The reality of perception

摘要

In the run-up to the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), many feared that massive cuts to Britain's military personnel and equipment programme would severely limit its ability to project influence abroad, and all but delete its interventionist capabilities. The actual figures, a 7,000 man cut to the British Army, with a further 5,000 job losses apiece inflicted upon the Navy and the Royal Air Force, are not quite so severe. Britain needs not relinquish its seat at the international top table just yet, and will retain an interventionist capability, albeit in reduced form.