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

Nuclear deterrence in shifting Euro-Atlantic security architecture

This report from UK think tank RUSI highlights the critical importance of maintaining credible deterrence to prevent escalation and safeguard European security. This paper explores the evolving role of nuclear deterrence in Euro-Atlantic security amidst challenges such as Russian aggression, US disengagement, and growing Chinese assertiveness. It highlights the critical importance of maintaining credible deterrence...

Prototype warfare in the maritime domain: Opportunities and approaches

This report from UK think tank RUSI explores the transformative concept of prototype warfare in the maritime domain. This research paper discusses the concept of maritime prototype warfare, emphasising its potential to address the Royal Navy’s strategic challenge of managing increasing demands with limited resources. By advocating for operational and commercial innovation, a shift in...

Leveraging partnerships and technology to tackle money mules

This report from UK think tank RUSI underscores the importance of coordinated efforts and innovative solutions to disrupt money mule schemes. Public–private partnerships can play a key role in both tackling and preventing money muling in Ukraine and beyond. This paper highlights the critical role of public–private partnerships and technology in addressing the growing threat...

Responding to Russian sabotage financing

This report from UK think tank RUSI discusses how public and private sectors can leverage finance to address the sabotage challenge. Europe faces a rising threat from sabotage that leverages social media, cryptocurrencies and a supply of disposable agents who are willing to take on a range of disruptive tasks in return for payment. While...

The evolution of Russian and Chinese air power threats

This report from UK think tank RUSI discusses the evolution of Russian and Chinese air power threats. This Insights Paper demonstrates that in 2025, Chinese air power in particular poses a fundamentally different level of threat to traditional US dominance in the air domain than it did in 2020. Russian air power has evolved in...

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...

Upcoming events

10 February 2026

Location: RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London SW1A 2ET

Think tank: RUSI

The next phase of UK cyber strategy

This event hosted by UK think tank RUSI celebrates the launch of a forthcoming RUSI paper on the next iteration of the UK National Cyber Strategy. The UK government is expected to release a ‘refresh’ of its National Cyber Strategy in the spring of this year. The document, which will be called the National Cyber Action Plan, will see the...

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