By Abigail Watson, Beatrice Godefroy, Rocco Blume, Camilla Molyneux, Jamie Gaskarth, Lucia Withers, and Murray Jones
With the UK’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy signalling an increased focus on building the capacity of foreign security forces, through the generation of a new Ranger Regiment, the UK has an opportunity to take stock of lessons from recent campaigns.
According to the Integrated Review, the persistent engagement strategy will see “[t]he UK … deploy more of our armed forces overseas more often and for longer periods of time, to train, exercise and operate alongside allies and partners across all our priority regions.” These forces (Rangers) will “build the capacity of others to deter and defend against state threats; support, mentor and, where necessary, assist nations in countering non-state challenges; and strengthen our network of relationships.”
However, the experience of the UK and its allies has shown that while security partnerships can achieve the burden-sharing these governments so often crave, they can also come with significant risks for civilian populations and prospects for peace and stability.
Read the full article in Wavell Room.
