Matthew Palmer
@so3brocktree.bsky.social
🇬🇧 Former soldier. Accidental journalist. Fellow at the Council on Geostrategy and RNSSC.
Thoughts & feelings on defence and other things. Not always serious. Views my own.
Longer thoughts & feelings on substack:
https://crackingdefence.substack.com/
Thoughts & feelings on defence and other things. Not always serious. Views my own.
Longer thoughts & feelings on substack:
https://crackingdefence.substack.com/
Pinned
We are pleased to announce that @so3brocktree.bsky.social is joining us as the Sir John Moore Adjunct Fellow in Military Affairs!
🔗 Read the full announcement: bit.ly/4mtunwr
🚨 Dive straight into Matthew’s analysis on sub-threshold threats: bit.ly/3UgIE3t
🔗 Read the full announcement: bit.ly/4mtunwr
🚨 Dive straight into Matthew’s analysis on sub-threshold threats: bit.ly/3UgIE3t
Very chuffed to announce that I am now a Fellow of the @congeostrategy.bsky.social!
I'll be writing predominantly on grey-zone threats and joint operations for the Council, while continuing my work on Substack and for the RNSSC.
Please do get in contact if you are interested in any of the above!
I'll be writing predominantly on grey-zone threats and joint operations for the Council, while continuing my work on Substack and for the RNSSC.
Please do get in contact if you are interested in any of the above!
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Opinion: There is nothing that China wants to import, nothing it does not believe it can make better and cheaper, nothing for which it wants to rely on foreigners a single day longer than it has to. on.ft.com/4irbwkS
November 27, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Opinion: There is nothing that China wants to import, nothing it does not believe it can make better and cheaper, nothing for which it wants to rely on foreigners a single day longer than it has to. on.ft.com/4irbwkS
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Territory they hold? You mean Ukraine?
Putin: “When Ukrainians troops withdraw from the territories they hold, then we will cease hostilities; If they don’t leave, we will achieve this by military means “
November 27, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Territory they hold? You mean Ukraine?
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Hark! A podcast guest appearance!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
Never heard of us? We are on your favourite podcast app, with a year’s worth of films, politics and arty chat
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/2g3V...
Barry Lyndon, The Truman Show, Trainspotting and many many more 🤟
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/2g3V...
Barry Lyndon, The Truman Show, Trainspotting and many many more 🤟
Waterloo (1970) with Matthew Palmer
Podcast Episode · The Ministry of Film · 27/11/2025 · 1h 14m
podcasts.apple.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Hark! A podcast guest appearance!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
Short-term voluntary enlistments, mirroring other parts of Europe. Not a bad idea at all - I've previously suggested something similar for the UK.
Bit like a gap year in uniform, in some respects. Depends on how its done but could be useful for building out the reserves.
Bit like a gap year in uniform, in some respects. Depends on how its done but could be useful for building out the reserves.
France brings back limited military service with 3,000 volunteers next year
"The only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it," says President Emmanuel Macron.
www.bbc.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Short-term voluntary enlistments, mirroring other parts of Europe. Not a bad idea at all - I've previously suggested something similar for the UK.
Bit like a gap year in uniform, in some respects. Depends on how its done but could be useful for building out the reserves.
Bit like a gap year in uniform, in some respects. Depends on how its done but could be useful for building out the reserves.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Very good. I've argued for a while now that we need to be more proactive in taking the fight to the Russians in the grey space, rather than remaining in a defensive crouch.
That does not mean stooping to their level, but ensuring that they feel pain for their hostile actions.
That does not mean stooping to their level, but ensuring that they feel pain for their hostile actions.
I hate that this is necessary, but it is. So it’s good that things are moving.
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Europe thinks the unthinkable: Retaliating against Russia
Countries are looking at joint offensive cyber operations and surprise military drills as Moscow steps up its campaign to destabilize NATO allies.
www.politico.eu
November 27, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Very good. I've argued for a while now that we need to be more proactive in taking the fight to the Russians in the grey space, rather than remaining in a defensive crouch.
That does not mean stooping to their level, but ensuring that they feel pain for their hostile actions.
