Rethinking Security
@rethinkingsecurity.bsky.social
We're a network of organisations, academics and activists working together for human security based on justice, co-operation and peacebuilding. www.rethinkingsecurity.org.uk
There was no opportunity for outsiders to input to this year's National Security Strategy but the Joint Committee on the NSS currently has an inquiry into the NSS, which has recently published our evidence submission.
committees.parliament.uk/writtenevide...
committees.parliament.uk/writtenevide...
October 23, 2025 at 11:30 AM
There was no opportunity for outsiders to input to this year's National Security Strategy but the Joint Committee on the NSS currently has an inquiry into the NSS, which has recently published our evidence submission.
committees.parliament.uk/writtenevide...
committees.parliament.uk/writtenevide...
Don't miss our webinar tomorrow, 09.00:
'Rethinking Peace & Security Policy in Australia & the UK'
Reps from RS and the Australian Peace and Security Forum will discuss how and why our networks seek urgent change to security policies, incl. AUKUS.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/uk-australia/
'Rethinking Peace & Security Policy in Australia & the UK'
Reps from RS and the Australian Peace and Security Forum will discuss how and why our networks seek urgent change to security policies, incl. AUKUS.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/uk-australia/
October 15, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Don't miss our webinar tomorrow, 09.00:
'Rethinking Peace & Security Policy in Australia & the UK'
Reps from RS and the Australian Peace and Security Forum will discuss how and why our networks seek urgent change to security policies, incl. AUKUS.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/uk-australia/
'Rethinking Peace & Security Policy in Australia & the UK'
Reps from RS and the Australian Peace and Security Forum will discuss how and why our networks seek urgent change to security policies, incl. AUKUS.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/uk-australia/
We were delighted to join the debate on military spending at this year's Labour Party Conference.
RS Coordinator Richard Reeve spoke on an Eleanor Crook Fdn panel on 'the future for aid & development in an era of defence and security', incl. @umakumaran.bsky.social & @tandhesi.bsky.social MPs.
RS Coordinator Richard Reeve spoke on an Eleanor Crook Fdn panel on 'the future for aid & development in an era of defence and security', incl. @umakumaran.bsky.social & @tandhesi.bsky.social MPs.
October 2, 2025 at 4:08 PM
We were delighted to join the debate on military spending at this year's Labour Party Conference.
RS Coordinator Richard Reeve spoke on an Eleanor Crook Fdn panel on 'the future for aid & development in an era of defence and security', incl. @umakumaran.bsky.social & @tandhesi.bsky.social MPs.
RS Coordinator Richard Reeve spoke on an Eleanor Crook Fdn panel on 'the future for aid & development in an era of defence and security', incl. @umakumaran.bsky.social & @tandhesi.bsky.social MPs.
In Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference next week?
Don't miss our Coordinator Richard Reeve and a great panel of speakers at this Eleanor Crook Fdn event on:
'The Future of Aid & Development in an Era of Defence & Security'
Mon 29 Sept, 12.30, Revolucion de Cuba, Albert Dock
Don't miss our Coordinator Richard Reeve and a great panel of speakers at this Eleanor Crook Fdn event on:
'The Future of Aid & Development in an Era of Defence & Security'
Mon 29 Sept, 12.30, Revolucion de Cuba, Albert Dock
September 26, 2025 at 4:10 PM
In Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference next week?
Don't miss our Coordinator Richard Reeve and a great panel of speakers at this Eleanor Crook Fdn event on:
'The Future of Aid & Development in an Era of Defence & Security'
Mon 29 Sept, 12.30, Revolucion de Cuba, Albert Dock
Don't miss our Coordinator Richard Reeve and a great panel of speakers at this Eleanor Crook Fdn event on:
'The Future of Aid & Development in an Era of Defence & Security'
Mon 29 Sept, 12.30, Revolucion de Cuba, Albert Dock
📢New event
We see growing hostility & racism in our politics and streets, climate breakdown across the globe, and ongoing war & genocide. Competition & militarism are not the answer.
