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Government & Policy

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Gartner Forecasts 13.5% Surge in Global IT Spending

Gartner's upgraded forecast reveals a 13.5% surge in global IT spending, expected to reach $6.31 trillion in 2026, defying expectations that oil prices are driving the increase. Instead, experts say other factors are at play, with Gartner's Distinguished VP Analyst attributing the growth to unrelated trends.

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Lawmakers Weigh Terrorism Labels for Hospital Ransomware Attacks

Lawmakers are considering slapping terrorism labels on ransomware attacks targeting hospitals, a move that could lead to severe penalties for those responsible, as Rep. Michael Guest says there should be no penalties too severe for individuals that target the healthcare system. This tough stance comes as experts and officials discuss ways to deter the growing threat of hospital ransomware attacks.

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Pentagon Bolsters Cyber Budget with $20.5B Allocation

The Pentagon is shoring up its defenses with a $20.5 billion cyber budget allocation, aimed at outsmarting adversaries who are increasingly sophisticated in their digital threats. This major investment is part of a broader strategy to integrate cyber capabilities across all warfighting domains and safeguard military networks.

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Japan Eases Arms Export Rules for 17 Nations

In a significant policy shift, Japan is easing arms export rules for 17 nations, allowing the country to bolster its partnerships with like-minded countries and contribute to a more stable global security environment. By doing so, Japan aims to enhance the defense capabilities of its partners and prevent conflicts, ultimately securing its own peace and stability.

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Security camera watches over dimly lit London shopping street with blurred figure of shoplifter in background.

Met Police Deploys Surveillance Tech to Tackle London Shoplifting

The Metropolitan Police are testing a cutting-edge retail technology to combat London's shoplifting epidemic, and it doesn't rely on live facial recognition - but what does that mean for citizen privacy?

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A delicate key hovers above a serene waterway with a misty ship silhouette in the background and tangled ropes in the…

Safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz Requires Revitalized Diplomacy

Restoring free movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global waterway, demands creative solutions and revitalized diplomacy that leverages existing frameworks with fresh thinking. By breathing new life into strained diplomatic and military channels, we can unlock a more stable and secure future for this vital chokepoint.

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Pentagon Bolsters Helicopter Makers with Foreign Sales Reinvestment

The Army is turning to foreign sales and reinvestment programs to support US helicopter manufacturers after a sharp cut in the FY27 procurement budget, aiming to prevent a downturn in the industry. This strategic move by senior leaders and industry stakeholders provides a temporary solution, but also raises questions about the long-term impact.

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Australia Fortifies Defence Strategy with Rigour, Regularity

In a world that's growing increasingly perilous, Australia is bolstering its defence strategy with a newfound sense of rigour and regularity. This bold move signals a cautious confidence in the nation's approach to policy-making.

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Locked gate with a gap, set against a bright horizon, with worn military binoculars and a blurred globe in the foreground.

Japan Eases Military Export Rules Amid Rising Global Insecurity

Japan's cabinet has just made a significant move, easing military export rules in a decision that could have far-reaching implications for the country's defence industry and regional dynamics. This deliberate policy shift marks a new chapter for a nation long defined by post-war limits on its armed forces.

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Broken chain hangs from rusty gear with scattered links and mineral rocks nearby.

Global Mineral Supply Chain Coordination Failure Spurs Investment Delays

We know what we need to do about critical minerals, but we're stuck - and the cost of our collective inaction is already clear in delayed investments and ongoing dependence. The real challenge isn't a lack of knowledge, but a failure to coordinate and act together.

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US Cyber Strategy Embraces Offensive Operations as Norm

The US Cyber Strategy marks a significant shift by embracing offensive cyber operations as a routine tool of statecraft, signalling a bold new approach beyond defence-first tactics. This decisive move normalizes the use of cyber offence, redefining how the US engages in global cyber affairs.

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Australia's Defence Spending Defies Simple Tally

Ever wondered how much Australia really spends on defence? The answer is surprisingly complicated, with the country's new National Defence Strategy revealing not one, not two, but three different ways to tally the costs.

