英国全社会国防与现代战争现实【RUSI】

COMMENTARYThe UK Whole of Society Defence and the Realityof Modern WarEd Arnold and Major Laurence Thomson9 February 20268 Minute ReadThe national conversation must address societys preparationsto defend itself,reimagining the citizen solider of the 21stcentury,and every sectors role in this effort.The 2025 Strategic Defence Review concluded that Defence can no longer beseen as contracted out only to our Armed Forces and that a whole-of-societyapproach is essential.However,six months later,a House of CommonsDefence Committee report warned that The Prime Ministers nationalconversation on defence and security,highlighted in the SDR,is yet to start.The Chief of Defence Staff chose to focus on a whole-of-society approach inhis first annual Christmas lecture,despite his remit being limited to those inuniform.For such an approach to be effective it must build on already strongfoundations,be led by the Prime Minister and deliver across all governmentdepartments.Reconnecting the Armed Forces and SocietyThe government acceptance of a shift from a whole-of-government towardsa whole-of-society approach to national security is profound.Yet,to realisethis ambition it must be followed by meaning