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The British American Security Information Council (BASIC) is a nonpartisanthink tank based in London. BASIC takes an inclusive approach to promote nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation by working with politicians, civil society, and other people who share this vision, as well as with those who might oppose it. It was founded in 1987 simultaneously in London, United Kingdom, and Washington, D.C., United States.
Safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come.
Vision
Reaching a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, an adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and the consideration of future generations
Programmes
BASIC’s programmes are structured as long-term research and engagement streams aimed at reducing nuclear risks and advancing progress in disarmament, arms control, and nuclear non-proliferation. Developed through sustained dialogue with governments, international organisations, civil society, and technical experts, these programmes enable the organisation to identify practical avenues for cooperation even during periods of geopolitical tension and renewed reliance on nuclear deterrence.
The programme structure is intended to broaden the parameters of nuclear debate by encouraging states and stakeholders to reassess strategic assumptions, consider their responsibilities, and explore opportunities for meaningful risk reduction. BASIC is recognised for its non-partisan and cross-cultural approach, which provides platforms for constructive engagement among diverse actors, including representatives from nuclear-armed states, non-nuclear-weapon states, and regions often underrepresented in global nuclear discussions.
Across its programme areas, BASIC integrates policy research, capacity-building initiatives, and multi-stakeholder dialogue to promote a more stable and inclusive international nuclear order. The programmes also help cultivate new generations of professionals, strengthening long-term international expertise in the management of nuclear risks.[5]
Current Programmes
As of 2025, BASIC runs four principal programme streams focused on reducing nuclear dangers and fostering cooperative approaches to global security. These include initiatives that support risk reduction, examine state responsibilities, strengthen non-proliferation and disarmament processes, and elevate emerging specialists in the nuclear policy field.[6]
Emerging Voices Network
A global network of early-career technical and policy experts drawn from over 50 nationalities. Through policy-cycle training, masterclasses, peer-to-peer mentoring, and other networking activities, the Network cultivates the next generation of specialists entrusted with the responsibility to manage nuclear threats.[7]
Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Programme
Working with governments, think tanks, academics and journalists to build momentum for practical, multilateral steps toward nuclear disarmament and arms control. This programme monitors key treaties (such as the Nuclear Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons — NPT — and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons — TPNW), promotes transparency frameworks for nuclear-armed states, encourages peaceful uses of civil nuclear technology (advancing sustainable development goals), and supports efforts to secure a robust outcome at the 2026 NPT Review Conference.[8]
Nuclear Responsibilities Programme
This strand fosters deeper reflection and dialogue on the moral, political and strategic responsibilities of states (nuclear and non-nuclear) regarding nuclear weapons. Through global roundtables and strategic dialogues, BASIC seeks to build common understandings of what responsible nuclear behaviour might look like, bridging divergent national perspectives.[9]
Risk Reduction Programme
This programme monitors strategic relationships among major powers (the P5, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council) and between nuclear-weapon states (NWS) and non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS), to assess how shifts in those relationships impact nuclear risks. The aim is to produce timely, practical recommendations to reduce risks and maintain strategic stability, thereby creating conditions more favourable to long-term disarmament.[10]
Previous Programmes
Over the years, BASIC has conducted several programmes that have since concluded. These earlier initiatives contributed to policy development, public understanding of nuclear issues, and the promotion of dialogue among stakeholders. Among those past programmes were:[11]
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Global Security and Non-Proliferation (2000-2024)[12][13][14]
Achieving a Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East (2018-2019) [15][16][17]
Joint Project: Reducing the Role of Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Europe (2010-2014)[34][35][36][37]
Shadow NATO Summits (2009, 2010, 2012 and 2018)[38]
Projects
BASIC has already had projects related to the UK Trident nuclear weapons debate, non-proliferation in the Middle East, and reframing the nuclear weapons debate. 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,[39] conditional upon a number of actions needed to mitigate the negative impacts.
In partnership with the Federation of American Scientists, BASIC was one of the seven institutions selected by the Carnegie Corporation of New York on October 14, 2025, to receive a grant "to assess the destabilizing impacts of emerging and disruptive technologies on mobile nuclear launch platforms, specifically land-based and sea-based platforms." James McKeon, the program officer in Carnegie's International Program highlighted the importance of such research: "A dangerous new nuclear arms race is emerging as arms control regimes have become severely weakened and nearly all nine nuclear-armed states continue their intensive nuclear modernization programs."[40]
In November 2025, BASIC convened the conference “Turning Point: Realising a Sustainable Security Architecture for Europe” in Vienna as the concluding event of a multi-year project examining the pressures on Europe’s security environment. The meeting brought together academic experts and senior officials from European foreign and defence ministries to discuss issues such as transatlantic security, the implications of Russo-Ukrainian war, the erosion of the rules-based international order, and the role of climate change as a systemic security risk.[41]
Also in November 2025, BASIC co-organized, together with the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, the “Adventures in Risk Reduction: Oral History Project” training workshop in Istanbul, Türkiye. The program brought together a multinational cohort of early-career specialists to receive methodological, ethical, and technical training in the use of oral history to support global efforts to reduce risks posed by weapons of mass destruction. Participants engaged in intensive sessions and were tasked with conducting interviews with senior policymakers as part of a broader initiative on nuclear risk reduction.[42][43]
BASIC is funded through a mix of private donations (from individuals and charitable foundations), philanthropic grants, and project-based funding from various national governments and state agencies. It is a registered charity in England and Wales (no.1001081). Below is a list from their website mentioning some of these donors[45]:
Ambassador Thomas Hajnoczi, Balvinder Sangha, Daniel Johnson, Dr Andrew Cottey, Dr Sara Z Kutchesfahani, Dr Togzhan Kassenova, Fawad Dar, Helena Harding, James Madeley, Kameka McLean, Laicie Heeley, Paul Carroll[46]
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