Interested in all things defence? Take a peek inside our
Monthly Members' Newsletter
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For new friends, welcome! We are an interdisciplinary network of Masters, PhD and Early Career Researchers focused on defence, security and military topics in relation to policy, strategy, history, culture and society. We hope you find our network interesting, exciting, informative, and supportive.
For old friends, thanks for your continued involvement. We would be nothing without you! This January, we're sharing some of our plans for the DRN this year, we've got some recommendations of things to listen to, what to read and how to work with us for peer-support in submitting panels and roundtables at major conferences.
Scroll down to get up to date with the news, opinions, and events from our members...
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Welcome to the Defence Research Network Newsletter!
We are delighted you have signed up to our newsletter! We're looking forward to getting to know you and supporting you any way we can this year. We set up our network back in 2016 because a few of us (based at institutions in the South West of England) felt a little isolated in our PhD studies on military-related topics. Fast forward 6 Years and now we have committee members in Australia, Brazil and Canada, Amazing! We have each benefitted so much from connecting with fellow early career researchers across such a broad range of fields, from which spring writing collaborations and friendships. Our strength remains the breadth of research interests and backgrounds that people bring to this group and we really look forward to meeting more of you this year, whether virtually or face to face. We thought we'd share a few of our plans for the network in the year ahead...
We spent the latter months of 2021 reaching out to different networks - formal and informal - to make new connections and talk about ways we can collaborate in the future. If you are involved in other networks, whether they are subject or region specific and you think we should be connected then please get in touch. We would love to showcase your network in our newsletter and have a chat about ways we can work together. We will be sharing more about our new connections in the months to come so keep your eyes out!
We have also been working hard to try and support early career researchers in making the step to present at major conferences by coordinating informal peer-to-peer workshops to prepare submissions and find fellow panelists. So do check out 'What we've been up to' for more information about what we are planning next.
I know you will all want to join us in thanking Emily Clifford for her outstanding editorship of our newsletter for the past two years - she has done a magnificent job and we hear such lovely feedback about each jam-packed edition. Emily is stepping back from this role to concentrate on her studies (good luck for the final push!) but is thankfully staying involved in the committee. For now we will be having a Guest Editor for each edition with our usual committee contributions to the various sections.
Thanks also to Sorina Toltica who has been part of our Twitter Team for the last two years and has been managing it single-handedly for the last few months. Sorina is also reaching the final stages of her PHD and is stepping back from the committee to concentrate on this but hopes to rejoin us on the other side - good luck! We are delighted to be welcoming some new committee members and welcoming back some old committee members who we look forward to introducing you to.
We hope you are all getting into the swing of 2022. We would love to hear from you so do get in touch by email or on Twitter to let us know what you are up to so we can share it in our next newsletter.
Hannah West and Jemma Humphries
Co-Chairs of the Defence Research Network
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Tensions at the Russia-Ukraine border have been front page news for some time now but we have picked out a few features that bring fresh insight to the situation:
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This month saw the launch of the new UK Armed Forces Families Strategy to encourage partnership across the UK between policy-makers, public service providers and the three Services. It articulates a vision for families to be 'recognised and respected', 'informed and empowered' and 'listened to and understood'.
Take a look at the report here.
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Peer-to-peer support with conference submissions
Back in November we held a peer-to-peer workshop to support our network of early career researchers in preparing submissions for the British International Studies Association (BISA) conference. We are delighted that as a direct result of this initiative the two submissions we put forward to the programme have been accepted, so roll on June 2022! We submitted a panel (UK Defence Policy and Doctrine) and a roundtable (Is ‘Women, Peace and Security’ shrinking?) and are grateful to all those who came forward to get these submissions over the line. We will definitely be reporting back from Newcastle on how these two sessions go and do come and join us if you are taking part face-to-face or virtually. We would also recommend keeping your eye out for the ECR events planned as part of these programmes such as Meet the Editors and ECR workshops.
We have recognised that there can be a nervousness amongst early career researchers about making the step to present for the first time at major conferences and that presenting on a panel or roundtable amongst fellow ECRs can be reassuring and provide support in preparing too. So, noting that the European International Studies Association (EISA) conference has opened its call for papers, we are planning on holding a similar workshop to support applications. So please drop us an email (defenceresearchnetwork@gmail.com) or a tweet (@DefenceResNet) if you would like to be involved and especially if you have a subject area or panel/roundtable idea you would like to work with us on or find participants for. We will be sharing our tips from past conferences and can work together on paper abstracts and roundtable/panel submissions.
What is great about ISA, EISA and BISA is that the conference remit is so large there is something for everyone, hence encouraging submissions. But we are very keen to support the application process for other conferences with fields relating to our network interest so if you are aware of or involved in organising conferences which include military/defence history, veterans and families, warfare, health, strategy, then please let us know and we can try and support each other with submissions.
