Analysis

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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.

Russia’s Strategy, Goals, Means and Ways – A View from Poland

Lithuania: Nuclear and Conventional Risk Assessments, and Policy Responses

The ‘Responsibility Turn’ in Nuclear Diplomacy

Bombs, Brexit Boys and Bairns: A Feminist Critique of Nuclear (In)security in the Integrated Review

A View from Pakistan – Review of ‘Nuclear Responsibilities: A New Approach for Thinking and Talking About Nuclear Weapons’

Conventional Arms Control and Nuclear Security: The Challenge of Conventional Prompt Global Strike Weapons

Staff Picks

Below, we select some of our favourite pieces which we think you should read:

BASIC Co-Director gives remarks at the Jeju Process

On November 11, 2021 BASIC Co-Director, Sebastian Brixey-Williams, was invited to give his remarks to…

Applying a Systematic Approach to NATO-Russia Risk Reduction: Announcing Phase 2 of the BASIC-Netherlands Collaboration

BASIC is delighted to announce that we are continuing our cooperation with the Ministry of…

Russia’s Strategy, Goals, Means and Ways – A View from Poland

Polish threat perceptions and risk assessments are heavily influenced by Poland’s proximity to Russia – and the author suggests solutions to contain them.

Lithuania: Nuclear and Conventional Risk Assessments, and Policy Responses

Lithuania’s current nuclear and conventional risk assessments, and possible policy responses.

The ‘Responsibility Turn’ in Nuclear Diplomacy

The New Atlantic Charter provides the first time that the specific language of ‘responsible state behaviour’ has been used publicly in an official capacity in relation to nuclear weapons.

Contemporary Opportunities for the NPT: Perspectives from the Emerging Voices Network

The Emerging Voices Network presents the policy recommendations from its first policy working cycle.

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.

Bombs, Brexit Boys and Bairns: A Feminist Critique of Nuclear (In)security in the Integrated Review

Hubris, Hypocrisy or Hedge?

Stepping Back into the Dark Ages: Making Sense of the UK Decision to Expand its Nuclear Arsenal

Report: How much does the UK spend on nuclear weapons?

Report: (Dis)Continuous Deterrence: Challenges to Britain’s Nuclear Doctrine

Report: Blowing up the Budget: The Cost Risk of Trident to UK Defence

Looking for something specific?

BASIC is developing new approaches to overcome states’ dependency on the doctrine of nuclear deterrence, which blocks global nuclear disarmament and drives proliferation.

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.

BASIC Policy Intern, Fabian Hoffmann, Publishes New Report on Cruise Missile Control in the Next National Security Strategy

BASIC Policy Intern, Fabian Hoffmann, has published an article with The Strategy Bridge on US…

BASIC Policy Intern, Fabian Hoffmann, Publishes New Report on Cruise Missile Proliferation

One of BASIC’s talented Policy Interns, Fabian Hoffmann, has published a report with the European…

Gender, Think-Tanks and International Affairs: a Toolkit

The Gender, Think-Tanks and International Affairs Toolkit has been jointly developed and published by BASIC,…

Report: Nuclear Responsibilities – A New Approach for Thinking and Talking about Nuclear Weapons

We seek in this report to suggest ways, and crucially propose a new method, to gradually shift the nature of the contemporary global conversation on nuclear weapons away from one characterised by rights, blame, and suspicion towards one framed by responsibility, empathic cooperation, and even trust.