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Military leaders stand on a ship's deck, surrounded by naval vessels, with one leader gazing out to sea and another…

Defense Leaders Converge at Sea Air Space 2026 with Reform on Agenda

Top defense leaders are set to gather at Sea Air Space 2026, where acquisition reform is high on the agenda, alongside critical discussions on fighting instructions and Iran. What happens on stage will have far-reaching implications, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of defense.

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NATO Alliance Faces Call for Overhaul

NATO's current challenges call for a bold rethink: should the alliance be streamlined or fundamentally transformed? A recent proposal suggests a fresh approach, advocating for three key reforms to strengthen NATO for the future.

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Section 702 Surveillance Law Faces Looming Expiration Amid Discord

Congress rewrote Section 702 surveillance law with 56 changes in 2024, but now faces a renewal crisis as the statute nears expiration, with supporters and critics at odds over the very data that should guide its future. With the law set to expire, lawmakers must navigate a bitter debate with no shared factual baseline.

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A dimly lit congressional hearing room with a scale balancing a soldier figurine and a stack of money.

Graham Weighs Defense Spending in Reconciliation Bill

Senator Lindsey Graham is walking a tightrope on defense spending, resisting pressure from defense hawks to expand a reconciliation bill while trying to keep costs in check. He's aiming for a lean and focused measure, but will it be enough to satisfy lawmakers on both sides?

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Pentagon Moves to Cancel Union Contracts

The Pentagon's move to cancel union contracts has created a split, leaving some workers protected by federal court orders while others, including members of the American Federation of Government Employees, face uncertainty. Which workers will win protections and what comes next are the pressing questions now facing the department and its workforce.

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Military jet soars through cloudy sky with Australian flag pattern, binoculars and strategy documents in foreground.

Australia Boosts Defense Spend to 3% of GDP, Deepens US Ties

Australia is taking a major leap in national security, committing to a significant boost in defense spending to 3% of GDP, and solidifying its long-standing alliance with the United States. Over the next decade, the country will inject a substantial $53 billion into its defense budget, marking a decade-long shift in priorities.

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Partially evacuated government office with empty desks, computers, and a US flag, hinting at reduced network defense…

CISA Shutdown Cuts Staffing to 40%, Threatens Network Defense

With the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency operating at just 40% staffing due to shutdown disruptions, the nation's cyber defenses are facing a critical vulnerability. The agency's acting director warns that major staffing gaps are undermining federal network defense, putting the country at risk.

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Businessperson looks out at glowing gears and cogs sculpture from city office.

US Army Accelerates Enterprise Modernization Push

The US Army is driving a bold modernization agenda, transforming not only its arsenal and operations, but also its very DNA, with a clear vision to revolutionize how it fights, what it fights with, and who it is by 2035. At the heart of this effort is a quiet yet pivotal shift to modernize the enterprise systems that power its force.

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Binoculars on a weathered map of Australia overlook a military vessel at sea.

Australia Unveils Updated National Defence Strategy with Boosted Spending Plan

Australia just took a major step in strengthening its national security with the unveiling of an updated National Defence Strategy, backed by a significant boost in spending. This bold move signals a new era of prioritization and investment in the country's defence, with Defence Minister Richard Marles at the helm.

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Muscular suited figure holds briefcase with subtle military hardware hinted in shadow, before government building.

Pentagon Budget Bolsters Multiyear Contract Strategy

The proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget is a game-changer, empowering multiyear contracts and shifting decision-making authority to ensure funds aren't held hostage during the appropriations process. OMB Director Russell Vought defends using reconciliation to fund $350 billion of this spending, guaranteeing a smoother flow of resources.

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Old key on a worn desk in a government office with a rocket ship launching in the background and a faint image of…

Pentagon's New Acquisition Model Threatens Space Agency Overhaul

The Space Development Agency's future hangs in the balance as the Pentagon rolls out a sweeping new acquisition model that could overhaul its structure. But don't worry, its crucial missions will live on - even if its name and form may not.

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Secure facility gate at dusk with screens aglow, laptop and devices in foreground showing network diagram.

US Cyber Strategy Advances with Executive Orders on Horizon

The US national cyber strategy is gaining momentum, with National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross confirming that its execution is actively underway. Executive orders are likely on the horizon, leaving us wondering what's next and who will lead the charge.

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