Published Research
Independent analysis informed by rigorous research and an evidence-based approach
CHINA
Through speech acts by Chinese policymakers and the publication of defense white papers, China has long signaled its intentions to ‘reunify’ Taiwan with the Chinese mainland, with the option of using military force if deemed necessary. Using a qualitative research methodology, this short paper will examine how the United States military can counter China’s A2/AD capabilities in a Taiwan contingency scenario.
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Realism and the Military Industrial Complex
In 1961 President Eisenhower made his famous speech warning about the ‘military industrial complex’ and the relationship between private defence corporations and government. Ever since this speech the topic has attracted much attention from conspiracy theorists and critics with complaints about corporate greed and nation states deliberately creating war for profit, however this is wrong.
INTELLIGENCE
The Impact of Information Overload for Effective, Efficient, and Ethical Intelligence Practice.
The acquisition of information using various different methods and sources is a vital part of the intelligence process and cycle. However, the collection of too much raw information and data can lead to the problem of ‘information overload’. In this paper we will critically assess what impact information overload has for effective, efficient and ethical intelligence practice.
MIDDLE EAST
The Nuclear Double Standard? Iran, Israel, and the Global Non-Proliferation Debate
This short analysis paper argues that rational actor theory, empirical threat perception, and the strategic implications of theological governance in Tehran explain why Israel is correct to have nuclear weapons, but not Iran.
AIR POWER
UK’s Planned Acquisition of F-35A Nuclear-Capable Aircraft: A Strategic Necessity, Not an Escalation
The UK government recently announced its intention to purchase 12 F-35A Lightning II aircraft capable of deploying nuclear weapons. This development has drawn criticism from various quarters, with detractors arguing that the move represents an increase in defence spending aimed at appeasing the “military-industrial complex,” breaches the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and risks dangerous escalation in global nuclear tensions. However, a closer examination reveals these criticisms misunderstand both the nature of the acquisition and the strategic context driving the decision.
RUSSIA
On 24th February 2022 Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine that Putin described as a ‘special military operation’. It has been promoted that one of the reasons behind the wider Ukraine conflict and this particular invasion is due to Putin wanting to absorb old Soviet Bloc countries back into Russia because he has a dream of recreating and bringing back the Soviet Union. This is not entirely true. Putin himself has said: ‘Whoever does not miss the Soviet Union has no heart. Whoever wants it back has no brain’. So, what is the root cause behind the Ukraine war and what has been Russia’s approach to this international security issue?
CHINA
China's Securitisation of Taiwan
In September 2022 Taiwan intercepted and shot down a Chinese surveillance drone that Taiwan said had violated the airspace over one of the islands that they control located off the coast of China. China responded by stating that this was an attempt by Taiwan to ‘hype up tensions’. Was the shooting down of this drone a reckless response from Taiwan, or is China creating a provocation in an attempt to deliberately construct a security issue with Taiwan?
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Since the late 1940’s NATO has served as the main military alliance for the United States and select parts of Europe to counter the threat from Russia. Approaching 70 years of existence and with the changing global political landscape this paper, written before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, will examine the question does NATO have a future?
CHINA
This analysis paper will look ahead at some of the future strategic military systems and capabilities of the Chinese armed forces as well as some of the geopolitical issues involving China and the Asia Pacific region..