News, Articles and Comment

Ed. For our second article to celebrate International Women’s Day we celebrate the Naval Servicewomen’s Network (NSN). The eagle eyed among you will note that over the last six weeks 33% of the 21 articles we have published on the NR website have been written by women. Thank you Ladies, the door remains open to write for us as and when you desire.

Ed. With his trademark dissection of the conventional wisdom, the author argues that the concept of ‘seablindness’ is merely window dressing for the fundamental misunderstanding of the principles of British national strategy that has manifested over the last 60 years. A 20 minute read.

Ed. The fifth article in our series from BRNC Pellew Division officer cadets, here the author considers the advantages of moving to an entirely digital work environment for the RN, future-proofing for talent and inclusion. 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 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 perennial problem is how does Defence encourage originality and innovation? Thinking outside of the box must be an essential prerequisite to success in the 21st century – to accommodate and exploit the explosion in computing capability and the advent of AI. The author explains how the UK predicts and prepares for future conflict, the flaws in this method, and proposes how studying Science Fiction literature could offer military leaders a beneficial fighting edge in a future conflict. A 15 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.

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.

Ed. Our correspondent draws lessons from his time sailing with the Uruguayan Navy aboard the schooner Capitán Miranda, with a Joint mission of training future officers in seamanship and conducting naval diplomacy around the globe. A 10 minute read.