British American Security Information Council
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The British American Security Information Council, also known as "BASIC", is a small, but influential think tank, based in London and Washington, D.C.. BASIC takes a uniquely inclusive approach to promote nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation by working with politicians, civil society, and other stakeholders who share this vision, as well as with those who might oppose it. BASIC's non-partisan and dialogue-based approach stands as a trusted and independent source of information, sharing ideas and perspectives to inform debate, challenge assumptions, and foster creative solutions.
Projects
BASIC currently has projects related to the British nuclear weapons debate, the health of the Non-proliferation Treaty and associated regime, a WMD-Free Zone in the Middle East, and nuclear non-proliferation in the Gulf states and Iran. BASIC is also linked with the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Security and Non-Proliferation. BASIC published the final report of the Trident Commission in July 2014, an independent and cross-party Commission, co-chaired by Lord Browne of Ladyton, Sir Malcolm Rifkind, and Sir Menzies Campbell, examining the complexity of issues and options facing the UK government in the decision on its nuclear deterrent and its non-proliferation policy. The report recommended the continuation of the British nuclear program,[1] conditional upon a number of actions needed to mitigate the negative impacts. BASIC will be focusing upon these requirements in the run-up to the final Main Gate decision due in 2016. BASIC is also in the process of setting up a new programme - Next Generation - that seeks to place the issues surrounding nuclear weapons in a broader global context in order to ensure they are seen as relevant and compelling.
British-American composition
BASIC is the only peace and security non-governmental organization that is British-American in composition and focus. It works on both sides of the Atlantic to encourage sustainable transatlantic security policies and to develop the strategies that can achieve them. BASIC partners with other international NGOs to promote public understanding of the danger of growing nuclear arsenals.
Organization details
BASIC has charitable status in the United Kingdom and in the United States and a network of board members and advisers, and patrons on both sides of the Atlantic. BASIC's Executive Director is Paul Ingram, based in London. Senior Fellow Ward Wilson is based in Trenton, NJ.
References
- ^ MacAskill, Ewen (2014-01-07). "Trident gets thumbs up in report that will dismay anti-nuclear campaigners". The Guardian. Retrieved 2014-01-07.