The strategic defence review— British policy options

Abstract

The recent election was notable in many ways, one of which was the distinct lack of focus on defence issues. This pervades public consciousness as much as that of political parties, not least because the end of the Cold War has seemed to remove any immediate threat to the UK This lower profile for defence will likely have a correlating effect on funding as the government strives to meet other commitments. In the light of the Defence Review announced by the Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Malcolm Chalmers here raises some core issues of Britain's defence. As we have moved away from national towards collective defence, how should Britain maintain her international influence? Looking at areas of soft security and specialisation, Dr Chalmers highlights the need to make choices of different capabilities based on geographical and functional priorities and concludes that while there must always be policy engagement in the wider world, Britain's security concerns lie primarily in and with Europe and her forces should be structured accordingly within an ongoing commitment to the Alliance.