  This paper concerns the stability of Kolmogorov flow u = (0, sin x) in the
infinite (x,y)-plane. A mean magnetic field of strength B0 is introduced and
the MHD linear stability problem studied for modes with wave-number k in the
y-direction, and Bloch wavenumber l in the x-direction. The parameters
governing the problem are Reynolds number 1/nu, magnetic Prandtl number P, and
dimensionless magnetic field strength B0. The mean magnetic field can be taken
to have an arbitrary direction in the (x,y)-plane and a mean x-directed flow U0
can be incorporated.
  First the paper considers Kolmogorov flow with y-directed mean magnetic
field, referred to as vertical. Taking l=0, the suppression of the pure
hydrodynamic instability is observed with increasing field strength B0. A
branch of strong-field instabilities occurs for magnetic Prandtl number P less
than unity, as found by A.E. Fraser, I.G. Cresser and P. Garaud (J. Fluid Mech.
949, A43, 2022). Analytical results using eigenvalue perturbation theory in the
limit k->0 support the numerics for both weak- and strong-field instabilities,
and originate in the coupling of large-scale modes with x-wavenumber n=0, to
smaller-scale modes.
  The paper considers the case of horizontal or x-directed mean magnetic field.
The unperturbed state consists of steady, wavey magnetic field lines. As the
magnetic field is increased, the purely hydrodynamic instability is suppressed
again, but for stronger fields a new branch of instabilities appears. Allowing
a non-zero Bloch wavenumber l allows further instability, and in some
circumstances when the system is hydrodynamically stable, arbitrarily weak
magnetic fields can give growing modes. Numerical results are presented
together with eigenvalue perturbation theory in the limits k,l->0. The theory
gives analytical approximations for growth rates and thresholds in good
agreement with those computed.
