The Resilience Dilemma: Global Supply Chains and National Security

The current crisis underscores a fundamental weakness in the global economic system: overdependence on interconnected supply chains without sufficient safeguards. For decades, efficiency has been prioritised over resilience. Now, that trade-off is being tested. The UK, like many nations, faces a strategic dilemma. Should it continue to rely on global markets for energy and goods, or invest heavily in domestic alternatives? Both options carry costs. Greater independence requires significant investment, while continued dependence exposes the country to external shocks. There is also a political dimension. Public expectations are shifting, with voters increasingly demanding protection from global volatility. This is forcing governments to reconsider not just economic policy, but the broader definition of national security. In many ways, this moment could mark a turning point—where resilience becomes as important as growth.