For its part, Brazil has promoted the South American Union (UNASUR), which aims to develop cross-border infrastructure and defence co-operation.

ECONOMIST: Yet another new regional club

Yet another source of Mr Blair's self-confidence is a feeling that Britain could play a pivotal role in Europe's complex structure of cross-border defence relationships.

ECONOMIST: Blair’s defence offensive | The

Both sides insist that their mobilisation along the border is the minimum necessary for self-defence, but Pakistan, at least, is suspicious.

ECONOMIST: Ever more dangerous in Kashmir

She had been ejected from the Minutemen, a self-appointed border patrol group, and started her own splinter group, the Minutemen American Defence Fund.

ECONOMIST: The implications of a death sentence on a female vigilante

"The forces will augment Turkey's air defence capabilities and contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis along the Alliance's border, " Eucom said in a statement.

BBC: Nato deploying Patriot missiles to Turkey-Syria border

The French defence ministry said the 32-year-old soldier was killed between Zaouaten and Boughessa near the border with Algeria.

BBC: French soldier killed by northern Mali roadside bomb