Huw Bennett
@bennetthuw.bsky.social
Professor of International Relations, writing on British defence since 1945. In south Wales, an archive or a military museum. Permanently grateful to archivists and librarians.
Pinned
Uncivil War: The British Army and the Troubles, 1966-75
Join historian Huw Bennett as he examines the interactions between the British Army and paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland during the most violent phase of the Troubles.
www.nam.ac.uk
Uncivil War, my book about the British Army and the Troubles in the early 1970s, is out in paperback on 15 January. Come and hear me talk about it at the National Army Museum on 13 February:
www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/unc...
www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/unc...
Now is exactly the time to exert maximum pressure on Starmer to stop imitating Reform, and to dramatically improve relations with Europe. In that context, Andy Burnham is doing the right thing.
Now is not the time to undermine the PM: The Independent Editorial www.independent.co.uk/voices/edito...
Now is not the time to undermine the prime minister
Editorial: Andy Burnham is seeking permission to return to the Commons, but he would be a distraction for Keir Starmer
www.independent.co.uk
January 24, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Now is exactly the time to exert maximum pressure on Starmer to stop imitating Reform, and to dramatically improve relations with Europe. In that context, Andy Burnham is doing the right thing.
Reposted by Huw Bennett
For reasons unknown, my first book, British Grand Strategy in the Age of American Hegemony, is on sale for £28.99 on Amazon UK - a 62% reduction in price! It would be rude not to at that discount! H/T to @jfb1066.bsky.social www.amazon.co.uk/British-Gran...
Amazon.co.uk
www.amazon.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 8:10 AM
For reasons unknown, my first book, British Grand Strategy in the Age of American Hegemony, is on sale for £28.99 on Amazon UK - a 62% reduction in price! It would be rude not to at that discount! H/T to @jfb1066.bsky.social www.amazon.co.uk/British-Gran...
Reposted by Huw Bennett
Worth a listen.
The FM seems to be trying to use the electoral threat of Plaid (‘seperatists’) to generate leverage for the Welsh govt in dealing with the UK govt so as to ensure that it treats Wales ‘fairly’ in those areas in which it has *already* refused to act (rail, justice, crown estate) 1/
The FM seems to be trying to use the electoral threat of Plaid (‘seperatists’) to generate leverage for the Welsh govt in dealing with the UK govt so as to ensure that it treats Wales ‘fairly’ in those areas in which it has *already* refused to act (rail, justice, crown estate) 1/
Araith Eluned Morgan yn Llundain heddiw….
The First Minister’s speech at the IfS today….
www.youtube.com/live/Wm-OVQW...
The First Minister’s speech at the IfS today….
www.youtube.com/live/Wm-OVQW...
In conversation with Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales
YouTube video by Institute for Government
www.youtube.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Worth a listen.
The FM seems to be trying to use the electoral threat of Plaid (‘seperatists’) to generate leverage for the Welsh govt in dealing with the UK govt so as to ensure that it treats Wales ‘fairly’ in those areas in which it has *already* refused to act (rail, justice, crown estate) 1/
The FM seems to be trying to use the electoral threat of Plaid (‘seperatists’) to generate leverage for the Welsh govt in dealing with the UK govt so as to ensure that it treats Wales ‘fairly’ in those areas in which it has *already* refused to act (rail, justice, crown estate) 1/
Reposted by Huw Bennett
Enjoyed talking about this project with @newbooksnetwork.bsky.social this week, have a listen here: newbooksnetwork.com/framing-the-... @draefox.bsky.social @mpmfinch.bsky.social @univpressofkansas.bsky.social
January 22, 2026 at 8:25 AM
Enjoyed talking about this project with @newbooksnetwork.bsky.social this week, have a listen here: newbooksnetwork.com/framing-the-... @draefox.bsky.social @mpmfinch.bsky.social @univpressofkansas.bsky.social
Reposted by Huw Bennett
The Trump administration apparently blinking first on economic war with Europe is good news. If everyone can slow-walk talks on a "deal" it will be even better. But it would be dangerous to assume the crisis is definitely over. And I don't think the damage to NATO can be undone.
