Page 6 - Five Forces of Americanisation Richard Hooke 04072025 final post SDR1

The UK Defence Industry in the 21 Century
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The Five Forces of Americanisation

especially those hosting defence manufacturing operations, will also influence spending decisions,
mindful of the impact on their local economy.

This paper examines how, since 2005, the UK’s Defence Industrial Base (“DIB”) has diminished in its
size, in its contribution to British influence in global affairs, in its ability to contribute to national
prosperity and, above all, in keeping the country safe. The evidence shows that, this decline has been
underpinned by an unwavering and genuine belief in the guiding principles of “Americanisation”:
achieving a balance between idealism and realism in foreign affairs, informed by justice and freedom
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and led by the USA in a mission that, according to George W Bush , “came naturally, because it
expressed the DNA of American idealism”.
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Notes
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1. “Defence in the 21 Century: Thinking Global or Thinking American?”. PwC, 2005
https://www.pwc.pl/en/publikacje/defence_industry_ads.pdf
2. ”The Cohen Group is headed by former US Secretary of Defense, William S. Cohen.
“The firm's Vice Chairmen are retired Air Force General Joseph Ralston, the former Vice Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff and former Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, and Ambassador Marc Grossman,
former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs and U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and
Pakistan.
“The Cohen Group opened its doors in January 2001 with the objective of helping multinational clients
explore opportunities overseas as well as solve problems that may develop. The Cohen Group has the
unique ability to provide our clients with truly comprehensive tools for understanding and shaping their
business, political, legal, regulatory, and media environments. A strategic alliance with DLA Piper, a global
law firm specializing in business, real estate, and technology, enhances our capabilities.
“Mastering the complex and often veiled dynamic where government, politics, media, and business
intersect requires a rare combination of knowledge, skills, and experience. Our Principals bring centuries of
experience at the White House, the State Department, the Defense Department, and Congress. This
experience encompasses decision making and deal making with government and industry officials in the US
and around the world. In addition, our Principals led and managed the Defense Department, the largest and
most complex enterprise in the world.
“The Cohen Group's reach extends internationally where our Principals have developed great expertise and
relationships with key political, economic, and business leaders and acquired valuable experience with the
individuals and institutions that affect our clients' success abroad.”
(The Cohen Group, Washington DC., June 2025)

3. The Strategic Defence Review. “Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad”. UK Ministry of
Defence, June, 2025
4. “For more than 70 years, the presidents of both (US) parties believed that American security and prosperity
were directly tied to the success of freedom in the world. And they knew that the success depended, in
large part, on U.S. leadership. This mission came naturally, because it expressed the DNA of American
idealism.”
(Remarks by President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush at the “Spirit of Liberty: At Home, In The World”
George W. Bush Presidential Center; 17th October, 2017)

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07/07/2025 Richard Hooke 2025