Matthew Palmer
@so3brocktree.bsky.social
🇬🇧 Former soldier. Accidental journalist. Fellow at the Council on Geostrategy and RNSSC.
Thoughts & feelings on defence and other things. Not always serious. Views my own.
Longer thoughts & feelings on substack:
https://crackingdefence.substack.com/
Thoughts & feelings on defence and other things. Not always serious. Views my own.
Longer thoughts & feelings on substack:
https://crackingdefence.substack.com/
Pinned
We are pleased to announce that @so3brocktree.bsky.social is joining us as the Sir John Moore Adjunct Fellow in Military Affairs!
🔗 Read the full announcement: bit.ly/4mtunwr
🚨 Dive straight into Matthew’s analysis on sub-threshold threats: bit.ly/3UgIE3t
🔗 Read the full announcement: bit.ly/4mtunwr
🚨 Dive straight into Matthew’s analysis on sub-threshold threats: bit.ly/3UgIE3t
Very chuffed to announce that I am now a Fellow of the @congeostrategy.bsky.social!
I'll be writing predominantly on grey-zone threats and joint operations for the Council, while continuing my work on Substack and for the RNSSC.
Please do get in contact if you are interested in any of the above!
I'll be writing predominantly on grey-zone threats and joint operations for the Council, while continuing my work on Substack and for the RNSSC.
Please do get in contact if you are interested in any of the above!
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Today in 1918, at 9:30 am, 2nd Lt Paterson sends this message to the company commanders of the Artist's Rifles, a British infantry battalion on the frontline. 'Hostilities will cease at 11am today. Form up and march back...at once. Do not forget to bring the cookers with you' #ArmisticeDay #WW1 #FWW
November 11, 2024 at 9:23 AM
Today in 1918, at 9:30 am, 2nd Lt Paterson sends this message to the company commanders of the Artist's Rifles, a British infantry battalion on the frontline. 'Hostilities will cease at 11am today. Form up and march back...at once. Do not forget to bring the cookers with you' #ArmisticeDay #WW1 #FWW
A fun piece on the physical manifestations of soft power abroad.
Britain’s new ambassador to France: ‘You all play the game of influence’
Mere weeks into the job, ‘securocrat’ Sir Thomas Drew has positioned Paris’s 18th-century Hôtel de Charost as ‘an informal annex to formal discussions at the Élysée’. It’s no small feat
www.ft.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:23 PM
A fun piece on the physical manifestations of soft power abroad.
Al Sharaa to visit the White House.
He remains a strong contender for the title of the world's most interesting man.
He remains a strong contender for the title of the world's most interesting man.
Syria's Sharaa arrives in US for Trump talks after sanctions lifted
The Syrian leader will meet the US President at the White House on Monday for security talks.
www.bbc.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Al Sharaa to visit the White House.
He remains a strong contender for the title of the world's most interesting man.
He remains a strong contender for the title of the world's most interesting man.
Not a bad first step in strengthening formalised connections between NATO members and Ukraine.
In practice likely very limited changes operationally, noting that JEF deals primarily with Baltic and Arctic security.
In practice likely very limited changes operationally, noting that JEF deals primarily with Baltic and Arctic security.
Headline is a bit misleading - Ukraine has signed an enhanced partnership with the JEF, but will not become a member. Though the partnership will be extensive, and includes also "lessons from the battlefield" of Ukraine to JEF countries (UK, Nordics)
See more here:
See more here:
November 7, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Not a bad first step in strengthening formalised connections between NATO members and Ukraine.
In practice likely very limited changes operationally, noting that JEF deals primarily with Baltic and Arctic security.
In practice likely very limited changes operationally, noting that JEF deals primarily with Baltic and Arctic security.
Al-Sharaa has been removed from the UNSC's sanctions list, just under a year since he took power.
Security Council Adopts Resolution 2799 (2025), Removing Syria’s Transitional President, Interior Minister from ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida Sanctions List | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases
The Security Council decided today to remove two individuals from its Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) and Al-Qaida sanctions list – including the President appointed in the wake of ...
press.un.org
November 7, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Al-Sharaa has been removed from the UNSC's sanctions list, just under a year since he took power.
