Patrick Porter, Professor of International Security and Strategy, examines the UK government's new 'war ready' defence strategy.
On the UK Strategic Defence Review, Professor Patrick Porter said:
“What a difference an invasion makes. The UK Strategic Defence Review – focusing on rearmament, the defence of Europe and the defence-industrial base – marks a significant change from its predecessor, the Strategic Defence and Security Review of 2021.
“Before Russia's re-invasion of Ukraine, the architects of Britain's national security strategy emphasised the UK's global posture, with an ‘Indo-Pacific tilt’ alongside a prioritised Europe, and a qualitative understanding of capability. In the words of the Defence Command Paper of the time, ‘Capability in the future will be less defined by numbers of people and platforms than by information-centric technologies, automation and a culture of innovation and experimentation.’
“Now, full-scale interstate war of iron, mass and firepower has returned, demonstrating the value of scale and sustainment of effort. Doubts about U.S. NATO commitments also make the question of European deterrence vital.
“But, reconfiguring our armed forces for an age of Iron will be capital-intensive, and the UK government indicates there is a ceiling for such investment. This makes it imperative to focus on coalitions and the division of labour with UK allies. And it requires time, making it important for the UK to avoid premature clashes outside Europe, its main theatre of concern.”
Professor of International Security and Strategy
School of Government
Patrick Porter is Professor of International Security and Strategy at the University of Birmingham.
