Comment, analysis, news

Location vs Doctrine: hybrid warfare and the grey zone

18/03/2022
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

02/03/2022
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?

09/02/2022
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.

Day One, Week One: Veteranhood

13/11/2021
Excerpt from Joe Glenton's new book outlines the violence inherent in the British Army's basic training and explores what impacts this can have on mental health.

Beyond Emissions: the military and climate change

10/11/2021
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?

03/11/2021
A picture of MPs sitting in the Houses of Parliement where they are currently debating legislation on The Troubles. 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

26/10/2021
The government is intent on sinking an important reform which would support women who have experienced sexual violence in the military.

Insights from the arms fair

24/09/2021
DSEI shows the military, government and death merchants are as entangled as ever.

At particular risk: women and girls in the military

02/08/2021
The Women in the Armed Forces report evidences abuse and harassment on a systemic scale. Can the gap between good intentions and bad practice ever be bridged in a military culture? As the army launches its recruitment advert aimed at women, what are the particular implications for girl recruits under 18.