Some horrific stories. Completely avoidable loss of young life.
A reminder to everyone to check in on anyone who might be feeling distress.
A reminder to everyone to check in on anyone who might be feeling distress.
I wanted ChatGPT to help me. So why did it advise me how to kill myself?
ChatGPT wrote a woman a suicide note and another AI chatbot role-played sexual acts with children, BBC finds.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Some horrific stories. Completely avoidable loss of young life.
A reminder to everyone to check in on anyone who might be feeling distress.
A reminder to everyone to check in on anyone who might be feeling distress.
Fascinating investigative article on the insanely ambitious NEOM project. Worth a read.
End of The Line: how Saudi Arabia’s Neom dream unravelled
Mohammed bin Salman’s utopian city was undone by the laws of physics and finance
ig.ft.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Fascinating investigative article on the insanely ambitious NEOM project. Worth a read.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow....
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow....
November 5, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow....
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow....
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow....
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow....
November 5, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow....
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow....
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
On 5 August 1600, King James VI escaped an assassination attempt.
The king decreed that the 5th August should be celebrated annually ‘in all times and ages to come’ - kept for ‘public preachings, prayers and solemn thanksgiving to God’.
So it was ... until the 5th November 1605 overshadowed it!
The king decreed that the 5th August should be celebrated annually ‘in all times and ages to come’ - kept for ‘public preachings, prayers and solemn thanksgiving to God’.
So it was ... until the 5th November 1605 overshadowed it!
November 5, 2025 at 8:59 AM
On 5 August 1600, King James VI escaped an assassination attempt.
The king decreed that the 5th August should be celebrated annually ‘in all times and ages to come’ - kept for ‘public preachings, prayers and solemn thanksgiving to God’.
So it was ... until the 5th November 1605 overshadowed it!
The king decreed that the 5th August should be celebrated annually ‘in all times and ages to come’ - kept for ‘public preachings, prayers and solemn thanksgiving to God’.
So it was ... until the 5th November 1605 overshadowed it!
A true hero.
Samir Zitouni named as train hero who saved lives during attack
The family of rail worker Samir Zitouni say they are
www.bbc.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 4:12 PM
A true hero.
Great news. About damn time!
After decades of neglect, service families will finally get the homes they deserve.
🏠 Over 40,000 military homes modernised
💷 £600k saved daily for taxpayers
📈 £9 billion investment over 10 years
The biggest change to Armed Forces housing in over 50 years starts now 👇
🏠 Over 40,000 military homes modernised
💷 £600k saved daily for taxpayers
📈 £9 billion investment over 10 years
The biggest change to Armed Forces housing in over 50 years starts now 👇
November 4, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Great news. About damn time!
Some true heroes here - ordinary people confronting the attacker in order to protect others.
What have eyewitnesses said about Huntingdon train stabbings?
Witnesses talk about what they saw on the train where a mass stabbing has taken place.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Some true heroes here - ordinary people confronting the attacker in order to protect others.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Manoeuvre Warfare is a Social Construct
Aptly subtitled "Or, we all want to be Napoleon", a useful rumination on the pitfalls of "manoeuvrism" by @so3brocktree.bsky.social
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Aptly subtitled "Or, we all want to be Napoleon", a useful rumination on the pitfalls of "manoeuvrism" by @so3brocktree.bsky.social
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Manoeuvre Warfare is a Social Construct
Or, we all want to be Napoleon
substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Manoeuvre Warfare is a Social Construct
Aptly subtitled "Or, we all want to be Napoleon", a useful rumination on the pitfalls of "manoeuvrism" by @so3brocktree.bsky.social
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Aptly subtitled "Or, we all want to be Napoleon", a useful rumination on the pitfalls of "manoeuvrism" by @so3brocktree.bsky.social
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Some good news!
Ministry of Defence to spend £9bn renovating military housing
The poor state of military housing has been a consistent complaint among serving personnel in recent years.
www.bbc.com
November 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Some good news!
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨
We are A WHOLE YEAR OLD so what better way to celebrate on Halloween than by talking about a penis-shaped monster terrorising beautiful Sigourney Weaver on a ship millions of miles from Earth?