Join our discussion on 08 October to share ideas for a counter-narrative.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/home/events/
We see growing hostility & racism in our politics and streets, climate breakdown across the globe, and ongoing war & genocide. Competition & militarism are not the answer.
Join our discussion on 08 October to share ideas for a counter-narrative.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/home/events/
September 18, 2025 at 1:35 PM
📢New event
We see growing hostility & racism in our politics and streets, climate breakdown across the globe, and ongoing war & genocide. Competition & militarism are not the answer.
Join our discussion on 08 October to share ideas for a counter-narrative.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/home/events/
We see growing hostility & racism in our politics and streets, climate breakdown across the globe, and ongoing war & genocide. Competition & militarism are not the answer.
Join our discussion on 08 October to share ideas for a counter-narrative.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/home/events/
🚨New Event - 16 July, 6pm
We are delighted to announce another collaboration with our friends at @HopeFTFuture supporting political engagement on climate and conflict.
Sign up for free at: www.hftf.org.uk/event/climat...
We are delighted to announce another collaboration with our friends at @HopeFTFuture supporting political engagement on climate and conflict.
Sign up for free at: www.hftf.org.uk/event/climat...
June 26, 2025 at 4:48 PM
🚨New Event - 16 July, 6pm
We are delighted to announce another collaboration with our friends at @HopeFTFuture supporting political engagement on climate and conflict.
Sign up for free at: www.hftf.org.uk/event/climat...
We are delighted to announce another collaboration with our friends at @HopeFTFuture supporting political engagement on climate and conflict.
Sign up for free at: www.hftf.org.uk/event/climat...
Rethinking Security's statement in response to today's National Security Strategy: a missed opportunity to promote human and common security.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
June 24, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Rethinking Security's statement in response to today's National Security Strategy: a missed opportunity to promote human and common security.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
The UK's latest National Security Strategy has just been published.
Security amidst 'radical uncertainty' is its leitmotif.
Those hoping for a broader and more nuanced approach to security than the recent SDR will be disappointed.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685a86...
Security amidst 'radical uncertainty' is its leitmotif.
Those hoping for a broader and more nuanced approach to security than the recent SDR will be disappointed.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685a86...
June 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
The UK's latest National Security Strategy has just been published.
Security amidst 'radical uncertainty' is its leitmotif.
Those hoping for a broader and more nuanced approach to security than the recent SDR will be disappointed.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685a86...
Security amidst 'radical uncertainty' is its leitmotif.
Those hoping for a broader and more nuanced approach to security than the recent SDR will be disappointed.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685a86...
NATO Sec-Gen Mark Rutte confirms that Hague Summit on 24-25 June is expected to authorise all-NATO spending target of 3.5% GDP on 'core defence' + 1.5% on military industry, infrastructure, intel, etc.
For UK that = doubling defence spending plans (+>£60Bn/year). For most others, way more than that.
For UK that = doubling defence spending plans (+>£60Bn/year). For most others, way more than that.
June 9, 2025 at 4:05 PM
NATO Sec-Gen Mark Rutte confirms that Hague Summit on 24-25 June is expected to authorise all-NATO spending target of 3.5% GDP on 'core defence' + 1.5% on military industry, infrastructure, intel, etc.
For UK that = doubling defence spending plans (+>£60Bn/year). For most others, way more than that.
For UK that = doubling defence spending plans (+>£60Bn/year). For most others, way more than that.
We are delighted to see a much smarter version of our recent article by Larry Attree, Hillary Briffa, Thomas Martin & Richard Reeve on how to make the next NSS more pro-peace published by our friends at @twpcommunity.org.
twpcommunity.org/wp-content/u...
twpcommunity.org/wp-content/u...
June 4, 2025 at 10:01 AM
We are delighted to see a much smarter version of our recent article by Larry Attree, Hillary Briffa, Thomas Martin & Richard Reeve on how to make the next NSS more pro-peace published by our friends at @twpcommunity.org.
twpcommunity.org/wp-content/u...
twpcommunity.org/wp-content/u...
