News, Articles and Comment

Ed. In this second place Hooper Prize article, the author argues that information warfare versus conventional forces represents a false dichotomy, as both bring associated risks and rewards for long term deterrence. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The author’s Gold Prize winning essay for the First Sea Lord’s 2024 essay competition imagines what lessons the Commander of the Black Sea Fleet might impart to a successor. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The author brings his trademark counterintuitive approach to the SDR, challenging policymakers to address systemic deficiencies in terms of force structure. A 10 minute read.

Ed. Jeremy Blackham considers the socioeconomic and strategic consequences of climbing defence spending. A public overly focused on the high capital costs of procurement increases the risk of allowing deterrence to fail. Originally published by Cityforum. A 25 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent considers some of the formidable challenges the PLAN would need to overcome to make an amphibious invasion of Taiwan a realistic proposition, and the long-term hybrid warfare alternatives to which the PRC may turn. A 10 minute read.

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. To everyone who contributed to the Naval Review over the last 12 months, from our regulars to our first time authors and correspondents, our band of dedicated book reviewers and contributors on the Forum, along with those who have taken the trouble to pass feedback, both good and bad, along to those who help me deliver the Naval Review, especially the Trustees, Secretary Treasurer in particular, and the Editorial team, may I offer a heartfelt thank you and wish all our readership a Happy and prosperous New Year.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a short book examining the Russian seizure of Crimea in 2014.

Ed. The author revisits the status of the Ukraine War, a year after his initial analysis [111/2, p. 18]. The failure of either side to deliver a knockout blow, and the systemic nature of new military technology, has reduced the conflict to grinding attrition with few prospects for definitive victory. A 25 minute read.