A hard-right think tank and a former military general with links to arms firms have released a report lobbying for nuclear weapons funding.
The report, fronted by former top general Richard Dannatt, was published by the 878 Institute. The ‘think tank’ subscribes to the same bizarre ‘civilisational’ ideology loved by AI billionaires. Its ‘head of defence’ is a former soldier linked to another reactionary ‘think tank’ — The Henry Jackson Society (HJS).
The 878 Institute published a new report on 1 August titled ‘Britain’s Military Deterrence Gaps’. Among other things, it warns that the UK’s nuclear weapons programme is being ‘hollowed out’.
The foreword was written by former chief of the UK military, General Sir Richard Dannatt. Dannatt was caught lobbying against the proscribed group Palestine Action on behalf of the arms firm Teledyne in 2025.
Weird far-right ideology
878 is motivated by the same civilisational ideology which war firms like Palantir and Helsing have adopted. Here’s what they say on their ‘About’ page:
Our name – from the pivotal year of 878 AD – conveys the urgency of our own era. Britain and its closest allies are facing peril. But through the rediscovery of our culture, making the right choices, and finding the will to face down our philosophical and military adversaries, our shared civilisation will survive and thrive.
Now more than ever, it is incumbent on us all to rediscover and nurture the roots of our shared English-speaking civilisation in order to defend it.
In 878 AD, a key battle took place between Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. The name of the organisation appears to be a reference to those events.
The ‘About’ page continues:
At 878, we are renewing our Judeo-Christian culture and civilisational mission. Future leaders in Britain and America will need to appreciate the deepest roots of our political life and our freedoms.
The organisation says Israel is a vital source of “rejuvenating” knowledge:
Working with scholars in Israel and other closely allied nations, we are rejuvenating knowledge of the origins of our constitutional tradition. We build friendships with our closest civilisational allies to restore both the fabric of our countries and the resolve of our future leadership.
878’s (military) leadership
878’s work on defence appears to be overseen and led by Robert Clark, a former soldier linked to the far-right Henry Jackson Society. In 2024, Clark appeared on GB News, arguing that the British military had gone ‘woke’ on recruiting:
As a white male, I am well aware that the Army no longer actively tries to recruit men like me.
A 2025 government report states over 96% of officers and over 86% of non-commissioned ranks in the UK military are white.
Clark’s Linkedin account says he has worked for various US and UK think tanks. The site lists him as a former “defence fellow” and “research assistant” at HJS. You also can read our work on HJS’s link to Israel, the US far-right and the Nigel Farage-led Reform UK party.
The think tank names ex-Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg as a senior leadership figure.
Far from being a normal think tank trying to shape policy for public good, 878 Institute seems to be part of a hawkish and reactionary international network closely linked to arms firms, Trumpism and the settler-colonial state of Israel.
Featured image via the Canary
By Joe Glenton