That does not mean stooping to their level, but ensuring that they feel pain for their hostile actions.
Hark! A podcast guest appearance!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
Never heard of us? We are on your favourite podcast app, with a year’s worth of films, politics and arty chat
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/2g3V...
Barry Lyndon, The Truman Show, Trainspotting and many many more 🤟
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/2g3V...
Barry Lyndon, The Truman Show, Trainspotting and many many more 🤟
Waterloo (1970) with Matthew Palmer
Podcast Episode · The Ministry of Film · 27/11/2025 · 1h 14m
podcasts.apple.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Hark! A podcast guest appearance!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
So stoked to have @so3brocktree.bsky.social join us this week for what was THE most Ministry of Film chats we’ve ever had
History, politics, campy outfits and quotable characters. What’s not to love? 😌
History, politics, campy outfits and quotable characters. What’s not to love? 😌
November 27, 2025 at 10:58 AM
So stoked to have @so3brocktree.bsky.social join us this week for what was THE most Ministry of Film chats we’ve ever had
History, politics, campy outfits and quotable characters. What’s not to love? 😌
History, politics, campy outfits and quotable characters. What’s not to love? 😌
Hark! A podcast guest appearance!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
@robinmcghee.bsky.social and @carolinasaludes.bsky.social listen in as @so3brocktree.bsky.social told us about
- Why should we care today about Waterloo?
- Is Napoleon the most impressive military leader in history?
- Was the Duke of Wellington a huge d*ck?
This and so so so much more
- Why should we care today about Waterloo?
- Is Napoleon the most impressive military leader in history?
- Was the Duke of Wellington a huge d*ck?
This and so so so much more
November 27, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Hark! A podcast guest appearance!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
In which I get very excited about the big hams chewing the scenery in tight uniforms (gosh) in one of my favourite films ever - the inimitable Waterloo.
We talk history, cinema and politics in what was an absolute blast to record.
Enjoy!
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨
The MoF team spoke to @so3brocktree.bsky.social about Waterloo (1970), and the absolutely colossal influence of Napoleon on Europe then and now.
And of course, there was a culture war. Because there is always one.
Keep reading for links 👇🤌
The MoF team spoke to @so3brocktree.bsky.social about Waterloo (1970), and the absolutely colossal influence of Napoleon on Europe then and now.
And of course, there was a culture war. Because there is always one.
Keep reading for links 👇🤌
November 27, 2025 at 10:46 AM
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨
The MoF team spoke to @so3brocktree.bsky.social about Waterloo (1970), and the absolutely colossal influence of Napoleon on Europe then and now.
And of course, there was a culture war. Because there is always one.
Keep reading for links 👇🤌
The MoF team spoke to @so3brocktree.bsky.social about Waterloo (1970), and the absolutely colossal influence of Napoleon on Europe then and now.
And of course, there was a culture war. Because there is always one.
Keep reading for links 👇🤌
Very good. I've argued for a while now that we need to be more proactive in taking the fight to the Russians in the grey space, rather than remaining in a defensive crouch.
That does not mean stooping to their level, but ensuring that they feel pain for their hostile actions.
That does not mean stooping to their level, but ensuring that they feel pain for their hostile actions.
I hate that this is necessary, but it is. So it’s good that things are moving.
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Europe thinks the unthinkable: Retaliating against Russia
Countries are looking at joint offensive cyber operations and surprise military drills as Moscow steps up its campaign to destabilize NATO allies.
www.politico.eu
November 27, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Very good. I've argued for a while now that we need to be more proactive in taking the fight to the Russians in the grey space, rather than remaining in a defensive crouch.
That does not mean stooping to their level, but ensuring that they feel pain for their hostile actions.
That does not mean stooping to their level, but ensuring that they feel pain for their hostile actions.
Its been lost amongst all the other news, but Guinea-Bissau has just experienced a military coup.
Guinea-Bissau military takes ‘total control’ amid election chaos
Officers say they are closing borders and suspending poll as president and main rival both claim victory
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Its been lost amongst all the other news, but Guinea-Bissau has just experienced a military coup.
Alcohol in Saudi at licensed shops. Would never have thought we'd see the day growing up in the region back in the 2000s.
