Fusion Doctrine in Five Steps: Lessons Learned from Remote Warfare in Africa

Abigail Watson and Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen

6 November 2019

This report discusses how the roll out of the UK’s new Fusion Doctrine can better address the problems facing Africa.

The report highlights that while Fusion Doctrine may be well-suited to addressing crises, it struggles to create “routine fusion” which brings key stakeholders together to build sustainable peace and security.

To overcome these shortcomings, the report proposes a five-step approach to make Fusion Doctrine work:

1. Whole of government thinking in Whitehall
2. Implementation of this approach in the countries the UK engages in
3. Coordinating effectively with other international efforts
4. Establishing a meaningful dialogue with the host country
5. Creating a meaningful dialogue with civil society, both internationally and at home

The report argues that following these steps will be essential to ensuring Fusion Doctrine paves the way for credible, positive change in UK foreign policy and aids efforts to build stability and security in African states.

Image credit: AMISOM/Wikimedia Commons.

About the authors

Abigail Watson is the Research Manager at the Remote Warfare Programme.

Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen is Research and Policy Officer at the Remote Warfare Programme.

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