Warrior Nation: War, Militarisation and British Democracy

by Paul Dixon

This report explores how the ‘Militarisation Offensive’ which started in 2006 to improve public recognition and support for the armed forces.failed to produce majority support for the war in Afghanistan but deepened the militarisation of British politics and society. Since 2006 the military have broken constitutional convention and made public attacks on politicians, leading to the most severe tensions in political-military relations since the Second World War.

The report explores: the relationship between public opinion and military operations and rhetoric; how the Armed Forces Covenant was invented and how it and other initiatives, such as Armed Forces Day and the promotion of the armed forces in schools, have extended the influence of the military in civilian life; how the military exerted pressure for maximum involvement in both Iraq and Afghanistan and then deflected responsibility into politicians; and, how criticism from senior military figures has sought to influence political decision making around defence and undermine support for Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of the Labour party.

52 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2018