Excellent article Anthony. It is really wonderful that you have articulated the need to appreciate “that the democratic values as active strategic assets” play an important positive role in our defence, contributing the active knowledge and support of the population. Well done!
Very thought provoking. And my first thought as you might expect is what is the countermeasure to your proposal and are we already seeing it in USA. Attempts in UK so far have failed but are not far below the surface… thoughts?
Interpreting this interesting question. Clearly this strategy is vulnerable to measures that seek to erode our critical alliances, our industrial capacity and our political cohesion.
Whilst yours are definitely serious thoughts (and thought-provoking propositions), I can't help but question what those "democratic values" are, especially when I keep seeing those dear to me being eroded, in the US and in countries that one would normally call 'allies'; just think of Nato and some countries in it where "democracy, freedom and the rule of law" have been under threat, as well as all other countries where the popular vote suggests "democratic values" are subject to interpretation (if not being ditched altogether).
I understand your concerns. We cannot take democracy and the rule of law for granted. To the extent that states fail to maintain them they risk ultimately their national security. Alliances are based on shared interests. They are strongest when they are based on shared values.
Excellent article Anthony. It is really wonderful that you have articulated the need to appreciate “that the democratic values as active strategic assets” play an important positive role in our defence, contributing the active knowledge and support of the population. Well done!
Very thought provoking. And my first thought as you might expect is what is the countermeasure to your proposal and are we already seeing it in USA. Attempts in UK so far have failed but are not far below the surface… thoughts?
Interpreting this interesting question. Clearly this strategy is vulnerable to measures that seek to erode our critical alliances, our industrial capacity and our political cohesion.
Whilst yours are definitely serious thoughts (and thought-provoking propositions), I can't help but question what those "democratic values" are, especially when I keep seeing those dear to me being eroded, in the US and in countries that one would normally call 'allies'; just think of Nato and some countries in it where "democracy, freedom and the rule of law" have been under threat, as well as all other countries where the popular vote suggests "democratic values" are subject to interpretation (if not being ditched altogether).
I understand your concerns. We cannot take democracy and the rule of law for granted. To the extent that states fail to maintain them they risk ultimately their national security. Alliances are based on shared interests. They are strongest when they are based on shared values.