(Please note that our peer-to-peer workshops are run completely independently of BISA and EISA and all submissions still go through the usual application process.)
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Forces in Mind Trust Research Centre Conference 2022
“Research from the Four Nations (England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland)”
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The 2022 Forces in Mind Trust Research Center Conference will feature research from the four nations (England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland) discussing topics such as housing, the criminal justice system, Health and well-being, and peer support.
Our very own Col (retd) Sally Coulthard, a DRN committee member, will be speaking in the Northern Ireland section, representing her charity the Defence Gardens Scheme.
The conference is taking place on Thursday 24th March in London, click the link to register.
We know that many of you research Veteran mental health, so let us know if you're heading to the FiMT conference! Tell us who you are most excited to hear speak, and what you are hoping to gain from attending the conference!
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Conference: RUSI Missile Defence Conference 2022
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Registrations for the RUSI MDC 2022 are now open. The event will delve into the ways in which long-range strike capabilities will influence deterrence and defence in the future operational environment. The conference will be held in-person but online participation is also possible. For details on registration and pass prices, follow this link.
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Sandhurst Trends in International Conflict - STIC Series
Practicing/Employing/Working/Doing/Making Security: the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Military Operations
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The symposium aims to generate a conversation between academics and practitioners to better understand the contemporary challenges and obligations militaries have towards protecting civilians; increasing women’s role in peacekeeping and peacemaking; preventing the six grave violations against children; and stopping modern slavery and human trafficking. For details on how to register, follow this link.
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As always, keep an eye on our Twitter for new events and opportunities posted/retweeted every day!
Planning a future event?
If you are planning a defence-related event and you would like to reach an audience of like-minded researchers, we'd love to come along! Drop us an email and we can include it in our next newsletter.
If you are interested in any of our events but don't want to go alone, or simply want to expand your network, please reach out on Twitter or drop us an email and we can connect you with fellow DRN members who may be planning to attend.
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Opportunities...
If you would like to advertise any upcoming opportunities, please let us know via email.
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Funding Opportunity: NUAcT PhD Studentship, Critical Military Geographies
Newcastle University
Deadline for applications: 11th February 2022
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The School of Geography, Politics and Sociology at Newcastle University is inviting applications for a doctoral studentship for research in the area of critical military geographies. The successful candidate will be supervised by the brilliant DRN friend Dr Alice Cree and will join a vibrant research community at Newcastle with internationally recognised expertise in military and political geographies. Applicants are invited to propose a programme of study towards furthering geographical research in critical military studies. Potential themes might include:
- Everyday geographies of military violence/military power
- Gender and the military
- Feminist, participatory, and creative approaches to military research
- Military families/communities
- The military and the body
- Military legacies and [post]military futures
- Militarised affects
- Militarised subjects
- Everyday geographies of resistance
- Militaries and contemporary film, television, comedy, or theatre
For more information and to apply, follow this link.
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BASS22 Conference Call
Deadline for Submissions: March 21st, 2022
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The Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats is calling for submissions for its second international conference on Behavioural and Social Sciences in Security, to be held in Lancaster, UK, from 19th to 21st July. This year’s themes are: risk and risk management, eliciting and assessing information, and deterrence and disruption. Deadline for submissions is Monday 21st March 2022. For details about thematic areas and submissions follow this link.
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Call for Papers: Africa, what else? The Future of the Continent through New Investments, New Policies, and New International Relations with the World
Deadline for Submissions: February 12th, 2022
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The International Team for the Study of Security Verona is inviting paper submissions for their first ever panel discussion on the future of Africa: new investments, new policies, and new international relations with the world. They hope to cover everything from climate change and renewable energies to investments in the domestic economy, education, culture, the role of the African Union, new economy projects, protection of cultural heritage, African external investments, IT and cybersecurity, new technologies, and new possible African institutions. However, this list is not exhaustive, and they are open to discussing ideas with potential candidates. To find out more about this and how to submit your paper, download their flyer here.
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Call for Contributions: Book Project, Military/Ex-service Personnel Life
DRN member Lee Yarwood-Ross has an exciting opportunity for a book project that he wanted to share with our network. If you are interested, make sure to get in contact using the details below:
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"Hello, my name is Dr Lee Yarwood-Ross and I am Lecturer and researcher in adult nursing at the University of Wolverhampton. I recently presented at the Royal College of Nursing International Research Conference around combat-related limb-loss, and was approached by Springer Publishing to write a book. My colleagues Dr Lauren Godier-McBard and Dr Hilary Engward and I are looking for contributors. Provisionally, the book will be an interdisciplinary one that explores the different perspectives surrounding military/ex-service personnel life e.g. trauma and transition. If you want to discuss further, please email me l.yarwood-ross@wlv.ac.uk"
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Call for Contributors: Defence-In-Depth
The Defence-In-Depth blog is run by Kings College London and has recently featured a number of blogs from DRN members. Their content is well suited to the breadth of our network and they are keen to hear from you with contributions from a wide range of subject areas. To submit a piece or discuss your ideas, contact the editor at rod.thornton@kcl.ac.uk
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Supporting our community...
