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:
Restraint at Risk: The Anatomy of India-Pakistan De-escalation
In this article, originally published in The Diplomat, Dr Chiara Cervasio and Professor Nicholas J. Wheeler analyse the Pahalgam crisis from a historical perspective, tracing how India and Pakistan have navigated past moments of acute nuclear danger.
EVN Nuclear Harm Reduction Anthology to be launched at online event
BASIC is to launch its anthology of Nuclear Harm Reduction measures at a Zoom meeting between 1300 and 1430 BST on Monday (16 June)
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Monitor: First Implementation Brief
BASIC Senior Policy Fellow Dr. Manuel Herrera Alemela introduces a new project being developed by our Non-Proliferation and Disarmament programme.
Emerging Voices Network: Professor Nick Ritchie’s Irreversible Nuclear Disarmament Masterclass
In the latest Masterclass held by BASIC’s Emerging Voices Network, Professor Nick Ritchie from York University’s Department of Politics and International Relations discusses Irreversible Nuclear Disarmament and Nuclear Weapons Complexes.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty: Preparatory Committee fails to reach a consensus
BASIC staff played a key role in recent discussions to address issues related to the Non-Proliferation Treaty in New York ahead of the 2026 Review Conference.
Operation Sindoor establishes India’s New Response Doctrine towards Pakistan
Retired Indian army Brigadier Dr Arun Sahgal and PhD Candidate Ambuj Sahu argue that its response to tensions with Pakistan was a unique use of technology-driven kinetic activity using missiles and drones in the subcontinent’s first non-contact war.
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.
Report: Emerging and Disruptive Technologies in South Asia: Perceptions of Risks and Responsibilities in Crisis Management and Prevention
Emerging and Disruptive Technologies in South Asia: Perceptions of Risks and Responsibilities in Crisis Management and Prevention explores the impact of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) on crisis prevention and management in South Asia.
Report: Perceptions of Emerging & Disruptive Technologies on Crisis Prevention & Management in South Asia
In this report, Eva-Nour Repussard discusses perceptions of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) on crisis prevention and management in South Asia, based on a STREAM Survey conducted in 2024.
Report: Gender and Nuclear Weapons: Measuring the Impact
Following a series of workshops with BASIC’s Community of Practice on Gender and Nuclear Weapons: Measuring the Impact, this report presents tangible steps to evaluate the impact of gender work in the nuclear policy field.
Report: The Nuclear Responsibilities Primer: Exploring Perspectives on Nuclear Responsibilities within the Non-Proliferation Regime
This primer explores how Nuclear Weapon States and Non-Nuclear Weapon States have invoked the concept of “responsibility” in the context of the NPT, analysing its evolving use to address security challenges, foster shared norms, and promote collaborative efforts for nuclear risk reduction amidst rising threats and strained global relations.
Rethinking European Security: Vilnius Workshop Report
In March 2024, in partnership with Rethinking Security, BASIC hosted a track 1.5 workshop in Vilnius, Lithuania to discuss the present and future of European security.
Mapping the Influence of Disruptive Technologies on Future Arms Control Agreements
This report details how emerging technologies will drastically change the world in which nuclear weapons exist, but not the weapons themselves.