This book analyses UK defence as a complex, interdependent public-private enterprise covering politics, management, society, and technology, as well as the military.
Building upon wide-ranging applied research, with extensive access to ministers, policy makers, senior military commanders, and industrialists, the book characterises British defence as a phenomenon that has endured extensive transformation this century. Looking at the subject afresh as a complex, extended enterprise involving politics, alliances, businesses, skills, economics, military practices, and citizens, the authors profoundly reshape our understanding of ‘defence’ and how it is to be commissioned and delivered in a world dominated by geopolitical risks and uncertainties. The book makes the case that this new understanding of defence must inevitably lead to new policies and processes to ensure its health and vitality.
This book will be of much interest to students of defence studies, British politics, and military and strategic studies, as well as policy makers and practitioners.
1. Introduction: The End of Doctrine and Loss of Military Primacy 2. British Defence as Policy and Politics 3. Defence as Management 4. Defence as Technology 5. Defence as Industrial Policy 6. Defence as Exports and Engagement 7. Defence as Skills and Competencies 8. Defence and Community 9. Defence as Public-Private Partnering 10. Defence as the Militar 11. Conclusion: Defence Practice – from analogue to digital? The Defence Extended Enterprise
Biography
John Louth is Director of Defence, Industries and Society at the Royal United Services Institute, and is also a specialist adviser to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee.
Trevor Taylor is Professorial Research Fellow in Defence Management at the Royal United Services Institute.
