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:
BASIC’s Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology Portal (PEANUT) Side Event at IAEA Ministerial Conference
On November 28, BASIC held a side event at the IAEA Ministerial Conference to present it’s new Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology Portal
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.
Masterclass from Gry Thomasen: How to Write Effective Policy Papers
On Wednesday, 6 November 2024, Gry Thomasen joined the Emerging Voices Network to deliver an Expert Masterclass on ‘How to Write Effective Policy Papers.’
Reflections from BASIC’s Trip to Islamabad
In October 2024, BASIC Policy Fellows visited Islamabad to engage with esteemed institutions on crisis management in South Asia and the impact of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) on security.
Masterclass from Thomas Hajnoczi: Why the Theory of Nuclear Deterrence Creates Risks
On Thursday, 3 October 2024, Thomas Hajnoczi joined the Emerging Voices Network to deliver an Expert Masterclass on ‘Why the Theory of Nuclear Deterrence Creates Risks.’
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.
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: 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.
Report: De-siloing Existential Threats II: Tracking the Interconnections Between Global Dangers
This report presents findings and policy recommendations from four EVN focus groups on interconnected existential threats and explores legislative strategies for collective mitigation.
Report: NATO and Climate Change: Towards a Joint Understanding and Response
This report shows that different states have different approaches to climate change and security. It suggests that some states still consider climate change effects on security of less importance than traditional considerations, or perhaps that some states believe that adapting their war fighting ability to the effects of climate change is detracting from its primary responsibility of protecting and defending the state.
Report: Crisis Prevention and Management in South Asia: Mutual Confidence, Risk, and Responsibility
‘Crisis Prevention and Management in South Asia: Mutual Confidence, Risk, and Responsibility’ emerged from a series of dialogues with the Indian and Pakistani nuclear policy communities at the Track 2 / 1.5 level held by the BASIC-ICCS Programme on Nuclear Responsibilities in 2023-2024.