News, Articles and Comment

Ed. The author argues that the ‘art of Admiralty’ represents more than simply a debate over force structure or naval tactics, but instead embodies the cultural ethos of an island seapower state, and – crucially – the vehicle by which maritime thinking is cultivated and disseminated in government and to the broader population as a whole. A 15 minute read.

Ed. A summary of the UK Coastal Security and Communities conference that was co-hosted by the RN Strategic Studies Centre and the University of Portsmouth in April 2023. The author expands upon the major themes that were discussed, making the connection between technology, the environment, and the United Kingdom’s coastal communities. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The Indo-Pacific theatre presents new challenges for the RN that recent UK strategic reviews may have optimistically underestimated. The authors contend that future RN involvement will have to rely on a combination of deterrence and cultivating alliances. A 5 minute read.

Ed. Jeremy Blackham highlights the weaknesses of Britain’s current strategic assumptions, demonstrated by the failure of the Western powers to prevent the Ukraine War despite ample warning.

Ed. The author responds to Sir Jeremy Blackham’s recent article concerning the future of Britain’s nuclear and conventional deterrence.

Ed. As a memorial and in tribute of his extensive contributions, the Digital and Editorial teams have compiled a complete archive of James Goldrick’s Naval Review letters, articles, reviews and eulogies.

Ed. The author takes to task the need for public engagement by the RN, if a sceptical public is to be convinced of the vital importance of the maritime nature of the British Way of War. A 10 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. The author reflects on Admiral Sir Henry Leach’s extensive career, highlighting his perseverance during the Second World War and the Falklands War, and his zeal for the tenacious defence of his particular corner, despite personal and national tragedies. A 15 minute read.