Weekly News Roundup
01 - 07 Feb 2026
Weekly news update on key security related developments from around the world, by Farah Benis
This week’s update covers key security and geopolitical developments from 1–7 February, spanning diplomatic shifts, defence policy, cyber regulation, and regional instability. The period was marked by strategic realignments and continued pressure on civilian, technological, and governance systems across multiple regions.
UN Security Council: UK Presidency Begins
The United Kingdom assumed the Presidency of the UN Security Council on 1 February. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to chair high-level briefings on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the “Question of Palestine”, and a strategic assessment of the evolving global threat posed by ISIL/Da’esh.
US Arms Policy: “America First” Strategy Announced
On 6 February, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the America First Arms Transfer Strategy. The policy seeks to use over $300 billion in annual US defence exports to strengthen domestic industrial capacity. Measures include a prioritised arms sales catalogue for allies and a ban on defence contractors using federal funds for share buybacks.
EU Proposes Expanded Cybersecurity Powers
The European Commission published a revised Cybersecurity Act proposal introducing an EU-wide framework for ICT supply-chain security. The legislation would allow the Commission to designate “high-risk third-country suppliers” and exclude them from public procurement and critical infrastructure projects, with a focus on mobile networks and submarine data cables.
Political Realignment Across Europe
Reporting from early February indicates a growing alignment between the US administration and European “patriotic” parties, including Reform UK and Germany’s AfD. The shift centres on a rejection of the post-Cold War globalised order, with increased emphasis on national sovereignty and border control.
Japan Defence Spending Consensus Ahead of Elections
Ahead of Sunday’s elections, Japan’s ruling LDP and opposition parties have signalled support for maintaining defence spending at 2% of GDP. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called for a full revision of the national security strategy by the end of the year amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
India and Malaysia Agree Strategic Defence Partnership
During a visit to Kuala Lumpur on 7–8 February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim agreed to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The agreement includes expanded cooperation on defence technology and digital security, aimed at safeguarding regional maritime trade routes.
South Africa Withdraws from MONUSCO
On 6 February, South Africa’s Defence Minister Angie Motshekga confirmed the withdrawal of the SANDF from the UN MONUSCO mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing strategic overreach. The decision followed condemnation of a fatal drone attack by M23/AFC rebels in Kisangani.
Sahel Security Deteriorates Further
Security conditions worsened across the Sahel as JNIM continued its partial blockade of Bamako, Mali. Burkina Faso formally elevated pro-government civilian militias to army status, reflecting increasing militarisation amid persistent instability.
West Africa: Insurgent Violence Continues
Militant activity persisted across parts of Nigeria and the wider West African region, with ongoing military operations alongside continued cross-border attacks and governance challenges.
Pakistan Security Incidents Spike
Pakistan saw a surge in militant violence this week. Coordinated attacks in Balochistan involving bombings and armed assaults caused significant casualties among security forces and civilians, prompting counter-operations and international condemnation.
Islamabad Mosque Attack Claims Dozens
A suicide bombing at a Shi’a mosque in Islamabad killed dozens and injured many others. Islamic State–Pakistan Province claimed responsibility.
EU–Jordan Security Dialogue Launched
The first formal EU–Jordan Security and Defence Dialogue was held in Amman, marking closer cooperation on counter-terrorism, maritime security, and support for training Palestinian civil police in Gaza.
EDITOR’S COMMENT: EXPOSURE AS A SECURITY CONDITION
This week’s developments reflect a continued shift towards security policy shaped by alignment and control rather than resolution. Across regions, governments are reinforcing posture, revising frameworks, and consolidating authority, while underlying drivers of instability remain largely unaddressed.
Defence and security are increasingly being organised around supply chains, political loyalty, and strategic dependence. From arms transfer policy and cyber regulation to military partnerships and counter-terrorism operations, the emphasis is on managing risk within existing structures rather than altering the conditions that generate it.
What stands out is the degree to which security decisions are now being taken with long-term exposure in mind - technological, political, and institutional. Choices about who supplies systems, who sets standards, and who holds leverage are becoming as significant as conventional military capability.
The cumulative effect is a security environment that appears more coordinated on the surface, but more constrained underneath. Alignment offers short-term stability. It also narrows room for manoeuvre when conditions change.
We’ve done the reading so you don’t have to, but please note that in a rapidly changing environment, facts on the ground can shift after publication. This roundup reflects the status of international security as of COB 31 January 2026. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute professional advice. The Security Edit remains a neutral aggregator of developments based on their material impact; inclusion does not imply endorsement.