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Fundraising for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
The time is drawing near for the brilliant Gav Topley, a former co-chair of the DRN, to tackle Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for PAPYRUS, the national Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide. Gav is the Co-Founder of Lad's Advice a forum to prevent male suicide.
Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, in 2018 over 1800 young people took their own lives. PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK. We'd love it if you would donate to Gav's challenge here, and you can read about PAPYRUS' good work here.
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February's theme: Defence engagement
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This is a head's up that February's theme is going to be 'Defence Engagement' so if your research or interests lie in this broad field then do get in touch, we'd love to hear about your work. We will be looking to showcase some early career researchers in research spotlights in the newsletter so don't be shy! And we welcome any suggestions for 'in conversation' pieces with more established academics working in this area.
And let us know about any relevant events from book launches to webinars.
We will be holding a Twitter hour on Defence Engagement mid month so keep an eye on @DefenceResNet for more information and check out the website for a preview of the questions for the next #DefResChat. You can also find all our previous #DefResChats on the Archive section of our website. Make sure to tag @DefenceResNet and hashtag #DefResChat to join the conversation.
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Necessary Heresies: Challenging the Narratives Distorting Contemporary UK Defence – Edited by Justin Bronk and Jack Watling.
Our DRN Secretary, Lucie Pebay, recommends this recently published book as a concise and very topical read. This Whitehall paper offers a clear insight into British transformation and the future of conflict by challenging the key concepts and narratives upholding the UK's recent defence reforms. The various authors develop a series of pragmatic arguments and rational examples deconstructing dominant narratives – including the revolutionary nature of technological advancement – weakening the future of British defence.
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Something for your commute...
Our Twitter lead, Lucy Robinson, has been enjoying listening to the SQUAD podcast. Here's a little bit about it...
"Welcome to SQUAD – a brand new podcast brought to you by the military children’s charity Little Troopers. Hosted by TV and radio presenter, Katie Thistleton, and Leicester Tigers rugby player, Thom Smith, this series is the first of its kind to shine a light on the lives of teenagers who have loved ones serving in the British Armed Forces. Across the series, we speak to 15 teens who share their stories of deployment, schools, moving home, living abroad and forming friendships. Expect lots of laughs, honest chat and good advice about how to make the most of Armed Forces life." https://audioboom.com/channels/5060133
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Do you have a blog or publication you would like to promote? Don't hesitate to share it with us via email and we can add it to our newlsetter.
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Small States and Security in Europe: Between National and International Policymaking
Tomáš Weiss, Geoffrey Edwards
This edited book examines the security policy of small states within the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The book is composed of different chapters, and case studies include, for instance, Lithuania, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and many others. The case studies deal with topics of strategic cultures, domestic contestations, internal security and relations to big states/players.
You can buy a copy here.
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Everybody's War: The Politics of Aid in the Syria Crisis
Jehan Bseiso, Michiel Hofman, and Jonathan Whittall
This edited book examines humanitarianism in Syria and its consequences for both Syria's populations and humanitarian responses to future conflicts. The book explores aid delivery and humanitarian complicity; it discusses the history and fragmentation of Syrian health care, the role of international humanitarian law in enabling attacks on health facilities, and how humanitarian actors have fed the war economy and joined the information wars.
You can buy a copy here.
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Pause for thought...
With tensions rising between Russia and Ukraine, we can't help but wonder what this could mean for nations poised to support either state if full blown conflict were to break out? Russia has placed about 100,000 troops, tanks, artillery and missiles near Ukraine's border, but denies it plans to invade the former Soviet republic, which borders both Russia and the EU.
If we take the case of the British Armed Forces, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has stated it's "very unlikely" that British forces would be deployed to support Ukrainian forces despite being a key ally. Instead the UK has threatened economic sanctions against Russia, targeting financial institutions, energy companies and key industries that ensure the stability of Putin's regime. However, with mere Russian posturing happening at the moment, might the policy of deterrence quickly change to boots on the ground?
We know from previous conflict in Iraq & Afghanistan that public opinion can play an influential role in how state leaders act on the world stage. How do you think the British public would react to British forces being deployed to the Ukraine?
What do you think? Let us know on Twitter!
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Thank you so much for joining our network.
Have you recently won an award, had your paper published, launched a book or are you organising an event? We want to hear from you! We are always looking for new content for our newsletter and would love to showcase the great work of our members.
For queries, more information, or just to tell us about yourself, don't hesitate to contact us on Twitter @DefenceResNet or at defenceresearchnetwork@gmail.com
The DRN team
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