Precisely, us either 😏🤌
We are A WHOLE YEAR OLD so what better way to celebrate on Halloween than by talking about a penis-shaped monster terrorising beautiful Sigourney Weaver on a ship millions of miles from Earth?
Precisely, us either 😏🤌
October 31, 2025 at 7:23 PM
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨
We are A WHOLE YEAR OLD so what better way to celebrate on Halloween than by talking about a penis-shaped monster terrorising beautiful Sigourney Weaver on a ship millions of miles from Earth?
Precisely, us either 😏🤌
We are A WHOLE YEAR OLD so what better way to celebrate on Halloween than by talking about a penis-shaped monster terrorising beautiful Sigourney Weaver on a ship millions of miles from Earth?
Precisely, us either 😏🤌
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
“Individuals on the ground sent a message that reached us Monday morning that 1,200 were dead,” Nathaniel Raymond, the lab’s executive director, said. “By that evening, they said 10,000. By Tuesday, we couldn’t reach them anymore. We assume our ground contacts are dead.”
Yale lab reports mass killings in Sudan, calls for student activism
The Humanitarian Research Lab was told this week that over 10,000 people in Sudan were killed within three days.
yaledailynews.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:02 PM
“Individuals on the ground sent a message that reached us Monday morning that 1,200 were dead,” Nathaniel Raymond, the lab’s executive director, said. “By that evening, they said 10,000. By Tuesday, we couldn’t reach them anymore. We assume our ground contacts are dead.”
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Clickbait title, but I’m quite proud of it 😛
In which I discuss how an obsession with 'manoeuvre', as constructed against a conception of 'attrition' can lead to bad force design and techno-fetishism within NATO forces - especially the British Army.
In which I discuss how an obsession with 'manoeuvre', as constructed against a conception of 'attrition' can lead to bad force design and techno-fetishism within NATO forces - especially the British Army.
Manoeuvre Warfare is a Social Construct
Or, we all want to be Napoleon
crackingdefence.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Clickbait title, but I’m quite proud of it 😛
In which I discuss how an obsession with 'manoeuvre', as constructed against a conception of 'attrition' can lead to bad force design and techno-fetishism within NATO forces - especially the British Army.
In which I discuss how an obsession with 'manoeuvre', as constructed against a conception of 'attrition' can lead to bad force design and techno-fetishism within NATO forces - especially the British Army.
I contributed to a piece on how the UK government should approach the thorny problem of the proposed Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London:
💡 ‘HM Gov’s decision on whether to approve the ‘mega embassy’ construction will prove a public test of 🇬🇧 ‘progressive realist’ foreign policy, as well as exemplifying the 🇬🇧-🇨🇳 relationship in microcosm,’ says @so3brocktree.bsky.social, our Associate Fellow
#Tangram #ObservingChina
#Tangram #ObservingChina
Should Whitehall say ‘mega no’ to China’s ‘mega embassy’ in London?
The Tangram | No 09.2025
www.observingchina.org.uk
October 29, 2025 at 1:28 PM
I contributed to a piece on how the UK government should approach the thorny problem of the proposed Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London:
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
💡 ‘HM Gov’s decision on whether to approve the ‘mega embassy’ construction will prove a public test of 🇬🇧 ‘progressive realist’ foreign policy, as well as exemplifying the 🇬🇧-🇨🇳 relationship in microcosm,’ says @so3brocktree.bsky.social, our Associate Fellow
#Tangram #ObservingChina
#Tangram #ObservingChina
Should Whitehall say ‘mega no’ to China’s ‘mega embassy’ in London?
The Tangram | No 09.2025
www.observingchina.org.uk
October 29, 2025 at 12:26 PM
💡 ‘HM Gov’s decision on whether to approve the ‘mega embassy’ construction will prove a public test of 🇬🇧 ‘progressive realist’ foreign policy, as well as exemplifying the 🇬🇧-🇨🇳 relationship in microcosm,’ says @so3brocktree.bsky.social, our Associate Fellow
#Tangram #ObservingChina
#Tangram #ObservingChina
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
VERSAILLES TREATY ENFORCER: Bonjour monseiur! Vous avez un batterie du flaque?
