RUSI in the News - August 2010

Citations of RUSI experts, analysis and events in the global media from August 2010

Strategic Defence and Security Review

As the debate over the SDSR forces analysts to consider where cuts can be made, Jeremy Blackham and Gwyn Prins state that the Navy has already been weakened to a dangerous point, and that its capabilities must now be improved, rather than reduced, in order for it to maintain the level of defence we take for granted. 

Coverage: Reuters, The Financial Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, BBC News, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Scotland, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, The Financial, ePolitix, The Engineer, The Plymouth Herald

As the maintenance of the UKs Trident nuclear weapons system enters the budget debate, Malcolm Chalmers suggests that ending Continuous-at-sea deterrence would significantly reduce spending while having a minimal impact on British defence. Maintaining the deterrent as it is can be seen as a hangover from the Cold War, and the time has come to consider creating space for new and more relevant technologies.

Coverage: Reuters, Time Magazine, Channel 4 News, CNN,  Global Security Newswire, The Independent, The Telegraph, The Engineer, politics.co.uk, politics.co.uk, Conservativehome, Ekklesia, Ekklesia, The Scotsman, North West Evening Mail

At a speech chaired by RUSI, Liam Fox MP declares himself unwilling to voice his deliberations over which areas of defence will be hit by cuts in the upcoming SDSR.

Coverage: The Daily Mail, The Evening Standard

With the UK security chief to step down in 2011, Malcolm Chalmers comments on the dynamics of the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet, and the effect of these on the future SDSR.

Coverage: The Financial Times

As the SDSR draws closer, Michael Clarke comments on the difficulties of predicting the extent or nature of the forthcoming budget cuts.

Coverage: The Associated Press

As the defence community consider the possible outcomes of the SDSR, Trevor Taylor suggests that consideration of future needs will be high on the agenda.

Coverage: Flight Global, publicservice.co.uk

Afghanistan

As the last US combat brigade leaves Iraq, Amyas Godfrey notes that the US has achieved all of its short-term goals. Unfortunately, this has by no means resolved the situation in the country. 

Coverage: The Daily Mail

In considerations over the use of private security firms in Afghanistan, Michael Codner comments that such firms can provide high quality services while keeping costs low.

Coverage: The Guardian

As the situation in Afghanistan gains further public scrutiny, Malcolm Chalmers suggests that the government's 'chain of terror' argument will not accepted by the majority of British citizens.

Coverage: Voice of America

China

In a consideration of Chinese intelligence-gathering techniques, Alex Neill comments that the country employs the 'thousand grains of sand' technique.

Coverage: The Monocle

Kuwait

Sheikh Thamer Al-Ali Al-Sabah receives Michael Clarke and Jonathan Eyal to discuss means of mutual cooperation between the UK and Kuwait.

Coverage: Insurance News Net

Africa

Africa's requirement for a coherent maritime strategy is displayed in Knox Chitiyo's co-written paper: "Maritime Development in Africa - An Independent Specialist's Framework"

Coverage: Defence Web

Climate Change

In discussions over the impact of climate change on strategic security, a RUSI paper indicates that it could have as significant effect on the security environment as the end of the Cold War

Coverage: The Business Spectator, The Christian Science Monitor

Counter Terrorism

As speculation arises as to whether a Japanese tanker was the subject of a terrorist attack, Michael Codner suggests that the ship was damaged by pressure rather than impact or a missile.

Coverage: The National