News, Articles and Comment

Ed. Cultivating and transmitting sound leadership practices is a high-stakes lifelong learning process, with consequences for failure liable to undermine interpersonal relationships and organisational culture. Preventing the development of ‘toxic leadership’ requires knowing what the problem is and how to address it. A 10 minute read.

Ed. This article, drawing on German-language sources, presents a fresh biographical sketch of Maximilian von Spee’s naval career, a man of his time who realistically embodied German sea power, in the Mahanian tradition, until his demise at the Falkland Islands on 8 December 1914. A 20 minute read.

Ed. What can public institutions do to rebuild long-term trust in the wake of seismic shifts in public perceptions of government accountability? Clear articulation of goals and persistent public buy-in are essential. The NR is delighted to welcome this sponsored essay from BMT Group. A 15 minute read.

Ed. In celebration of International Women’s Day, the NR is proud to present the first of two articles on serving women’s networks. Caroline Paxton, Chair of Trustees for The Military Wives Choirs Foundation, provides this introduction to the Military Wives Choirs and their unique membership and opportunities. 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. The author gives his state of play on the current socioeconomic conditions impacting British seapower, and proposes a possible RN force structure financially tailored for a ‘regional’ rather than a ‘global’ Britain.

Ed. The author explores the PQ17 disaster, questioning First Sea Lord Dudley Pound’s decision to scatter the convoy in the face of Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine threats. The principles of mission command should have left the decision to the convoy commanders. A 25 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.

Ed. A former Editor of the NR reflects on the lessons he might have given his younger self; advice for starting out on a naval career.