BASIC is organising an online conference on Risk Reduction in the Arctic, on Thursday 10th November 2022.
In depth thinking
BASIC provides expert analysis and commentary on selective contemporary debates in strategic affairs. To do this, we engage diverse perspectives, encourage empathy across states, and broaden the context of debate. We have an established reputation for non-partisan, non-judgmental, cross-cultural engagement and for seeking common ground.
We aim to make our writing readable and interesting to both experts and the general public, cutting through jargon and democratising debate. If you’d like to write for us, contact us here.
To browse our analysis thematically, visit our Programmes.
Latest Analysis
BASIC publishes on a range of nuclear policy issues, beyond the reach of our Programmes, and we welcome contributions from guest authors and contributors.
Staff Picks
Below, we select some of our favourite pieces which we think you should read:
Video: EVN Policy Cycle 2023 Launch Event: ‘De-siloing Existential Threats’
With support from the Ploughshares Equity Rises Fund, the EVN’s 2023 Policy Cycle is themed “De-siloing Existential Threats: challenging identity, power, and inclusivity in the nuclear policy field”.
The Policy Cycle’s virtual launch event took place on 17 January 2023. Watch the recording here.
EVN: Youth Consultation on the NPT PrepCom Process
With the support of the Norwegian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, early career leaders from a variety of regions will act as ‘Youth consultants’ (hereby, consultants) steering a youth/early career consultation on the NPT Preparatory Committee meeting and processes in the lead up to the 2026 RevCon.
Vacancy: Finance Manager
Terms: 22.5h/week (2-3 days), two-year contract with 6 month probation period; Salary: £32,000-37,000 pro rata…
BASIC Executive Director’s Remarks on Nuclear Responsibilities and Distrust Reduction to the Annual Wilton Park Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference, December 2022
The following remarks were delivered on 14 December 2022 at the Wilton Park ‘The NPT after the 2022 Review Conference’ by BASIC’s Executive Director, Sebastian Brixey-Williams.
Video: Risk Reduction in the Arctic
On Thursday 10th of November, BASIC organised an online conference on Risk Reduction in the Arctic. Watch the recording here.
Nuclear Responsibilities at Sea: Early-Career Perspectives for Maritime Risk Reduction in the Asia Pacific
On 25th October 2022, BASIC and ICCS hosted ‘Nuclear Responsibilities at Sea,’ an online roundtable with young professionals and experts to explore policy recommendations for maritime risk reduction in the Asia Pacific.
THIS MONTH’S THEME
The Trident Question
The UK’s continued possession of Trident is not assured. The programme faces running over far budget with knock-on effects to other areas of the budget, multiple emerging technological threats such as cyber weapons, and political risks including Scottish devolution. Each of these factors underlines the need for reasoned, respectful and open-minded debate on the future of the UK’s possession of nuclear weapons, and a willingness to explore alternative pathways to maintain British national security.
Programme Reports
BASIC is developing new approaches to overcome states’ dependency on the doctrine of nuclear deterrence, which blocks global nuclear disarmament and drives proliferation. We engage diverse perspectives, encourage empathy across states, and broaden the context of debate. We have an established reputation for non-partisan, non-judgmental, cross-cultural engagement and for seeking common ground.
Our current programmes are listed below. To see our completed programmes, visit our archive.
Report: Clashes of Perceptions: Bridging Perspectives on Security in Europe
Over the past 18 months, BASIC has undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Phase 2 Applying as Systematic Approach to NATO-Russia Risk Reduction that aimed at advancing the understanding of workable options for risk reduction and fostering new relationships between NATO and Russia.
Report: Risks and Risk Reduction: A View from the South-eastern Flank
In September 2022, BASIC held a track 1.5 workshop in Sofia to discuss risk and threat assessments in South-eastern and Northern Europe. The workshop is part of the two-year project ‘Phase 2: Applying a Systematic Approach to NATO-Russia Risk Reduction’ that BASIC is undertaking in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Report: Canadian Submarine Recapitalization in the Context of Climate Change
This report argues that climate change will exacerbate the challenges Canada faces in the recapitalisation of the Victoria-class submarine fleet.
Summary of APPG Meeting: Safeguarding Civil Nuclear Facilities During Conflict
On Thursday 13th October 2022, the APPG on Global Security and Non-proliferation and the APPG on the United Nations jointly hosted an APPG meeting on ‘Safeguarding Civil Nuclear Facilities During Conflict’, chaired by Lord Hannay of Chiswick.
Report: Managing Resources and Sea Routes in the Arctic
In this report, Dr Gry Thomasen argues that avoiding or mitigating conflict over resources and the sea routes in the Arctic is crucial for a peaceful Arctic in the future.
Report: Prioritising People in the Arctic
In this report, Dr Chiara Cervasio and Eva-Nour Repussard address existing and emerging threats to human security in the Arctic and investigate the utility of different risk reduction measures in mitigating such risks.