January 21, 2026 at 10:03 PM
The Trump administration apparently blinking first on economic war with Europe is good news. If everyone can slow-walk talks on a "deal" it will be even better. But it would be dangerous to assume the crisis is definitely over. And I don't think the damage to NATO can be undone.
Reposted by Huw Bennett
‼️ Trump walks back tariff threat. That was fast
January 21, 2026 at 7:39 PM
‼️ Trump walks back tariff threat. That was fast
Reposted by Huw Bennett
Mark Carney's speech is now only the second most acute analysis of where the world is at right now:
January 21, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Mark Carney's speech is now only the second most acute analysis of where the world is at right now:
Reposted by Huw Bennett
We hear it all the time:
Since the turn of the 2010s, thanks to the rise of tech, the US has pulled ahead economically.
This idea is everywhere from Washington to Davos—and it's paralyzing Europe
But it's simply not true!
Let's look at what's really happening, with charts🧵
Since the turn of the 2010s, thanks to the rise of tech, the US has pulled ahead economically.
This idea is everywhere from Washington to Davos—and it's paralyzing Europe
But it's simply not true!
Let's look at what's really happening, with charts🧵
January 20, 2026 at 8:59 PM
We hear it all the time:
Since the turn of the 2010s, thanks to the rise of tech, the US has pulled ahead economically.
This idea is everywhere from Washington to Davos—and it's paralyzing Europe
But it's simply not true!
Let's look at what's really happening, with charts🧵
Since the turn of the 2010s, thanks to the rise of tech, the US has pulled ahead economically.
This idea is everywhere from Washington to Davos—and it's paralyzing Europe
But it's simply not true!
Let's look at what's really happening, with charts🧵
Reposted by Huw Bennett
Reeves is comprehensively out of her depth
Stuck repeating recycled Brexiter ritual incantations about “bringing down barriers to trade” when the main barriers to trade are ones the country imposed on itself and that she and Starmer refuse to address
www.ft.com/content/221a...
Stuck repeating recycled Brexiter ritual incantations about “bringing down barriers to trade” when the main barriers to trade are ones the country imposed on itself and that she and Starmer refuse to address
www.ft.com/content/221a...
Rachel Reeves vows to break down barriers to trade as new US tariff threat looms
Chancellor defends UK decision not to threaten retaliation over Greenland dispute
www.ft.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Reeves is comprehensively out of her depth
Stuck repeating recycled Brexiter ritual incantations about “bringing down barriers to trade” when the main barriers to trade are ones the country imposed on itself and that she and Starmer refuse to address
www.ft.com/content/221a...
Stuck repeating recycled Brexiter ritual incantations about “bringing down barriers to trade” when the main barriers to trade are ones the country imposed on itself and that she and Starmer refuse to address
www.ft.com/content/221a...
Excited/dejected to submit my first complaint to the Information Commissioner. What John Major, Douglas Hurd, Tom King and Norman Lamont said about defence policy over 22 months in 1990-91 is apparently so sensitive that the Cabinet Office cannot disclose a single sentence. Absurd!
January 20, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Excited/dejected to submit my first complaint to the Information Commissioner. What John Major, Douglas Hurd, Tom King and Norman Lamont said about defence policy over 22 months in 1990-91 is apparently so sensitive that the Cabinet Office cannot disclose a single sentence. Absurd!
The UK government needs to wake up, accept Carney's analysis, and begin to shift public opinion NOW:
In a speech to the World Economic Forum, Mark Carney says middle powers such as Canada must accept that the rules-based international order is effectively dead, and great power rivalry with is here to stay. Key excerpt:
January 20, 2026 at 5:10 PM
The UK government needs to wake up, accept Carney's analysis, and begin to shift public opinion NOW:
More of this to follow:
*DANISH PENSION FUND AKADEMIKERPENSION TO EXIT US TREASURIES
January 20, 2026 at 2:18 PM
More of this to follow:
Reposted by Huw Bennett
In January 2025 Silicon Valley's elite lined up behind Trump as he was sworn in for a second term. They've enjoyed a lucrative year since, underscoring Washington's alignment with Big Tech – and its transactional nature.
