The Council on Geostrategy was delighted to receive so many entries for the First Sea Lord’s Essay Competition 2025. The winners will receive a cash prize and an in-person invitation to the International Sea Power Conference 2025 – hosted at BT Headquarters on 8th December 2025 – and will have a prize presented by the First Sea Lord, at the conference.
To be considered for the prizes, entrants submitted an 800-1,000 word essay answering one of the following questions:
- What if one of the CRINK – China, Russia, Iran or North Korea – cut data cables to the UK?
- What if the British government commits to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030, or 4.0% by 2035?
- What if the UK has to defend the North Atlantic alone?
Not only did entrants explain what might happen, but also how Britain should use and/or alter the Royal Navy in response.
Three winners were selected to receive an award. The prizes include: Gold (£1,000), Silver (£750), and Bronze (£500).
The winners were invited to present their essays during the International Sea Power Conference 2025, where they also received their prizes.
Winning Essays
‘What if the UK has to defend the North Atlantic alone?’ by Dr Emanuele Maggioli.
GOLD | The Broadside
‘What if one of the CRINK nations cut data cables to the UK?’ by Francesco Canossi.
SILVER | The Broadside
‘What if the British government commits to increasing defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030, or 4.0% by 2035?’ by Matthew Palmer.
BRONZE | The Broadside
International Sea Power Conference 2025
The Council on Geostrategy is delighted to organise and host the International Sea Power Conference 2025 on 8th December at BT Headquarters.