RUSI - Smart Thinking

The Royal United Services Institute is the world’s oldest and the UK’s leading defence and security think tank. An Independent institution, RUSI produces evidence-based research, publications and events on defence, security and international affairs to help build a safer UK and a more secure, equitable and stable world.

As a research-led institution, all RUSI activity is linked to its world-class research base. RUSI analysis is accurate, objective and policy relevant. RUSI maintains a wide range of multidisciplinary research specialisms, split across nine research groups as well as extensive network of eminent associates and consultants.

RUSI is the podium of choice for world leaders and senior policy-makers and attracts high quality speakers and participants at its events, which vary in size and format from seminars to conferences.

RUSI is also a membership led organisation, with its members – both individual and corporate – enjoying unique access to the defence and security community.

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Latest reports

Critical minerals crime: Lessons to learn from gold mining

This report from UK think tank RUSI examines critical minerals crime and the lessons to be learnt from gold mining. The report investigates how to prevent organised crime from infiltrating critical mineral supply chains by applying lessons learned from the "cautionary example" of illegal gold mining

The future of the Euro-Atlantic security architecture

This report from UK think tank RUSI highlights the need for Europe to reshape its security framework to address emerging threats and ensure long-term stability. This paper highlights the urgent need for Europe to reshape its security framework to address emerging threats and ensure long-term stability and strategic advantage against the most significant challenges to...

Foreign influence in Japan: Lessons from the UK, US and Australia

This report from UK think tank RUSI compares the effects of new legislation in the UK, the US and Australia with a view to the possible application of a similar system in Japan. The paper examines Japan's vulnerability to foreign influence and proposes legislative measures, drawing lessons from the UK, the US and Australia.

The Atlantic Bastion

This report from UK think tank RUSI assesses the probable deterrent effect of the Atlantic Bastion. This research paper explores the strategic concept of the Atlantic Bastion, a key element of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review 2025, designed to bolster NATO’s maritime deterrence against Russian submarine threats in the North Atlantic. The authors assess the...

Tackling dirty money in football

This report from UK think tank states that reform and proportionate regulation are now essential to stem the tide of dirty money in football. This report says that the game’s governance, financial structures and cross-border transactions have created systemic vulnerabilities readily exploited by criminals, and outlines how clubs, intermediaries and players become entangled in illicit...

Disrupting Russian air defence production: Reclaiming the sky

This report from UK think tank RUSI highlights how Russia’s adversaries may degrade the quality and reliability of Russian air defences. This research paper examines the vulnerabilities in Russia's air defence production ecosystem, highlighting critical dependencies on foreign technologies, materials and supply chains. It underscores the strategic importance of disrupting Russian air defence capabilities to...

Ukraine’s wartime diplomacy in Latin America and the Caribbean

This report from UK think tank RUSI underscores the importance of Ukraine’s proactive approach to diplomacy in Latin America and the Caribbean. This research paper explores Ukraine's innovative wartime diplomacy and strategic communication efforts to counter Russian influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. As Russia continues to wage hybrid warfare globally, Ukraine has developed...

An illusion of legality: Wildlife laundering in Colombia and Mexico

This report from UK think tank RUSI uncovers how regulatory gaps and limited international cooperation enable wildlife laundering. The critical issue of wildlife laundering – whereby illicit actors use legitimate corporate entities to fraudulently pass illegally harvested or obtained wildlife into legal supply chains – is a significant threat to biodiversity, national security and local...

Combatting cybercrime against mobile devices

This report from UK think tank RUSI outlines the cyberthreats against consumer mobile devices and considers strategies to mitigate these threats. This paper examines cybercrime against consumer mobile devices and their users in the UK. Mobile cybersecurity is underrepresented in policy debates and research, especially when considering the societal significance of smartphones for individuals and...

Drones: Decoupling supply chains from China

This report from UK think tank RUSI identifies specific challenges in establishing sovereign drone production capabilities. This research paper tackles a critical national security vulnerability: the West's heavy reliance on Chinese components within Military Unmanned Aerial System (MUAS) supply chains. Drawing lessons from the transformative role of drones in the Russo-Ukrainian War, it identifies the...

European cloud adoption for national security

This report from UK think tank RUSI explores the role of cloud computing in enhancing European national security and defence capabilities. Cloud computing has become a fundamental capability for European national security and defence. Governments increasingly depend on cloud services to strengthen national resilience, modernise legacy systems and provide advanced technological capabilities such as AI....

Vulnerabilities in Sukhoi production: Clipping Russia’s wings

This report from UK think tank RUSI provides actionable insights for NATO and its allies to counter Russia’s military–industrial capabilities. This research paper examines the critical vulnerabilities in the production of Russia’s Sukhoi combat aircraft and its implications for NATO and global defence markets. The paper reveals significant dependencies on foreign components, materials and machine...

Strengthening financial investigation of wildlife crime in Central Africa

This report from UK think tank RUSI highlights the links between the illegal wildlife trade and illicit financial flows and the critical need to combat corruption. Financial investigations are an essential investigative tool to pursue and deter important wildlife criminals. However, the challenges to strengthening financial investigations of wildlife crime in Central Africa are notable.

Energy and Russian aggression: Challenges for the UK

This report from UK think tank RUSI explores energy security challenges for the UK as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This paper examines the far-reaching consequences of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on global energy markets and its implications for UK energy security. It highlights the vulnerabilities exposed by shifting energy flows,...

UK national security advantage from disruptive technologies

This report from UK think tank RUSI explores how the UK can leverage its STI policy to secure strategic advantage in national security. The UK's world-leading tech assets and ambitious agenda aren't translating into national advantage because the country is trying to lead in too many areas without the economic scale of competitors like the...

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