Saudi Arabia plans new alcohol shops to woo foreigners
Kingdom to add liquor stores in Jeddah and Dhahran after outlet for non-Muslim foreigners opened in Riyadh last year
www.ft.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Alcohol in Saudi at licensed shops. Would never have thought we'd see the day growing up in the region back in the 2000s.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Moldova's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Russian ambassador to hand him a note of protest after six Russian drones flew into Moldova's airspace during the massive attack on Ukraine.
A Russian drone that fell down in Moldova was placed by the Foreign Ministry for the ambassador's visit.
A Russian drone that fell down in Moldova was placed by the Foreign Ministry for the ambassador's visit.
November 26, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Moldova's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Russian ambassador to hand him a note of protest after six Russian drones flew into Moldova's airspace during the massive attack on Ukraine.
A Russian drone that fell down in Moldova was placed by the Foreign Ministry for the ambassador's visit.
A Russian drone that fell down in Moldova was placed by the Foreign Ministry for the ambassador's visit.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Whatever else this government do (and there's plenty of issues with this budget) ministers will always be able to point to this as an incredible important contribution to the country's future. Almost half a million kids taken out of poverty.
Scrapping the two-child limit in full is a monumental decision. Well done to all involved in the Child Poverty Strategy, and everyone who has made the case against the policy.
OBR says scrapping costs £3 billion in 2029-30 and will lift 450,000 out of poverty
OBR says scrapping costs £3 billion in 2029-30 and will lift 450,000 out of poverty
November 26, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Whatever else this government do (and there's plenty of issues with this budget) ministers will always be able to point to this as an incredible important contribution to the country's future. Almost half a million kids taken out of poverty.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Online Violence Against Women & Girls can impact their physical & mental health, stop them from participating in society, and lead to real-life violence.
Read our explainer to learn how social media platforms are enabling online VAWG and what they can do to stop it👇
Read our explainer to learn how social media platforms are enabling online VAWG and what they can do to stop it👇
Violence against women and girls online: explained
Social media platforms are enabling violence against women and girls (VAWG) online. Here’s how.
counterhate.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Online Violence Against Women & Girls can impact their physical & mental health, stop them from participating in society, and lead to real-life violence.
Read our explainer to learn how social media platforms are enabling online VAWG and what they can do to stop it👇
Read our explainer to learn how social media platforms are enabling online VAWG and what they can do to stop it👇
That will do wonders for morale.
An expensive vehicle delivered 8 years late which is still apparently causing troops to suffer hearing injuries - 2 weeks after it was declared safe.
An expensive vehicle delivered 8 years late which is still apparently causing troops to suffer hearing injuries - 2 weeks after it was declared safe.
UK halts use of Ajax armoured vehicles after soldiers report hearing problems
Suspension raises fresh questions around Ministry of Defence’s procurement processes
www.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:50 PM
That will do wonders for morale.
An expensive vehicle delivered 8 years late which is still apparently causing troops to suffer hearing injuries - 2 weeks after it was declared safe.
An expensive vehicle delivered 8 years late which is still apparently causing troops to suffer hearing injuries - 2 weeks after it was declared safe.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
The FT, citing senior officials, reports that Ukraine has agreed to limit its Armed Forces to 800,000 troops. Unresolved issues remain: territory and security guarantees.
www.ft.com/content/b0d9...
www.ft.com/content/b0d9...
November 25, 2025 at 1:51 PM
The FT, citing senior officials, reports that Ukraine has agreed to limit its Armed Forces to 800,000 troops. Unresolved issues remain: territory and security guarantees.
www.ft.com/content/b0d9...
www.ft.com/content/b0d9...
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
I guess it’s a compliment that the top story on BBC London’s TV/online output today is a direct lift of a month-old London Centric story? But once again the BBC is consistently the worst news outlet for actually remembering to credit others.
November 25, 2025 at 7:52 AM
I guess it’s a compliment that the top story on BBC London’s TV/online output today is a direct lift of a month-old London Centric story? But once again the BBC is consistently the worst news outlet for actually remembering to credit others.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Global History is one of the most exciting areas of critical work at the moment for precisely the reason that it's blowing open parochialism across the whole field, and shattering base assumptions about today's world. It's brilliant.
