We are entering a period of geopolitical transition in which traditional assumptions about alliance permanence, rules-based order and technological interdependence can no longer be taken for granted. This paper examines the strategic implications for the United Kingdom — particularly in defence, critical national infrastructure and digital sovereignty.
It argues that while alliances remain essential, sovereign capability across cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, post-quantum encryption, telecommunications and munitions manufacturing is now a strategic necessity rather than a policy preference.
To read the full paper, including detailed tables, annexes and references, please download the complete document below.
Download Full Paper (PDF)In his executive career, Mike was latterly the Global Managing Director for Public Sector, Healthcare and Life Sciences at IBM. Prior to this, his diverse experience includes CEO, COO and CIO roles across the public, telecommunications and technology sectors. He led KPMG’s Digital Disruption capabilities globally across Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare, and served as KPMG’s Global Chair of Defence and National Security.
From 2014–2017, he served as the Chief Digital Information Officer for the UK Ministry of Defence, leading a radical transformation towards Hybrid Multi-cloud adoption. Other senior roles have included CEO of Defence Business Services, Global COO of Mastek, President of Service Design and CIO of BT Global Services, and COO of BT International. Mike also served in the British Army, finishing his service as CIO in the rank of Brigadier.
Following his executive career, Mike now holds a portfolio of non-executive roles. He is Chair of Vault Cloud UK, Chair of Modini (unmanned crew systems), digital advisor to Baillie Gifford, and advisor to CPP Ltd.
Gerald Janes has spent his entire career in technology, working across small and large private companies, multinationals and the public sector, as well as founding and running his own companies.
Over his career he has worked in more than 25 countries, particularly across the Middle East, Far East, India, Europe and the United States. He spent over a decade with an international bank, initially as Global Telecoms Manager and later as Infrastructure Consultant. He then joined a FTSE 30 company as Head of Architecture for Europe, concluding his tenure as Group CTO.
He was subsequently recruited as interim Head of Technology Architecture for the UK Ministry of Defence, before focusing on mentoring and supporting technology startups. Gerald has spent over 20 years researching emerging technologies in Silicon Valley and has served as a trusted “critical friend” to one of the UK’s largest investment management firms.