News, Articles and Comment

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.

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 continues his contentious analysis of the Russia-Ukraine War [110/4, p. 482], with particular attention to the perceived failure of British grand strategy vis-à-vis the geopolitical consequences of Russia’s energy superpower status. A 30 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a short book from Helion exploring the opening phase of the Iran-Iraq War at sea. Given current events in the Middle East, this book may also be valuable background reading.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book exploring the premodern history of great power conflicts along the maritime silk road, stretching from the Mediterranean to the shores of Japan, in order to help inform understanding of the current geopolitical environment in the Indo-Pacific.

Ed. The author argues that the recent events in Gaza have seriously delayed the peace process and any chance for long-term peace will necessarily require communication, amongst the younger generation in particular. Members of faith communities will have a part to play in de-escalating tensions while politicians will need to attend to a multifaceted and historic series of issues, not least of which is bridging the educational divide between Palestinian and Israeli youth. A 15 minute read.

Ed. The author considers the grand strategic temptation of seeking a flank to break the current, Huntingesque, East-West standoff. Engaging additional allies, or enemies, and perpetuating old conflicts worldwide has dangerous implications for the future of global stability. Originally published in The Article. A 10 minute read.

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.