Britain is navigating a precarious global landscape “between peace and war,” increasingly complicated by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and technologies controlled by powerful entities, according to the newly appointed head of MI6.
Russia and Ukraine
Blaise Metreweli, in her first public address as head of the agency, accused Russia of insincerity regarding Ukraine peace negotiations. She described Russia as “aggressive, expansionist and revisionist, seeking to subjugate Ukraine and harass Nato,” and stated that President Putin is not genuinely pursuing an end to the conflict, instead “dragging out negotiations” and placing the burden on the Russian population.
Technological Disruption and Global Power Dynamics
Metreweli emphasized that the world is “more dangerous and contested now than for decades,” with emerging technologies “rewriting the reality of conflict” and creating tools previously confined to science fiction. She noted that power is becoming “more diffuse” and “unpredictable” as control over these technologies shifts from governments to corporations and even individuals.
She cited examples such as US corporations dominating social media and Elon Musk’s control of Starlink, the satellite communications network vital to the Ukrainian military. While acknowledging the potential benefits of new technologies, she warned of “peril,” including AI-powered robots and drones, lethal bioweapons, and “hyper-personalised tools” that could be used for conflict and control.
Information Warfare and Institutional Challenges
Metreweli highlighted the increasing weaponization of information and the deliberate contestation of international institutions established after World War II, extending “from sea to space, from the battlefield to the boardroom” and even impacting “our brains” through disinformation campaigns. She stated that MI6 must become “fluent in technology” to anticipate future advancements.
China’s Role
Metreweli addressed China, stating it “will be a central part of the global transformation taking place this century,” but devoted only a single paragraph to the country. She affirmed the importance of MI6 continuing to inform the government’s understanding of China’s rise, without characterizing Beijing as a direct challenge.
The remarks come as ministers deliberate on planning permission for China’s proposed new super-embassy in London and as Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans a visit to Beijing in January.
Broader Security Concerns
The head of Britain’s armed forces, Richard Knighton, stated on Monday that the UK needs a “whole of nation response” to address the growing military threat from Russia. While acknowledging a “remote chance” of a direct attack on the UK, he identified a greater likelihood of Russia invading a Nato ally in eastern Europe. He emphasized Russia’s “massive, increasingly technically sophisticated, and now, highly combat-experienced, military” and its increasing proficiency with drones in Ukraine.
Knighton suggested the need for “more people being ready to fight for their country” through increases in the size of the armed forces, referencing limited reintroductions of military service in Germany and France.
Metreweli, 48, took over as head of MI6 in September, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She is an Arabic speaker with experience running agents in the Middle East and deployments in eastern Europe, and previously led MI6’s technology department.
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