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:
Addressing Emerging Nuclear Risks to Crisis Prevention and Management in South Asia Through a Responsibility-Based Approach
Over 2024/2025, BASIC’s Nuclear Responsibilities Programme ran the project ‘Addressing Emerging Nuclear Risks to Crisis Prevention and Management in South Asia Through a Responsibility-Based Approach’.
Masterclass from Dr Kazuko Hikawa: Introduction to the NPT and the Challenges it Faces
On Wednesday, 26th February 2025, Dr. Kazuko Hikawa joined BASIC’s Emerging Voices Network (EVN) to deliver an Expert Masterclass on ‘Introduction to the NPT and the Challenges it Faces’.
The India-Pakistan Pulwama-Balakot Crisis Six Years On
Six years ago this month, India and Pakistan were emerging out of a deep crisis…
Vacancy: Communications Manager
Terms: 22.5 hours per week / 0.6 FTE (3 days per week); one year contract…
Celebrating Joanne Skolnick, BASIC Trustee
The British American Security Information Council (BASIC) mourns the sudden passing of Joanne Skolnick, a valued member of our Board of Trustees.
Announcement: BASIC Launches the NPT Monitor Project
BASIC is pleased to announce the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Monitor, a new project being developed by our Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Programme.
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: 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.
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.