World affairs by topic
World affairs includes the following topic areas. Please click the links to access lists of publications by topic:
War in Ukraine
Find a selection of Lords Library research and resources relevant to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Defence
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National Security (State Threats) Bill: HL Bill 35 of 2026–27
The National Security (State Threats) Bill would create new powers for the home secretary to designate bodies engaged in state threat activity, equivalent to the proscription of terrorist organisations under the Terrorism Act 2000. The bill would create three new offences associated with designation of supporting, assisting, or receiving material benefit from a designated body. These offences would carry sentences of up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
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King’s Speech 2026: Defence
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 on defence.
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UK civil preparedness for war: Government strategy
The UK government strategy is to take a ‘whole-of-society’ approach to national security and to homeland resilience and preparedness. It has pledged to develop a new ‘social contract’ between the government and the British people, beginning with a new national conversation about the threats facing the UK. The government published several strategies in 2025, which set out its approach to strengthening civil preparedness. However, concerns have been expressed about the progress being made on these strategies.
International law
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Convention establishing an international claims commission for Ukraine
The UK is a signatory to the convention establishing an international claims commission for Ukraine. The commission would assess claims for compensation for damage and losses caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The House of Lords International Agreements Committee has broadly welcomed the convention, but also raised concerns about the scope and efficacy of the commission.
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Protecting populations from atrocity crimes
The UK is required to contribute towards the prevention of atrocity crimes globally. Successive UK governments have used various mechanisms aimed at preventing mass atrocities. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised in recent years regarding the continued occurrence of large-scale violence worldwide. This has prompted some parliamentarians and external stakeholders to call on the government to do more to prevent such atrocities.
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King’s Speech 2026: Foreign affairs
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about foreign affairs.
Foreign policy
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Convention establishing an international claims commission for Ukraine
The UK is a signatory to the convention establishing an international claims commission for Ukraine. The commission would assess claims for compensation for damage and losses caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The House of Lords International Agreements Committee has broadly welcomed the convention, but also raised concerns about the scope and efficacy of the commission.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina: Political and security situation
Recent tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina have raised concerns about stability and security in the country, particularly due to reports of external influence and recent secessionist rhetoric in Republika Srpska. This briefing outlines recent developments, international responses and the UK government’s position on Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of a House of Lords debate on the subject.
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King’s Speech 2026: Foreign affairs
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about foreign affairs.