With @mybisa.bsky.social & the KCL @csns-uk.bsky.social, we hosted a roundtable of 30+ scholars, practitioners & policy-makers to discuss challenges & opportunities for UK peace & security as the gov't drafts a new National Security Strategy.
Summary here:
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Summary here:
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
May 23, 2025 at 8:49 AM
With @mybisa.bsky.social & the KCL @csns-uk.bsky.social, we hosted a roundtable of 30+ scholars, practitioners & policy-makers to discuss challenges & opportunities for UK peace & security as the gov't drafts a new National Security Strategy.
Summary here:
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Summary here:
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
About our speakers III:
Lindsey Fielder Cook will discuss what it takes to bring people together in a multilateral system that can make space for addressing some of the underlying causes of insecurity, sharing some of the successful initiatives that @quakerunoffice.bsky.social has been involved in.
Lindsey Fielder Cook will discuss what it takes to bring people together in a multilateral system that can make space for addressing some of the underlying causes of insecurity, sharing some of the successful initiatives that @quakerunoffice.bsky.social has been involved in.
May 20, 2025 at 12:12 PM
About our speakers III:
Lindsey Fielder Cook will discuss what it takes to bring people together in a multilateral system that can make space for addressing some of the underlying causes of insecurity, sharing some of the successful initiatives that @quakerunoffice.bsky.social has been involved in.
Lindsey Fielder Cook will discuss what it takes to bring people together in a multilateral system that can make space for addressing some of the underlying causes of insecurity, sharing some of the successful initiatives that @quakerunoffice.bsky.social has been involved in.
About our speakers II:
Cleodie Rickard is @globaljusticenow.bsky.social's Campaigns and Policy Manager, working on trade justice. She will tell us about the work by global south countries to curtail extractive mining, working towards planet- and people- centred security.
Cleodie Rickard is @globaljusticenow.bsky.social's Campaigns and Policy Manager, working on trade justice. She will tell us about the work by global south countries to curtail extractive mining, working towards planet- and people- centred security.
May 19, 2025 at 3:09 PM
About our speakers II:
Cleodie Rickard is @globaljusticenow.bsky.social's Campaigns and Policy Manager, working on trade justice. She will tell us about the work by global south countries to curtail extractive mining, working towards planet- and people- centred security.
Cleodie Rickard is @globaljusticenow.bsky.social's Campaigns and Policy Manager, working on trade justice. She will tell us about the work by global south countries to curtail extractive mining, working towards planet- and people- centred security.
About our speakers I:
Dr Olamide Samuel is an expert on arms control and nuclear non-proliferation. He leads Open Nuclear Network's engagement initiatives, is a track II diplomat, researches and provides media commentary, and advises many bodies, including Demilitarise Education.
.
Dr Olamide Samuel is an expert on arms control and nuclear non-proliferation. He leads Open Nuclear Network's engagement initiatives, is a track II diplomat, researches and provides media commentary, and advises many bodies, including Demilitarise Education.
.
May 15, 2025 at 9:12 AM
About our speakers I:
Dr Olamide Samuel is an expert on arms control and nuclear non-proliferation. He leads Open Nuclear Network's engagement initiatives, is a track II diplomat, researches and provides media commentary, and advises many bodies, including Demilitarise Education.
.
Dr Olamide Samuel is an expert on arms control and nuclear non-proliferation. He leads Open Nuclear Network's engagement initiatives, is a track II diplomat, researches and provides media commentary, and advises many bodies, including Demilitarise Education.
.
Join us online on 21 May to hear about successful international initiatives that have built inclusive & just security; featuring speakers from @quakerunoffice.bsky.social, @globaljusticenow.bsky.social and Open Nuclear Network.
Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
📷
Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
📷
May 13, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Join us online on 21 May to hear about successful international initiatives that have built inclusive & just security; featuring speakers from @quakerunoffice.bsky.social, @globaljusticenow.bsky.social and Open Nuclear Network.
Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
📷
Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
📷
Join us on 21 May to hear about successful international initiatives that have built inclusive and just security, including
from @olamidediy.bsky.social and @cleodierickard.bsky.social.
We need to hear these success stories now, more than ever.
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
from @olamidediy.bsky.social and @cleodierickard.bsky.social.
We need to hear these success stories now, more than ever.
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
May 8, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Join us on 21 May to hear about successful international initiatives that have built inclusive and just security, including
from @olamidediy.bsky.social and @cleodierickard.bsky.social.
We need to hear these success stories now, more than ever.
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
from @olamidediy.bsky.social and @cleodierickard.bsky.social.
We need to hear these success stories now, more than ever.
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
NEON event on 24 April to discuss the UK government's decision to increase military spending, why this is happening, and how progressives can respond. Incl. Khem Rogaly of @cmmonwealth.bsky.social, Katie Fallon of @caatuk.bsky.social and our own Richard Reeve.
Tix: eventbrite.co.uk/e/warfare-no...
Tix: eventbrite.co.uk/e/warfare-no...
April 10, 2025 at 10:46 AM
NEON event on 24 April to discuss the UK government's decision to increase military spending, why this is happening, and how progressives can respond. Incl. Khem Rogaly of @cmmonwealth.bsky.social, Katie Fallon of @caatuk.bsky.social and our own Richard Reeve.
Tix: eventbrite.co.uk/e/warfare-no...
Tix: eventbrite.co.uk/e/warfare-no...
Politically, Southern England's military-industrial heartland is now a key battleground between Labour/Lib Dem/Tory.
Lancashire/Cumbria = Labour/Tory/Reform.
Central Scotland = hard-fought Labour/SNP.
Even Greens are strongest in aerospace-hub Bristol.
So sensitivities for all the GB parties.
4/6
Lancashire/Cumbria = Labour/Tory/Reform.
Central Scotland = hard-fought Labour/SNP.
Even Greens are strongest in aerospace-hub Bristol.
So sensitivities for all the GB parties.
4/6
February 28, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Politically, Southern England's military-industrial heartland is now a key battleground between Labour/Lib Dem/Tory.
Lancashire/Cumbria = Labour/Tory/Reform.
Central Scotland = hard-fought Labour/SNP.
Even Greens are strongest in aerospace-hub Bristol.
So sensitivities for all the GB parties.
4/6
Lancashire/Cumbria = Labour/Tory/Reform.
Central Scotland = hard-fought Labour/SNP.
Even Greens are strongest in aerospace-hub Bristol.
So sensitivities for all the GB parties.
4/6
2. Concentration of spending
Actually, 56% of MoD spending w/ UK businesses is in London & southern England.
About 40% of all such spending in UK is within a 50 mile radius of Salisbury Plain (e.g. M4, Bristol, Solent, Yeovil) - already relatively rich & home to just 10-12% of UK population.
3/6
Actually, 56% of MoD spending w/ UK businesses is in London & southern England.
About 40% of all such spending in UK is within a 50 mile radius of Salisbury Plain (e.g. M4, Bristol, Solent, Yeovil) - already relatively rich & home to just 10-12% of UK population.
3/6
February 28, 2025 at 1:28 PM
2. Concentration of spending
Actually, 56% of MoD spending w/ UK businesses is in London & southern England.
About 40% of all such spending in UK is within a 50 mile radius of Salisbury Plain (e.g. M4, Bristol, Solent, Yeovil) - already relatively rich & home to just 10-12% of UK population.
3/6
Actually, 56% of MoD spending w/ UK businesses is in London & southern England.
About 40% of all such spending in UK is within a 50 mile radius of Salisbury Plain (e.g. M4, Bristol, Solent, Yeovil) - already relatively rich & home to just 10-12% of UK population.
