News, Articles and Comment

Ed. With a clear-eyed appraisal of historical trends since the 19^th century, the author argues that, contrary to alarmist concerns of retrenchment, Britain today has more room to maneuver as a strategic counter-weight than has been the case for the last 80 years. Awarded the RUSI Trench Gascoigne prize and originally published in the RUSI Journal. A 25 minute read.

Ed. Gazing at his crystal ball (history is prophecy in reverse!), the author ponders contemporary failures to learn the lessons of history.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers the development of motor boats for the Royal Navy, US Navy and other navies in the First World War and immediate post-war period.

Ed. The author surveys recent drone warfare developments in Ukraine, pointing to the tactically revolutionary, but strategically not yet decisive, technological horizon. Russia and Ukraine will continue to seek marginal advantages in the attrition battle as both sides re-arm and await the spring. Originally published in The Article. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The author criticises the current state of public discourse concerning diversity in the Armed Forces, citing examples from history to demonstrate that merit must be foundational for leadership in the Services. Originally published in The Article. A 10 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a reprint of Vice Admiral Sir Peter Gretton’s 1968 study of Sir Winston Churchill and the Royal Navy.

Ed. General Rob Fry grapples with the difficulty of defining realistic military objectives when crafting strategy, given the propensity for the leadership of pluralistic democracies to lean on hyperbole and unlimited outcomes. Originally published in The Article. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The author examines the importance of cultivating clear strategy and deploying balanced fleets in the Baltic operations of the Crimean War and Russian Civil War. In both cases the Royal Navy was engaged blockading enemy ports and striking at their harbours, frequently without direct orders from London, and with profound consequences for the national consciousness of the region. The parallels for today’s littoral operations in the Baltic and Black Sea are obvious. A 40 minute read.

Ed. In the first of a series of articles by BRNC Pellew Division officer cadets, the author examines the continuing challenges of women acting in combat roles. A look at the history demonstrates that the press of mobilization often requires abandoning long-held social conventions. The government and media have a responsibility to do more to reach the goals for female enlistment. A 10 minute read.