A Question of Security: The British Defence Review in an Age of Austerity

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Description

Britain now faces fundamental choices in organising its armed forces and military strategy - more so than at any time since the 1930s. This vital new book prepares the ground for a major government review of UK defence and security policy, analysing every important facet the review will face: from the spending constraints created by the financial crisis, to the decisions the country has to take on matters of war, peace and terrorism. The analysis covers the military equipment Britain should procure; the industrial implications of defence procurement decisions; the relationship with allies and partners; the intelligence sources; and, not least, the moral and ethical dimensions of modern security policy in a globalised but disordered world. Written by the foremost independent security and defence experts in the field, this book is the result of RUSI's Future Defence Review research initiative. 'A Question of Security' sets the core agenda for all wishing to understand the defence and security problems Britain now faces, and also for those in government and parliament who have to answer these difficult questions at a generational moment for UK defence policy.

Reviews

'It is now commonly accepted that we have a significant four part challenge across the Nation's security and defence portfolio. We have to develop a more strategic posture on the back of the National Security Strategy while wrestling with an extremely challenging resource picture, delivering success in the ongoing war in Afghanistan and reinforcing contingent capability so that we are better ready for the unexpected. Against this backdrop this book is timely and pertinent; the questions it asks and the articles that debate the key issues are comprehensive and thought provoking. A valuable reference for the informed and interested.' - General Sir David Richards

Author Bio

The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI) is the leading independent think-tank on international defence and security issues in the UK. Michael Codner is the Director of Military Sciences at RUSI. Professor Michael Clarke is the Director of RUSI.