3/6
1. Yes, defence industries sustain many skilled job and apprenticeships.
BUT
If spending 2.3% of GDP in 2023/24 supported 1.7% of jobs (1:60), surely that's a weaker return on investment than average, at least in employment terms. Potentially, it's actually slowing growth by diverting Iv.
2/6
BUT
If spending 2.3% of GDP in 2023/24 supported 1.7% of jobs (1:60), surely that's a weaker return on investment than average, at least in employment terms. Potentially, it's actually slowing growth by diverting Iv.
2/6
February 28, 2025 at 1:28 PM
1. Yes, defence industries sustain many skilled job and apprenticeships.
BUT
If spending 2.3% of GDP in 2023/24 supported 1.7% of jobs (1:60), surely that's a weaker return on investment than average, at least in employment terms. Potentially, it's actually slowing growth by diverting Iv.
2/6
BUT
If spending 2.3% of GDP in 2023/24 supported 1.7% of jobs (1:60), surely that's a weaker return on investment than average, at least in employment terms. Potentially, it's actually slowing growth by diverting Iv.
2/6
Military Keynesianism (stoking economic growth via military spending) was at the heart of PM Starmer's 2.5%+ announcement on Tuesday.
But does it stand up that MoD spending is better at boosting inclusive growth than other spending?
A couple of points arise from Starmer's data.
1/6
But does it stand up that MoD spending is better at boosting inclusive growth than other spending?
A couple of points arise from Starmer's data.
1/6
February 28, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Military Keynesianism (stoking economic growth via military spending) was at the heart of PM Starmer's 2.5%+ announcement on Tuesday.
But does it stand up that MoD spending is better at boosting inclusive growth than other spending?
A couple of points arise from Starmer's data.
1/6
But does it stand up that MoD spending is better at boosting inclusive growth than other spending?
A couple of points arise from Starmer's data.
1/6
Mostly overlooked in yesterday's statement by the PM was the commitment to publish "a single new national security strategy, bringing together all reviews into one document", somewhere between 26/03 and 24/06.
No further details on this yet.
gov.uk/government/n...
No further details on this yet.
gov.uk/government/n...
February 26, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Mostly overlooked in yesterday's statement by the PM was the commitment to publish "a single new national security strategy, bringing together all reviews into one document", somewhere between 26/03 and 24/06.
No further details on this yet.
gov.uk/government/n...
No further details on this yet.
gov.uk/government/n...
For ideas on how you can engage your MP (or MSP, AS/MS, MLA) in effective conversations on security, see our new guide, produced with Hope for the Future.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
February 12, 2025 at 3:35 PM
For ideas on how you can engage your MP (or MSP, AS/MS, MLA) in effective conversations on security, see our new guide, produced with Hope for the Future.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
It's never been more important to talk to our elected representatives about security.
Our new guide, written with Hope for the Future, shows you how to open meaningful conversations with your (probably still new) MP & suggests 5 issues to engage them on.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Our new guide, written with Hope for the Future, shows you how to open meaningful conversations with your (probably still new) MP & suggests 5 issues to engage them on.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
January 31, 2025 at 12:21 PM
It's never been more important to talk to our elected representatives about security.
Our new guide, written with Hope for the Future, shows you how to open meaningful conversations with your (probably still new) MP & suggests 5 issues to engage them on.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Our new guide, written with Hope for the Future, shows you how to open meaningful conversations with your (probably still new) MP & suggests 5 issues to engage them on.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
We are sad to report the death of our friend and colleague David Gee. A founder and inspirer of our network, David wrote our seminal discussion paper in 2016, crafting a positive & hopeful vision of security.
He died in Oxford on 20 December, 40 days ago.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
He died in Oxford on 20 December, 40 days ago.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
January 29, 2025 at 4:59 PM
We are sad to report the death of our friend and colleague David Gee. A founder and inspirer of our network, David wrote our seminal discussion paper in 2016, crafting a positive & hopeful vision of security.
He died in Oxford on 20 December, 40 days ago.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...
He died in Oxford on 20 December, 40 days ago.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/wp-content/u...