An #FTEdit animated 🧵 on how tech titans have become even richer under Trump 👇
An #FTEdit animated 🧵 on how tech titans have become even richer under Trump 👇
January 20, 2026 at 2:01 PM
In January 2025 Silicon Valley's elite lined up behind Trump as he was sworn in for a second term. They've enjoyed a lucrative year since, underscoring Washington's alignment with Big Tech – and its transactional nature.
An #FTEdit animated 🧵 on how tech titans have become even richer under Trump 👇
An #FTEdit animated 🧵 on how tech titans have become even richer under Trump 👇
Reposted by Huw Bennett
Good news - I'm hiring at Durham University!
1-year full time postdoc in Space Security - looking for someone to join me at the Space Research Centre and a Northeast England based space tracking/analytics company to work on geopolitical analysis in Space Domain Awareness.
Details 👇👇👇
1-year full time postdoc in Space Security - looking for someone to join me at the Space Research Centre and a Northeast England based space tracking/analytics company to work on geopolitical analysis in Space Domain Awareness.
Details 👇👇👇
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Space Security
Click the link provided to see the complete job description.
durham.taleo.net
January 20, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Good news - I'm hiring at Durham University!
1-year full time postdoc in Space Security - looking for someone to join me at the Space Research Centre and a Northeast England based space tracking/analytics company to work on geopolitical analysis in Space Domain Awareness.
Details 👇👇👇
1-year full time postdoc in Space Security - looking for someone to join me at the Space Research Centre and a Northeast England based space tracking/analytics company to work on geopolitical analysis in Space Domain Awareness.
Details 👇👇👇
Reposted by Huw Bennett
"This does mark the end of the Western alliance."
Bronwen Maddox on the impact of Donald Trump's economic approach and foreign policy on perceptions of the United States.
Watch in full➡️ bit.ly/4pHKSpH
Bronwen Maddox on the impact of Donald Trump's economic approach and foreign policy on perceptions of the United States.
Watch in full➡️ bit.ly/4pHKSpH
January 19, 2026 at 11:00 PM
"This does mark the end of the Western alliance."
Bronwen Maddox on the impact of Donald Trump's economic approach and foreign policy on perceptions of the United States.
Watch in full➡️ bit.ly/4pHKSpH
Bronwen Maddox on the impact of Donald Trump's economic approach and foreign policy on perceptions of the United States.
Watch in full➡️ bit.ly/4pHKSpH
Let’s see how respected America is tomorrow when Wall Street opens and capital flight accelerates.
Stephen Miller,White House deputy chief of staff for policy&homeland security advisor:
Greenland is essential for America's national security.
American dollars, treasure, American blood, American ingenuity is what keeps Europe safe&the free world safe.Donald Trump's insisting that we be respected
Greenland is essential for America's national security.
American dollars, treasure, American blood, American ingenuity is what keeps Europe safe&the free world safe.Donald Trump's insisting that we be respected
January 19, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Let’s see how respected America is tomorrow when Wall Street opens and capital flight accelerates.
Reposted by Huw Bennett
Fukuyama: Trump is a bully who wants to dominate everyone around him. Trying to placate him with concessions is a fool’s errand. He despises weakness.
As an American, I say to my European friends: do not back down. Appeasing Trump with flattery has failed and must stop.
1/3
As an American, I say to my European friends: do not back down. Appeasing Trump with flattery has failed and must stop.
1/3
January 19, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Fukuyama: Trump is a bully who wants to dominate everyone around him. Trying to placate him with concessions is a fool’s errand. He despises weakness.
As an American, I say to my European friends: do not back down. Appeasing Trump with flattery has failed and must stop.
1/3
As an American, I say to my European friends: do not back down. Appeasing Trump with flattery has failed and must stop.
1/3
Starmer has missed another opportunity to shape public opinion: the U.K. has become too dependent on the USA for our security and this must change rapidly. His statement is a defence of doing nothing.
My thoughts on Starmer's speech:
1. This was not a 'Love Actually' moment. Sir Keir Starmer stuck to the line that the UK-US relationship is crucial to UK security and brings benefits to the British people. 1./
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
1. This was not a 'Love Actually' moment. Sir Keir Starmer stuck to the line that the UK-US relationship is crucial to UK security and brings benefits to the British people. 1./
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Sir Keir Starmer to give No 10 speech over Greenland row
Sir Keir Starmer is due to respond to US President Donald Trump's latest move to take over the Danish territory.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 19, 2026 at 10:38 AM
Starmer has missed another opportunity to shape public opinion: the U.K. has become too dependent on the USA for our security and this must change rapidly. His statement is a defence of doing nothing.