A regular criticism I get from that kind of person is to say that 'we have tried this for the last 30 years and look where we are now', which even before 'I mean, 2025 is not so bad in the sweep of human history'...why do you think globalisation is a 30 year thing??
some of what they hate is globalisation, which like, what do you want me to do about that? uninvent oil tankers?
November 24, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Global History is one of the most exciting areas of critical work at the moment for precisely the reason that it's blowing open parochialism across the whole field, and shattering base assumptions about today's world. It's brilliant.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
'Pressure on Russia needs to shift....from linear incremental changes to a campaign of pressures that generate mass, velocity, and cascading effects.'
100%. Western strategy towards Russia is fragmented and fundamentally reactive. We have so many strengths and refuse to use them effectively.
100%. Western strategy towards Russia is fragmented and fundamentally reactive. We have so many strengths and refuse to use them effectively.
As ISW's Nataliya Bugayova writes, NATO is both behind the curve of the Russian threat and also underutilizing the opportunity to contest Russian initiative at a relatively low risk and cost compared with the challenge it will face when the rate of the Russian attacks can grow exponentially (1/5)
November 24, 2025 at 8:38 PM
'Pressure on Russia needs to shift....from linear incremental changes to a campaign of pressures that generate mass, velocity, and cascading effects.'
100%. Western strategy towards Russia is fragmented and fundamentally reactive. We have so many strengths and refuse to use them effectively.
100%. Western strategy towards Russia is fragmented and fundamentally reactive. We have so many strengths and refuse to use them effectively.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
“Without sovereignty - military, health, financial and digital - we can no longer guarantee the rule of law.”
This is likely to increasingly become a topic.
This is likely to increasingly become a topic.
November 24, 2025 at 8:16 PM
“Without sovereignty - military, health, financial and digital - we can no longer guarantee the rule of law.”
This is likely to increasingly become a topic.
This is likely to increasingly become a topic.
'Pressure on Russia needs to shift....from linear incremental changes to a campaign of pressures that generate mass, velocity, and cascading effects.'
100%. Western strategy towards Russia is fragmented and fundamentally reactive. We have so many strengths and refuse to use them effectively.
100%. Western strategy towards Russia is fragmented and fundamentally reactive. We have so many strengths and refuse to use them effectively.
As ISW's Nataliya Bugayova writes, NATO is both behind the curve of the Russian threat and also underutilizing the opportunity to contest Russian initiative at a relatively low risk and cost compared with the challenge it will face when the rate of the Russian attacks can grow exponentially (1/5)
November 24, 2025 at 8:38 PM
'Pressure on Russia needs to shift....from linear incremental changes to a campaign of pressures that generate mass, velocity, and cascading effects.'
100%. Western strategy towards Russia is fragmented and fundamentally reactive. We have so many strengths and refuse to use them effectively.
100%. Western strategy towards Russia is fragmented and fundamentally reactive. We have so many strengths and refuse to use them effectively.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
I'm hardly the only one, but I've been warning against the 'warrior' language and symbolism for years (foreignpolicy.com/2021/04/19/u...)
November 24, 2025 at 8:05 PM
I'm hardly the only one, but I've been warning against the 'warrior' language and symbolism for years (foreignpolicy.com/2021/04/19/u...)
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
READ: The New Syrian Army: Order of Battle, by Kelly Campa and Brian Carter (1/8)
Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al Shara and his political coalition are building a new army as part of their effort to unite and consolidate their control over Syria after the nearly 14-year Syrian civil war.
Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al Shara and his political coalition are building a new army as part of their effort to unite and consolidate their control over Syria after the nearly 14-year Syrian civil war.
November 24, 2025 at 6:43 PM
READ: The New Syrian Army: Order of Battle, by Kelly Campa and Brian Carter (1/8)
Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al Shara and his political coalition are building a new army as part of their effort to unite and consolidate their control over Syria after the nearly 14-year Syrian civil war.
Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al Shara and his political coalition are building a new army as part of their effort to unite and consolidate their control over Syria after the nearly 14-year Syrian civil war.