The Long War: Rethinking Defence Strategy in Prolonged Conflict

Hamish Mundell

5 November 20264 Minute Watch

Modern defence strategy must shift from preparing for short, decisive conflicts to building the infrastructure needed for wars that extend far beyond initial expectations.

In this video commentary, Hamish Mundell, Associate Fellow, Military Sciences, explores how long-war preparedness makes deterrence credible, touching on force sustainability, defence readiness and spending.

How important are the political will of governments and public support to sustain military efforts over a prolonged conflict? And how does military training capacity and management of reserves fit into wider considerations of resilience?

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RUSI Long War Conference 2026

The Long War Conference - 24 November 2026

How Britain and its allies can mobilise the people, industry, innovation, and political will required to deter, fight and endure a protracted conflict.

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