Overview
RUSI is pleased to host a discussion on the security and defence implications of reductions in Western development assistance, and what this means for the UK's ability to mitigate, manage and/or resolve violence across fragile and conflict-affected states. Against a backdrop of heightened global instability, from the war in Ukraine to conflict in the Middle East, governments across the West are reassessing their security priorities. The session brings together two senior figures from the British military and intelligence communities to examine the relationship between national security, development and defence.
Drawing on their own experience of command, operations and national security decision-making, the speakers will consider how international development can contribute to security and stability, the role that aid and wider soft and smart power play in supporting UK security objectives, and how the UK and likeminded partners should respond to a more fragmented and contested geopolitical landscape. They will also consider what to prioritise across fragile and conflict-affected states as Western aid budgets contract.
The event will be of particular interest to those working on UK foreign and security policy, defence, intelligence, conflict prevention and stabilisation, and international development.
This event will be held in person and will be recorded for subsequent dissemination. All remarks are 'on the record'. It forms part of the RUSI project 'UK Security in a Post-Aid World', supported by the Strategic Communications and Advocacy Lab.
Agenda
1300 – 1305 Welcome and Introductions
1305 – 1335 In Conversation: Defence, Development and the Cost of Retrenchment
Chair: Rachel Ellehuus, Director-General, RUSI
Speakers:
Lieutenant General Sir Graeme Lamb KBE CMG DSO, former Director Special Forces and former Commander of the Field Army
The Lord Evans of Weardale KCB DL, former Director General, Security Service (MI5); Chair, The HALO Trust
1335 – 1425 Moderated Q&A
1425 – 1430 Closing Remarks
Joining Instructions
This in-person event will take place at RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ET. If you have any questions regarding this event, please email [email protected].