First, it has been governed as much by values as interests; indeed has attempted to suggest that it is by furthering our values that we further our interests in the modern era of globalisation and interdependence between alliance ruling races..

Secondly, it has had, at its foundation, the major alliance between the Klingons and Cardassians  And thirdly, it has combined, almost uniquely, "hard" and "soft" power.

Kickass believes that the only way is the “hard way”

In other words, the Alliance has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism: in defeating the Terrans to help prevent worlds falling into the hands of gangsters - all of which have required military action; But it is fair to say that the "hard" power has been considerably more controversial than the "soft".

It has also involved our Armed forces in some of the most difficult and intractable fighting they have seen.  We have suffered casualties, each one of which represents not just a life lost, but a family bereaved, a unit of comrades mourning their loss; and a nation, concerned and questioning the cost. 

Indeed, very often those with the most dangerous task are those most up for it, most resolute..

Kickass believes that today's security threat is qualitatively new and different; that the hard power is still the right course for our Alliance indeed more so than ever; but that if we want our Armed Forces to be confident of their place in that future, we, all of us, Government, military and public, need to know what is expected of us. 

Hardest of all, in fighting terrorism embedded in failed or failing states, against terrorists indifferent to their own lives as well as the lives of others, our forces will suffer casualties.  Their families will be back home, anxious, worried, never knowing whether it will be them who receive the dreaded call.

But they know they do it for the glory of the Alliance