New Zealand’s House of Representatives has approved Brendan Horsley’s appointment as the country’s first-ever inspector-general of defence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced on Wednesday that Horsley would oversee establishing the new office and its support networks. Horsley’s term will start on Jan. 26, 2025, and end on Nov. 30, 2025. He will concurrently serve as...
Hello, Guest!
Category: Policy Updates
Post
Sweden Unveils First Cyber, Digital Strategy for Foreign Policy
The Swedish government launched its first-ever strategy on cyber and digital issues in foreign and security policy on Monday. The strategy, “Sweden in a Digital World—A Strategy for Sweden’s Foreign and Security Policy on Cyber and Digital Issues,” covers all aspects of foreign policy, including security, trade, human rights and development cooperation. Key priorities include working...
Post
UK Signs Deal With Singapore to Advance AI Research, Policy Development
The United Kingdom and Singapore are collaborating to advance artificial intelligence research and develop shared policies that enhance public trust in the emerging technology. Peter Kyle, the U.K.’s secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, signed an agreement with Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo in London on Wednesday formalizing the...
Post
New Bill Paves Way for NZ’s Membership to European Convention on Cybercrime
The New Zealand Parliament has approved the first reading of a bill to align the country’s laws with the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. The Budapest Convention, also known as the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, provides guidelines for international cooperation in investigating various criminal activities carried out online. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the...
Post
NRC Chair: Discussion Continues on Establishing a New Department to Supervise International Nuclear Exports
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s plan to establish a new branch focused on exports is “a discussion that we’re still taking a look at,” NRC Chair Christopher Hanson said. Hanson has stated that the uncertainty arises from the fact that its international programs office is already performing many of the tasks that the proposed branch...
Post
G7 Representatives Address Potential AI Competition Concerns
Lina M. Khan, chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and other representatives of the G7 leading industrialized nations have issued a communiqué addressing potential concerns over fair competition on the use of artificial intelligence-enabled solutions. The document highlights competition authorities and policymakers’ role in addressing competitive threats and listed competition concerns identified by a...
Post
European Defence Agency, European Investment Bank Reinforce Support for EU Security, Defense Projects
The European Defence Agency and the European Investment Bank have signed an updated memorandum of understanding to enhance support for the European Union’s security and defense initiatives. The revised agreement, finalized Thursday during a meeting of national armaments directors in Brussels, builds on the initial MOU established in 2018. The partnership seeks to support the...
Post
Mark Rutte Takes Over as NATO Secretary General
Mark Rutte has officially taken office as NATO's new secretary general, seeking to strengthen the transatlantic alliance at a crucial juncture. The handover took place on Tuesday at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, where Rutte and his predecessor, Jens Stoltenberg, laid a wreath at the NATO Memorial to the Fallen and performed a ceremonial passing of the gavel. At a special session of the North Atlantic Council, Rutte outlined his three priorities for NATO: maintaining the 32-member coalition's strength and credibility, bolstering support for Ukraine, and strengthening partnerships.
Post
US Proposes Ban on Connected Vehicle Tech Linked to China, Russia
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking prohibiting American companies from importing and selling connected vehicle components with origins from China or Russia. The draft rule targets hardware and software used in vehicles’ connectivity and automated driving systems, preventing or lowering the chance of possible...
Post
Canada, Japan Discuss Defense Collaboration Opportunities in Indo-Pacific Region
Canadian Minister of National Defence Bill Blair met with Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru on Friday to discuss peacekeeping, training and research opportunities in the Indo-Pacific. In the talks, Blair expressed his country’s commitment to supporting a free, open and inclusive region amid provocations from North Korea, Russia’s growing influence and territorial disputes in...