BASIC's Paul Ingram was interviewed in the BBC Newsnight special on Trident that aired on 4 February 2016. The special includes a diversity of perspectives from analysts and parliamentarians. Watch the Newsnight special here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06zlm8q/newsnight-04022016 NB: This content is only available in the UK, and only until 29 February 2016.
Deterrence
America needs the LRSO… just in case
Lord Salisbury said once that if generals were left to their own devices, they might well decide to put garrisons on the Moon to defend us from Mars. Envisioning worst-case scenarios and drawing up contingency plans for them is part of what the military does to get its job right. The problem with this professional reflex is that it often fails to assess comparative risk effectively, and in particular fully account for the risks of unintended consequences or the impacts on others. When it comes to nuclear policy and procurement decisions, the temptation for overkill is high.
Trident: What the future holds for the UK’s nuclear submarines
The Independent’s Cole Moreton wrote an article about what the future holds for the UK’s nuclear submarines in terms of political debate and construction timeline.
Will Trident Still Work in the Future?
Developments in anti-submarine warfare could be decisive. Emerging developments in technology that are transforming our lives and already revolutionising the battle-space in air and on land could ensure that submarines will no longer be stealthy in the foreseeable future, however silent they are. This is undeniable, and claims that these risks are minimal to Trident’s future are patently false. The judgement comes in assessing this risk and when it becomes operational, based upon the speed of technology development today, and what countermeasures that could be developed. This briefing outlines the risk and its consequences to the programme.
New Study Says Next Generation Remains Oblivious to Nuclear Dangers
In-DepthNews covered the release of the final report from BASIC’s next generation project.
North Korea’s Hydrogen Bomb Test and the Questions It Raises
North Korea announces that it has tested a hydrogen bomb. This raises three questions: Is it true? Should we be worried about it? What can we do about it?
Reframing the Narrative on Nuclear Weapons
Innovative thinking is needed to overcome deeply entrenched attitudes and slow progress in the shared responsibility to strengthen nuclear non-proliferation measures and achieve global security through nuclear disarmament. This publication represents 14 months of investigation into how future nuclear weapons policy can become more relevant to the concerns and the security of the next generation.
Trident: Nuclear deterrent under threat from underwater drones, expert warns
Rapid advances in underwater drone technology – autonomous underwater vehicles that can be controlled by ship- or land-based operators – threaten to make the controversial Trident nuclear submarines vulnerable, according to Paul Ingram, the executive director of the British American Security Information Council.