Conclusion

In March 2021, the UK published its most far-reaching reassessment of its foreign and defence policy since 1997. The Integrated Review articulated a vision of the UK as an independent global player, using widespread access to develop economic and political influence, embedded in a strong Western alliance, and at the leading edge of emerging technologies. It stated that Russia was a threat that must be deterred, and that China was a strategic competitor. Whether one agrees or disagrees with its prognosis, the Integrated Review provides a clear articulation of what UK foreign policy aspires to achieve. The subsequent Defence Command Paper (DCP) was supposed to set out how the Ministry of Defence (MoD) would structure the armed forces to meet the policy demands in the Integrated Review. It failed to do so coherently. This was partly because the forces which can be fielded within the budget available fall far short of what would be required to meet the policy ambition described. However, beyond a lack of fiscal realism, the DCP also demonstrated various conceptual failures which are likely to hamper the ability of Defence to deliver relevant policy options. One example from the DCP which illustrates some of the real-world consequences of the distortionary narratives highlighted in this Whitehall Paper is the establishment of the British Army’s new Ranger Regiment.