Labour claims to be defending Britain from new threats, but its warfare state is steeped in old thinking | David Edgerton
Briefly

The article critiques the current Labour government's strategic defence review, highlighting its reliance on outdated military strategies while making grand claims about innovation and economic growth. It argues that the government is not adequately justifying why increased defence spending would be more beneficial than other social investments, such as early childhood education. The review appears to be more of a reiteration of past policies rather than a genuine transformation. Critics point to a significant gap between the government's rhetoric about dangerous global contexts and the modest increase in defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP.
Labour's defence review claims increased spending will enhance growth and create jobs, but fails to substantiate why arms funding is superior to social investments.
The government outlines a strategy of increasing defence funding while lacking innovative approaches, heavily relying on outdated military frameworks.
Despite claims of a transformative defence strategy, the spending increase shows a major gap between rhetoric and actual investment in defence.
Labour's eagerness to rearm reflects a desire to position itself as a military party, echoing Tony Blair's legacy of war politics.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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