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

Fast-jet pilot training modernisation choices

This report from UK think tank RUSI provides a clear framework for policymakers but above all says that airmanship must be treated as a primary requirement, not a budget variable. This paper sets out the core structure of flight training for fast-jet pilots, explains the necessary airmanship and tactical skill sets that must be taught,...

Winning without technological advantage

This report from UK think tank RUSI explores how the UK can effectively operate when facing adversaries with technological superiority. This paper explores strategies for UK forces to overcome adversaries' technological advantages through targeted investments, structured engagements and maintaining initiative. This research paper explores how the UK can effectively operate and prevail on the battlefield...

Algorithms of evasion: The rise of AI-enabled proliferation financing

This report from UK think tank RUSI explores how AI is revolutionising proliferation financing and sanctions evasion. This paper explores how AI is revolutionising proliferation financing (PF) and sanctions evasion, particularly by states such as North Korea and Iran. The report warns that a shift from AI-assisted to autonomous, 'AI-enabled' evasion tactics, including the mass...

The UK and the future of Artic and High North security

This report from UK think tank RUSI is a pivotal analysis of the evolving security landscape in the Arctic and High North. This paper is a pivotal analysis of the evolving security landscape in the Arctic and High North, highlighting the urgent need for UK and NATO leadership as geopolitical tensions rise due to increased...

The DPRK’s chemical facilities: Aoji-ri area: Site profile 6

This report from UK think tank RUSI delivers a critical assessment of North Korea's Aoji-ri chemical facilities. This paper delivers a critical assessment of North Korea's Aoji-ri chemical facilities, offering new insights into their role within the country's broader chemical weapons (CW) landscape. Leveraging open source intelligence and satellite imagery, the report clarifies the operational...

The DPRK’s chemical facilities: Kanggye area: site profile 5

This report from UK think tank RUSI delivers a critical assessment of North Korea's chemical weapons (CW) infrastructure in Kanggye. This paper delivers a critical assessment of North Korea's chemical weapons (CW) infrastructure in Kanggye, offering new insights through satellite imagery and open-source intelligence. Its impact lies in providing a clearer, evidence-based foundation for understanding...

The impact of fraud on financial inclusion in the UK

This report from UK think tank RUSI identifies how fraud undermines financial inclusion in the UK and offers actionable policy solutions. This paper reveals how payment fraud undermines financial inclusion for low- and middle-income households in the UK. Drawing on a survey of 2,000+ adults from LMI households, it demonstrates that fraud disproportionately impacts those...

Evaluating Russian support for North Korea’s nuclear weapons

This report from UK think tank RUSI contributes to a greater understanding of the evolving Russia–North Korea nexus of nuclear proliferation. Overview Russia’s deepening defence partnership with North Korea is reshaping the global security landscape, with potentially significant implications for nuclear non-proliferation efforts. This paper analyses how Russian technical and financial support might be advancing...

Gender and identity analysis for hybrid threats

This report from UK think tank RUSI presents a framework for integrating gender and identity analysis into the assessment of and response to hybrid threats. RUSI's project on Enhancing NATO Counter Hybrid Threats Strategies with Gender Analysis examines how adversarial actors weaponise gender and identity as part of hybrid threat strategies aimed at weakening social...

Grayburn: The UK’s future small arms requirements

This report from UK think tank RUSI provides a comprehensive framework for selecting a new service rifle that will underpin the UK’s future fighting capability. This paper is a pivotal analysis of the British military’s requirements for a new standard rifle, shaping the future of UK defence capability and operational effectiveness. It delivers actionable insights...

Strengthening Belgium’s financial response to organised crime

This report from UK think tank RUSI explores how Belgium could break the criminal business model through a finance-led approach. This paper highlights the importance of Belgium taking a finance-led approach to dismantling criminal networks that operate in the country and across Europe. It examines systemic challenges, such as resource constraints, fragmented coordination and legal...

Mobilisation and training for war: Preparing to break glass

This report from UK think tank RUSI provides a framework to address the UK’s preparedness for protracted conflict and its NATO commitments. This paper examines the critical need for the UK to prepare its armed forces for rapid mobilisation and training in response to escalating security threats in Europe. It highlights the challenges of increasing...

Instability in the Kenya-Somalia-Ethopia borderlands

This report from UK think tank RUSI underscores the need for integrated approaches to peacebuilding, development and security in the borderlands. This paper provides critical insights into the complex dynamics of instability in the Kenya–Somalia–Ethiopia borderlands, drawing on findings from the Deris Wanaag project's research conference held in Nairobi in February 2026. The conference brought...

Developing a framework for secure third-party access to frontier AI

This report from UK think tank RUSI delivers a critical framework for securely enabling third-party evaluation of frontier AI models. This paper delivers a critical framework for securely enabling third-party evaluation of frontier AI models, directly addressing the urgent need for robust safety and security in the defence and security sector as AI capabilities rapidly...

Measuring lethality: Army combat power and force design

This report from UK think tank RUSI addresses the utility of measuring lethality as a focal point in force design. With the UK and US military facing potential numerical disadvantages in future conflicts, this Research Paper explores how lethality – defined as the rate at which a force inflicts damage relative to the casualties it...

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