This Means War
SDR Threats Series: Styles and Themes of Contemporary Warfare
Nov 3, 2024
Paul Cornish, a Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of Exeter, dives into the complexities of contemporary warfare and the shortcomings of the UK's national security strategies. He criticizes the oversimplified narratives surrounding modern threats, emphasizing the need for genuine strategic thinking. The conversation highlights evolving issues like cybercrime and climate change, alongside a caution against over-reliance on technology in military contexts. Cornish also draws parallels between today's challenges and pre-Cold War dynamics, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of defense.
39:49
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Quick takeaways
- The UK's national security strategy suffers from superficial metrics and clichés, obscuring the need for deeper strategic discourse on contemporary threats.
- Current threats overwhelm outdated military perceptions, highlighting the crucial need for a balance between advanced technologies and traditional military capabilities.
Deep dives
Diverse Threats Facing the UK
The current security landscape for the UK is characterized by a multifaceted array of threats that extend beyond traditional military concerns. These threats encompass issues such as cybercrime, organized crime, terrorism, and even natural disasters influenced by climate change. The war in Ukraine exemplifies a shift back to conventional warfare, emphasizing the need for the UK to address both kinetic threats and emerging technological considerations like drone warfare. This complexity requires a comprehensive understanding of threats, blending man-made and natural hazards into the national security conversation.
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