News, Articles and Comment

Ed. Increasing challenges to the Rules-Based International System require a back-to-basics approach and renewed public support for the Services. Focusing on quantity and capability, the author argues that restocking critical munitions, and building new Minor War Vessels, is an essential foundation for the future credibility of the Royal Navy.

Ed. Our correspondent draws lessons from his time sailing with the Uruguayan Navy aboard the schooner Capitán Miranda, with a Joint mission of training future officers in seamanship and conducting naval diplomacy around the globe. A 10 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a new report by Dr Jerry Hendrix, who will be well-known to NR members, on the issue of naval presence.

Ed. Canon James Hawkey frames the debate ahead of the BRNC Naval Review lecture on 14 November. The moral conduct of war in the 21^st century remains an imperative. The author maintains that the Church has a role to play transcending politics and acting as a beacon for all faiths. A 5 minute read.

Ed. The author expresses their concern with the condition of the ships in Portsmouth Harbour, and what image the RN conveys to the public, both domestic and foreign.

Ed. The author argues that, in light of China and Russia’s rising regional influence, the UK needs to review its strategy in the Middle East. The Persian Gulf is sliding down Defence’s priorities, yet there remains a large military commitment, which, the author argues, does not represent a positive balance of investment. Should the MoD consider moving its maritime and air assets out of the Gulf? A 25 minute read.

Ed. Defence engagement is a vital component of any influence and deterrence strategy. But how well is defence engagement situated in the defence review and service doctrine literature? The author argues more can be done to explicitly define defence engagement as a core RN role. A 20 minute read.

Ed. Reflections on the current state of the UK’s strategic positioning amidst the background of an increasingly dangerous and unpredictable world. The author posits that the reality of medium power status means fundamentally reassessing the often ideologically driven assumptions that have brought the UK and the Royal Navy to this moment in history. A 40 minute read.