Military power in British democracy

The MPs and the arms company reps

In our second analysis of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme we uncover how MPs dined with generals and arms company representatives.

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.

Complicit partners? The UK-Israel Roadmap

In 2023 the UK and Israel agreed an extensive 'Roadmap' for cooperation and partnership. We explore its material and ideological commitments on issues like economics and defence, and consider the implications of this relationship for peace and security.

Dark Matter: The UK military ventures into space 

A new space-race is militarising the heavens. We look at recent developments, UK alliances, the defence companies involved, and the woeful lack of parliamentary scrutiny.

‘Honourable and Gallant Members’: Patrician militarism prevails under Labour

Johnny Mercer may have lost his seat, but military ‘values and standards’ are here to stay in British politics

Erasing accountability during The Troubles

Legislation that seeks to shield the British state from actions it took during The Troubles is currently snaking through Parliament. We took a look at the ideology underpinning it - and what it means for families still seeking justice.

Rogue heroes?

A counter-history of the SAS

Warrior Nation podcast

Season 4 - Militarism and Democracy

In the UK, the military is often viewed as an impartial and benign actor subordinated to a democratic leader. This season of our Warrior Nation podcast examines the truth behind this commonly held view. Since 2000 the civil-military gap has been narrowing as the UK military has sought to influence democracy and democratic institutions. With our hugely knowledgeable guests, each episode explores how militarism and the military impact on democracy and democratic processes in Britain.

Warrior Nation: War, militarisation and British democracy

This report explores how the 'Militarisation Offensive' which started in 2006 to improve public recognition and support for the armed forces failed to produce majority support for the war in Afghanistan but deepened the militarisation of British politics and society. Since 2006 the military have broken constitutional convention and made public attacks on politicians, leading to the most severe tensions in political-military relations since the Second World War.