National Security Capability Review
2018 UK government review of national security capabilities
National Security Capability Review (NSCR) was a 2018 review of the United Kingdom’s national security capabilities conducted by the Cabinet Office under the National Security Council. Published in March 2018, it was not a full new Strategic Defence and Security Review but a targeted assessment of capabilities in response to evolving threats, particularly hybrid warfare, terrorism, and state-based challenges from Russia and China.[1]
Background
The NSCR was commissioned in the wake of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review and the Iraq Inquiry (Chilcot Report). It responded to concerns about the UK’s ability to deploy all instruments of national power in a coordinated manner against complex, multi-domain threats. The review was led by National Security Adviser Sir Mark Sedwill and examined diplomatic, military, intelligence, economic, development, and influence capabilities.[1]
Publication and key outcomes
The National Security Capability Review (NSCR) was published on 28 March 2018. Its central recommendation was the adoption of the Fusion Doctrine, a “whole-of-government” approach to national security that integrates all UK capabilities under clear accountability structures, including Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) for National Strategy Implementation Groups.[1]
The review emphasised:
- Better integration of economic and influence tools with traditional security levers.
- Enhanced cross-government coordination through the National Security Council.
- Annual posture reviews and improved private-sector and allied engagement.
Fusion Doctrine
The NSCR formally launched the Fusion Doctrine, which Theresa May described as enabling the UK to “deploy all its capabilities to defeat enemies” in an era of hybrid threats. It remains the doctrinal foundation for subsequent UK national security policy.[2]
Parliamentary and external reaction
The Joint Committee on National Security Strategy welcomed the review’s emphasis on integration but criticised the lack of a full public SDSR and questioned implementation details, particularly the separation of defence elements.[3]
Analysts described the NSCR as evolutionary rather than revolutionary, praising the move toward greater accountability while noting delivery challenges.[4]
Resources
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 UK Government, National Security Capability Review, March 2018.
- ↑ RUSI, "Fusion Doctrine: One Year On", 8 March 2019.
- ↑ Joint Committee on National Security Strategy, "Revisiting the UK's national security strategy", 21 July 2019.
- ↑ RUSI, "The UK National Security Capability Review and Fusion Doctrine", 4 April 2018.