There is evidence that at least some senior figures in the UK defence/security community understand the scale of the change in US foreign policy. Is Barrons' assessment more widely shared?
"We can begin to talk about an era of US hemispheric imperialism, where it intends to dominate its hemisphere on terms that it sets."
General Sir Richard Barrons on the worldview guiding Donald Trump's foreign policy.
Watch in full➡️ bit.ly/4pKbff0
General Sir Richard Barrons on the worldview guiding Donald Trump's foreign policy.
Watch in full➡️ bit.ly/4pKbff0
January 19, 2026 at 8:54 AM
There is evidence that at least some senior figures in the UK defence/security community understand the scale of the change in US foreign policy. Is Barrons' assessment more widely shared?
Reposted by Huw Bennett
A source confirms to me that this disturbing letter from Trump to the Norwegian PM is real.
Not the sort of letter committed to paper by a well man. "Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace"
January 19, 2026 at 7:32 AM
A source confirms to me that this disturbing letter from Trump to the Norwegian PM is real.
Reposted by Huw Bennett
Deutsche Bank here with the good stuff.
Game on.
Game on.
January 18, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Deutsche Bank here with the good stuff.
Game on.
Game on.
Reposted by Huw Bennett
This opens up wider questions about how far the UK and Canada in the 5 eyes intel sharing framework as well as other former allies of the United States can still provide the Americans with any sensitive intelligence information at all
January 18, 2026 at 12:44 PM
This opens up wider questions about how far the UK and Canada in the 5 eyes intel sharing framework as well as other former allies of the United States can still provide the Americans with any sensitive intelligence information at all
Reposted by Huw Bennett
France is pushing for the EU to use its tough anti-coercion law to respond to Donald Trump’s trade blackmail on Greenland, according to French government sources reported in the press today. The EU has “robust” legal weapons to defend itself, the sources said 1/
www.lefigaro.fr/economie/en-...
www.lefigaro.fr/economie/en-...
EN DIRECT - Macron va demander «l’activation de l’instrument anti-coercition» de l’UE en cas de nouveaux droits de douane américains
Donald Trump a menacé huit pays, dont la France, l’Allemagne et le Royaume-Uni, de surtaxes douanières face à leur opposition à ses velléités de s’emparer du Groenland, provoquant l’indignation des Eu...
www.lefigaro.fr
January 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM
France is pushing for the EU to use its tough anti-coercion law to respond to Donald Trump’s trade blackmail on Greenland, according to French government sources reported in the press today. The EU has “robust” legal weapons to defend itself, the sources said 1/
www.lefigaro.fr/economie/en-...
www.lefigaro.fr/economie/en-...
If Labour's attack line on Jenrick cannot be that Jenrick is a despicable racist, then what is the point of the Labour Party? Yet again, trying to out-do Reform will lead to nothing but disaster.
“Robert Jenrick is the man who as Immigration Minister oversaw the open borders experiment that led to the biggest increase in illegal immigration in our country”
Labour's Steve Reed reacts to Robert Jenrick's decision to defect from the Conservatives to Reform UK
Labour's Steve Reed reacts to Robert Jenrick's decision to defect from the Conservatives to Reform UK
January 16, 2026 at 2:04 PM
If Labour's attack line on Jenrick cannot be that Jenrick is a despicable racist, then what is the point of the Labour Party? Yet again, trying to out-do Reform will lead to nothing but disaster.
To what extent have military historians even begun to consider how neoliberalism has reshaped military institutions over the last few decades? Is this long development now about to end?
Debates continue to circulate—as they should—about the utility of neoliberalism as a category of analysis and political practice. Myself + three other historians wrote a brief overview of how it works in our field for the Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
January 15, 2026 at 11:31 PM
To what extent have military historians even begun to consider how neoliberalism has reshaped military institutions over the last few decades? Is this long development now about to end?