymouth. I'd joined the RN partly to see the world (there is more to life that the street/town you live in - mine being Newcastle upon Tyne). My uncle was a Stoker in the RN, I never knew him as he was killed in World War II. My dad was in the Royal Signals during the same war so I combined the two ie: Joined the Royal Navy as a radio operator. My nickname in the RN was "Soapy" as there was a soap manufacturer many years ago called Watson.

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What Decisive Measures can the UK take now in Concert with Europe, to help deliver Peace and Maintain the International Rules-based Order?

Within Europe, the UK's importance as the last-ditch bastion of defence against tyranny within the continent has decreased. In 1815 it was paramount, in 1915 it was fundamental, in 1945 decisive; in 2025 it has declined, but could yet be hugely significant in leading by example.

UK's 200 years at the forefront of World history, of democratic leadership and of freedom under the law have not yet been entirely eroded. Nations still look up to us and global superpowers may yet heed us if we can but find a coherent and resolute voice. To be heard properly, this voice should be one of modest but confident thought-leadership, within a rattled. thus receptive Europe. It should also be well-placed to offer an Anglophone bridge to the US and a vital regional link into the FVEY intelligence agreement.

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