Quote Originally Posted by davidbfpo View Post
The last British strategic defence and security review in 2010 is now widely seen as failing to adjust what we did. Yes the UK, along with many NATO members, was at war in Afghanistan, with a plethora of 'small wars' scattered around in the fragile zones. With an 8% real decrease in defence spending, with the prospect if not reality the UK will spend less than 2% GNP (a NATO goal), decisions are needed.
Even at the time the SDSR was seen more as a strategic spending review, more than a defence review; it maintained the myth of no change to strategic posture while eviscerating strategic capability (both hard and soft).

I think Mr Mason is asking the wrong questions, focusing as he does mostly on types of threats (the means) and not from where they emanate (the who) and to what purpose (the ends). The first question should be what are the UK's national interests (in priority order), then what are the most likely threats against them, then what means do we need to defend/maintain these national interests. For instance is it in the UK's national interest to maintain a seat on the UNSC P5? If so, how much of a priority is this and can we afford it? UNSC P5 status can only be maintained through credible hard and soft power.