HAMBURG NAZI: Nein!
VTE: Neuf?!
NAZI? Nein! Nein.
VTE: aucun?
NAZI: Ya! Nein!
VTE <points>: Mais...
NAZI: Das ist ein Gartenhut!
VTE: une chapeau?
NAZI: Ya!
HAMBURG NAZI: Nein!
VTE: Neuf?!
NAZI? Nein! Nein.
VTE: aucun?
NAZI: Ya! Nein!
VTE <points>: Mais...
NAZI: Das ist ein Gartenhut!
VTE: une chapeau?
NAZI: Ya!
October 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM
VERSAILLES TREATY ENFORCER: Bonjour monseiur! Vous avez un batterie du flaque?
HAMBURG NAZI: Nein!
VTE: Neuf?!
NAZI? Nein! Nein.
VTE: aucun?
NAZI: Ya! Nein!
VTE <points>: Mais...
NAZI: Das ist ein Gartenhut!
VTE: une chapeau?
NAZI: Ya!
HAMBURG NAZI: Nein!
VTE: Neuf?!
NAZI? Nein! Nein.
VTE: aucun?
NAZI: Ya! Nein!
VTE <points>: Mais...
NAZI: Das ist ein Gartenhut!
VTE: une chapeau?
NAZI: Ya!
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Musk calling for civil war in Britain again.
Man’s clearly never met a Brit. You can’t get them out when it’s drizzling, never mind manning the barricades.
Man’s clearly never met a Brit. You can’t get them out when it’s drizzling, never mind manning the barricades.
October 29, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Musk calling for civil war in Britain again.
Man’s clearly never met a Brit. You can’t get them out when it’s drizzling, never mind manning the barricades.
Man’s clearly never met a Brit. You can’t get them out when it’s drizzling, never mind manning the barricades.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
I don't think people understand the untold horror that may be about to unfold here, with El-Fasher finally falling to the RSF
This could be historically tragic. A city of 250k on the cusp of unchecked retaliation by brutal ethnic paramilitaries
This could be historically tragic. A city of 250k on the cusp of unchecked retaliation by brutal ethnic paramilitaries
A Dramatic Shift in Sudan’s Brutal Civil War
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:55 PM
I don't think people understand the untold horror that may be about to unfold here, with El-Fasher finally falling to the RSF
This could be historically tragic. A city of 250k on the cusp of unchecked retaliation by brutal ethnic paramilitaries
This could be historically tragic. A city of 250k on the cusp of unchecked retaliation by brutal ethnic paramilitaries
Clickbait title, but I’m quite proud of it 😛
In which I discuss how an obsession with 'manoeuvre', as constructed against a conception of 'attrition' can lead to bad force design and techno-fetishism within NATO forces - especially the British Army.
In which I discuss how an obsession with 'manoeuvre', as constructed against a conception of 'attrition' can lead to bad force design and techno-fetishism within NATO forces - especially the British Army.
Manoeuvre Warfare is a Social Construct
Or, we all want to be Napoleon
crackingdefence.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Clickbait title, but I’m quite proud of it 😛
In which I discuss how an obsession with 'manoeuvre', as constructed against a conception of 'attrition' can lead to bad force design and techno-fetishism within NATO forces - especially the British Army.
In which I discuss how an obsession with 'manoeuvre', as constructed against a conception of 'attrition' can lead to bad force design and techno-fetishism within NATO forces - especially the British Army.
Reposted by Matthew Palmer
Great fun overview, though (completely understandably) glosses over the detailed madness of Regimental differences when it comes to rank in the British Army, and why we have Corporals-of-Horse, Late Entry Officers, Sergeant Majors who are actually Staff Sergeants, Warrants who are actually 'Q', etc…
If you were wondering, this was roughly the point at which I realised that almost all military ranks were an attempt to find 271 different ways of saying “head”.
How the army got its ranks
Basically, 271 different ways of saying “head”.
jonn.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Great fun overview, though (completely understandably) glosses over the detailed madness of Regimental differences when it comes to rank in the British Army, and why we have Corporals-of-Horse, Late Entry Officers, Sergeant Majors who are actually Staff Sergeants, Warrants who are actually 'Q', etc…