RUSI

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.


Latest reports

Navigating clean energy industries and rivalry in decarbonisation

This report from UK think tank RUSI looks at navigating clean energy industries and rivalry in decarbonisation. In this research paper, Dan Marks and James Henderson address a series of questions, including how to ensure the security of production networks while simultaneously decarbonising rapidly and affordably, promoting innovation and maximising local economic benefits. They argue...

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The Joint Expeditionary Force and its contribution to European security

This report from UK think tank RUSI this paper provides recommendations for the UK to strengthen the Joint Expeditionary Force. As the new UK government undertakes its Strategic Defence Review, this paper provides recommendations for the UK to strengthen the Joint Expeditionary Force to increase its value to NATO and best contribute to European security....

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China’s strategic options in the Euro-Atlantic

This report from UK think tank RUSI seeks to outline the likely scope of a putative presence of the People’s Liberation Army Navy in and around the Euro-Atlantic in the next 15 years. This paper seeks to outline the likely scope of a putative presence of the People’s Liberation Army Navy in and around the...

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The impact of a Taiwan Strait crisis on European defence

This report from UK think tank RUSI examines which US capabilities will be most relevant in a potential Taiwan crisis, as well as which are of utility both in Europe and in a Taiwan contingency. This report examines which US capabilities will be most relevant in a potential Taiwan crisis, as well as which are...

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Retying the Caucasian knot: Russia’s evolving approach to the South Caucasus

This report from UK think tank RUSI explores the challenge to Russia’s established position in the South Caucasus as the region undergoes significant change. This paper explores the challenge to Russia’s established position in the South Caucasus as the region undergoes significant change. Russia and the Euro-Atlantic community now find that their reach exceeds their...

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The UK’s role in advancing responsible transition minerals supply chains

This report from UK think tank RUSI examines the UK’s role as a financial and trading hub for the mining industry, and a centre of sustainability and international development expertise.. The UK government has emphasised the importance of ‘levelling the playing field’ for responsible companies to mitigate environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks affecting the...

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International engagements on low-carbon Hydrogen

This report from UK think tank RUSI examines whether the UK could or should do more to ensure security of critical supply chains involving hydrogen. While hydrogen may play a role in the energy transition as a fuel, its main role is likely to be as an input for industrial processes and the production of...

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The military use of AI: Challenges and opportunities for Taiwan

This report from UK think tank RUSI examines the challenges and opportunities Taiwan will need to consider for the military application of AI. This paper examines the challenges and opportunities Taiwan will need to consider for the military application of AI. Increasing cross-strait tensions between mainland China and Taiwan suggest the need for the latter...

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State permissive behaviours and commercial offensive-cyber proliferation

This report from UK think tank RUSI seeks to identify how state ‘permissive’ behaviours can contribute to the proliferation of offensive-cyber tools and services. This paper seeks to identify how state ‘permissive’ behaviours can contribute to the proliferation of offensive-cyber tools and services. Commercial cyber tools and services have many legitimate applications, from corporate penetration...

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Protecting the force from uncrewed aerial systems

This report from UK think tank RUSI outlines the core tasks and capabilities required to provide coherent, layered C-UAS protection. This paper outlines the core tasks and capabilities required by NATO members to provide coherent, layered protection from uncrewed aerial systems. The impact of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) on land operations has been a subject...

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Ore to ordinance: Disrupting Russia’s artillery supply chains

This report from UK think tank RUSI and the Open Source Centre looks at disrupting Russia's artillery supply chains. This report focuses on Russia’s artillery supply chain, as artillery is central to the invasion of Ukraine and has inflicted more than 70% of Ukraine’s casualties. Disrupting Russia’s access to ammunition and new artillery barrels should...

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Fissile material and nuclear force structure in North Korea

This report from UK think tank RUSI offers a nuanced exploration of North Korea’s approach to deterrence. This paper offers a nuanced exploration of North Korea’s approach to deterrence by examining the trade-offs in arsenal structure amid fissile-material constraints. North Korea remains one of the most opaque nuclear states in the world, offering little information...

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What next for the UK–Japan cyber partnership?

This report from UK think tank RUSI examines the UK–Japan Cyber Partnership and considers the factors that determine how it functions. Agreed strategic priorities and concrete activities demonstrate that the UK–Japan Cyber Partnership has momentum. They also reflect the commitment of each country to cyber as an international policy area. The UK–Japan Cyber Partnership demonstrates...

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North Korean activity in the casino and gaming sector: how do jurisdictions respond?

This report from UK think tank RUSI outlines proliferation finance activity tied to the casino and gaming sector that authorities should analyse as part of their national risk assessment process. Criminal actors exploit under-regulated aspects of the casino and gaming sector to launder and move illicit assets across jurisdictions. This threat is further compounded by...

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Boosting the FATF’s global asset recovery responses

This report from UK think tank RUSI assesses whether the updated Financial Action Task Force recommendations address weaknesses in asset recovery responses. This Policy Brief assesses the question of whether the updated Financial Action Task Force Recommendations 4 and 38 address weaknesses in asset recovery responses. Asset recovery is the process by which the proceeds...

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Upcoming events

14 January 2025

Location: RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London SW1A 2ET

Think tank: RUSI

Tackling the growing threat from hostile states

This event hosted by UK think tank RUSI will discuss the growing covert threat from hostile states and their proxies. Chinese espionage. Russian sabotage. Iranian assassination attempts. North Korean cybercrime. The UK and its allies are facing successive waves of covert, and sometimes not-so-covert, hostile action from repressive states with revisionist ambitions. These states are...

12 February 2025

Location: RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London SW1A 2ET

Think tank: RUSI

UK sanctions strategy: One year on

This event hosted by UK think tank RUSI will evaluate the steps the UK government has taken to match the ambition of its strategy. The first UK Sanctions Strategy included a commitment to deter, disrupt and demonstrate. This panel discussion will evaluate the steps the UK government has taken to match the ambition of its...