David Cameron argues for replacing the Trident nuclear system due to future uncertainties and threats from North Korea and Iran. The author criticizes this stance, highlighting the historical context, fragility of nuclear deterrence, and alternative security challenges. They argue that reliance on nuclear weapons is a misguided strategy in a rapidly changing global security environment.
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Britain marks the death of a conviction politician
Margaret Thatcher died Monday, and on Wednesday Parliament is recalled for members to pay their respects. The funeral will be next Wednesday, 17th April, and will be a spectacle watched by millions. Thatcher left a lasting legacy that sent ripples way beyond the shores of Britain, not least in her approach to the Cold War at the time.
Nuclear Non-proliferation in the Gulf Roundtable Report
This is a themed report arising out of a BASIC roundtable event in Istanbul on March 25th and 26th, a few weeks before the 2013 Preparatory Committee in Geneva. Involving participants from all over the region, including GCC states, Iran, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, as well as the United States, UK and Germany, this meeting discussed the health of the non-proliferation regime as it affected the Gulf region and placed today’s debates in a longer-term context.
New Briefing: Beyond the Trident Alternatives Review
BASIC has published a new briefing authored by Dr. Nick Ritchie of the University York. The government is in the midst of a Trident Alternatives Review, which will immenently be delievered to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Dr. Ritchie's new brief critiques that forthcoming Review and highlights weaknesses within current thinking around Trident.
Trident: the Nuclear Jobcentre
Richard Norton-Taylor writes about changing assumptions about nuclear deterrence and nuclear possession. He argues that treating Trident as an employment scheme will leave Britain ill-equipped for the real threat: terrorism. He references the BASIC Trident Commission's recent report by John Simpson:
Beyond the Trident Alternatives Review
This brief, authored by Dr. Nick Ritchie, outlines opportunities and challenges arising from the UK government's ongoing Trident Alternatives Review. This briefing critiques weaknesses within the current thinking around Trident, outlines the key issues that need to be addressed, and highlights the opportunities that Britain has to demonstrate leadership on nuclear disarmament. Ritchie claims that this is a unique opportunity in the UK for an informed debate and addresses the key questions:
Almaty and Prague
This week, talks over Iran’s nuclear program will resume on Friday and Saturday, in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Friday will also mark four years since President Barack Obama delivered his landmark speech in Prague, Czech Republic, where he called for a world free of nuclear weapons and outlined the details of how his first administration would handle nuclear weapons issues.
Unjamming the FM(C)T: Roundtable Report and Backgrounder
BASIC organized a private roundtable with experts and officials to take stock of the current strategic and political dynamics surrounding negotiations on a Fissile Material (Cut-Off) Treaty (FM(C)T). BASIC produced a backgrounder literature review for the roundtable discussion, and also a report summarizing the discussion.