legislation & policy
Location vs Doctrine: hybrid warfare and the grey zone
The Russian invasion of Ukraine demonstrates the violence of kinetic warfare but it has also highlighted the West's longer term view of Vladimir Putin as an adversary who operates in the so-called grey-zone between peace and all-out conflict.
Pushback? How Britain is militarising the Channel
With the military set to become more involved in intercepting boats in the English Channel we examine the support the armed forces were already providing Border Force and critique the wider process of militarisation this represents.
Soldiers of the Future?
The British Army calls the Future Soldier programme its most “radical transformation in two decades”. We take a look at key documents announcing the plans and ask crucial questions of the proposals.
Britain’s dystopian (and less accountable) military future
15/12/2021
With more troops being placed beyond scrutiny, and army units reportedly deployed to stop refugee flows across the Polish border and English Channel, the UK military is becoming even less accountable to democratic institutions.
Beyond Emissions: the military and climate change
The military has a role to play in reducing emissions and environmental degradation but we should beware securitising, and militarising, the response to the climate crisis.
What lies behind Parliament’s military cosplay scheme?
The Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme raises serious questions about the relationship between politicians, the military and defence companies.
Scuppering access to justice for women in the armed forces
The government is intent on sinking an important reform which would support women who have experienced sexual violence in the military.
Stop recruiting children, rights groups tell MoD
23/06/2021
Twenty major children’s and human rights organisations have written to the UK government today, calling for an end to the recruitment of children by the UK armed forces.
The Armed Forces Bill: lost opportunities and some dubious proposals
The Armed Forces Bill proposes important changes to the military justice system and will make civil society obligations under the Armed Forces Covenant a legal duty. We look at these and other matters of interest that have come up in the process.
The Integrated Review: enmeshing and strengthening the military
The government’s new defence and foreign policy review prioritises military thinking and interests at the expense of other international approaches and vital human security goals. Here we look at some of the Review's key elements and the implications of this new vision.