Using hard power in the context of an expanding set of threats is complex, expensive and risky. European medium powers, especially, must make tough choices on the future capabilities, roles and equipment of their armed forces, as well as their ability to act independently of alliance partners. Decision Points: Rationalising the Armed Forces of European Medium Powers examines these trade-offs and calls for policymakers to approach each key decision on the future of their country’s armed forces with a clearer sense of the consequences for the state’s foreign policy.

Jack Watling is a Research Fellow at RUSI, responsible for the study of Land Warfare. Jack has published studies on the future of fires, conventional deterrence of Russia, the British Army’s Strike concept, Iranian strategic culture, allied integration into US Multi-Domain Operations, and partner force capacity building. Jack’s PhD examined the evolution of Britain’s policy responses to civil war in the early 20th century. Prior to joining RUSI Jack worked in Iraq, Mali, Rwanda, Brunei and further afield.