For three generations after WWII, despite localised and sometimes extensive conflict, the world avoided global war and maintained a remarkable level of peace. But the horizon is darkening. War in Europe, for decades unthinkable, shows no sign of ending and has the potential to escalate. US-China relations continue to deteriorate whilst Xi JinPing instructs his generals to 'dare to fight' and not 'renounce the use of force' over Taiwan. And across the globe a new arms race is underway, with military expenditure reaching new heights as nations ramp up defence spending.

With so much at stake, how is peace to be obtained? Is military expenditure the best means to avoid war, or does it heighten tension and risk catastrophe? Some argue the nuclear deterrent has enabled our extended period of peace, but have we as a result become complacent and imagined that peace will be maintained when in practice it is being dangerously undermined?