Analysis

Analysis by BASIC experts provides crucial context to contemporary developments in disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation.

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.

Recent Analysis


Read the latest analysis from BASIC staff and consultants:

All Analysis

 

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Exercising Status Recognition Sensibility: The Empathic De-escalation of the Sino-Indian 1998 Status Dilemma

In her article published by International Relations Journal, Dr Chiara Cervasio, Policy Fellow and Programme Manager of the Nuclear responsibilities Programme, argues that the exercise of what she calls status recognition sensibility is critical to explaining whether dangerous competitions for status can be mitigated in world politics.

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Women and Power in the Nuclear Field

On March 1st, 2023, BASIC-ICCS hosted a Nuclear Responsibilities dialogue in Hanoi. The dialogue had substantive and meaningful outcomes, due in no small part to our diverse participant list, which included a large number of women (proportionally, more women than men)

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The Future Just Ain’t What it Used to Be: Emerging Trends and their Impact On the Future of Nuclear Weapons Policy and International Security

Putin’s apparent willingness to introduce nuclear weapons in a non-nuclear war is a watershed moment with implications beyond Europe and the West. In this article, Rishi Paul looks to Russia’s recent behaviour as a lens to understand what the future might hold in store, and draw out the potential implications for international security.

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UK Nuclear Weapons Policy and Trident


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.

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Hubris, Hypocrisy or Hedge?

The Integrated Review

In just 76 words highlighted below across three statements in the nuclear deterrent section of the 2021 Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy (IR), the UK government reversed its policy of gradual reduction of the variety, number and salience of its nuclear weapons in place through successive governments since the end of the Cold War.  

Current Programmes

BASIC believes in making progress on nuclear disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation through multiple complementary approaches. We continuously develop our programmes – streams of research – through sustained engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, collectively searching for the art of the possible.

Our current programmes are listed below. Browse our current programmes page by clicking here.

Archive Programmes

BASIC believes in making progress on nuclear disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation through multiple complementary approaches. We continuously develop our programmes – streams of research – through sustained engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, collectively searching for the art of the possible.

Our archive programmes are listed below. Browse our archive programmes page by clicking here.

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