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The Afghan Papers
Committing Britain to War in Helmand, 2005-06Ten years after British troops entered Afghanistan, a new book dissects the strategic decisions that took the UK to war in Helmand.
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Commentary
The Gulf's food security dilemma
Food security is an important geopolitical consideration for Gulf countries concerned with rising food demand in the face of low production rates and vast imports. In order to maintain food security, imports will remain vital, as well as ensuring the physical security of international and domestic supplies.6 Dec 2011
Autumn Statement 2011: Opportunities for Infrastructure Security and Resilience
The Chancellor's Autumn Statement and the concurrent launch of the 2011 Infrastructure Plan present great opportunities for investment in the UK's infrastructure. But in addition to economic considerations, cautious fund managers will need to rely on the security and risk advisory community to help with investment decisions. 5 Dec 2011
The Euro-debt crisis: from finance to geopolitics?
The current European financial and debt crisis has highlighted Germany's increasing power and amplified Berlin's influence over the EU. The implications remain unknown but British engagement could temper excessive German influence from within and create a stronger and more globally-minded Europe.2 Dec 2011
Devaluing the Dual-Track Approach to Iran
With the ransacking of the British embassy in Tehran, the West has further shrunk its repository of policy options, leaving sanctions as the policy tool of choice. However, while sanctions may slow Iran's forays into the nuclear field, they are unlikely to divert their course entirely.2 Dec 2011
ANALYSIS PODCAST: Women in Defence
Women from the highest ranks of defence forces from ten countries have been meeting at a conference to celebrate their achievement and discuss the issues they face. Lizz Pearson talks to the organisers of the conference and finds out that the issues are less about gender and more about sharing expertise.
30 Nov 2011
30 Nov 2011
The Independent Commission Report: A New Start for Bahrain?
The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry's (BICI) report has surprised many with its balanced findings into February's violence. But King Hamad must begin a reform process now instead of setting up another talking shop.29 Nov 2011
VIDEO: Is Russia Threatening Missile Defence
On 23 November, Russian President Medvedev made an important address to the Russian people in which he underlined hostility towards European Missile Defence. Is this further evidence of a divergent attitudes towards nuclear security?
25 Nov 2011
25 Nov 2011
ANALYSIS PODCAST: Chinese Power and the Eurozone Crisis
In this RUSI Analysis podcast, we turn East to China, lately the focus of European financial hopes. 25 Nov 2011
The Arab Spring Redux? The Egyptian Revolution returns with a vengeance
Egypt's army cannot be allowed to hijack the revolution, and protesters will keep the pressure on. But what does that mean for elections, just days away?24 Nov 2011
UK Border Security: Growing Concerns over the Relaxation of Controls
The current controversy over the supposed relaxation of security checks at UK borders highlights the complex nature of border security. The issue goes far beyond personality clashes and Ministerial accountability. It may prove to provide the impetus for root-and-branch border security reform.23 Nov 2011
UK Defence Acquisition: an encouraging year for major projects
The UK's National Audit Office has published its latest report assessing the Major Projects of the Ministry of Defence. The informative document reports only very limited cost overruns, and few of them can be seen as industry's responsibility. It also provokes thoughts about the government's accounting system and the protected position of the Joint Combat Aircraft in the British defence programme.17 Nov 2011
ANALYSIS PODCAST: Assessing the Libya Campaign
RUSI Director Professor Michael Clarke assesses the Libya military campaign after the fall of Qadhafi and the transition to a new Libyan government. He talks to Lizz Pearson and outlines RUSI's research into this intervention.16 Nov 2011
Iran's Nuclear Ambitions: A Steady Crawl to Breakout Capability
The International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report on Iran describes in unprecedented detail a country moving slowly towards a nuclear weapons option, rather than a bomb itself. This lack of a 'smoking gun' removes military response from the international community's toolbox of policy options. But this is no grounds for complacency. 15 Nov 2011
The Complex Triangle - Migration, Security and Environmental Change
The operations of Mexican drug cartels and their spheres of influence could be severely impacted by future environmental changes and the resulting movement of people. Such events will present challenges, and even opportunities, for the most powerful cartels and their criminal networks.11 Nov 2011
Financial Imperatives for Germany's Security and Defence Policy
Countries across Europe are under severe pressure to reduce their budget deficits, Germany is no different. This fiscal tightening may fundamentally affect Germany's security and defence policy.
7 Nov 2011
The challenges faced by Jordan's new Prime Minister
The appointment of a new Prime Minister in Jordan could mean a more comprehensive implementation of much needed reforms. But divisions and tensions between domestic political factions could once again stall this process.7 Nov 2011
The MV Montecristo operation – a promising step in the right direction?
UK naval forces have stepped up anti-piracy operations and the use of force in the Indian Ocean. This could, however, signal an escalation and lead to a more dangerous phase in the battle against Somali pirates.2 Nov 2011
The Shape of Europe to Come
Last week saw European leaders agree to a mega-deal with the aim of abating the huge crisis engulfing the continent. Yet much of the details appear to be smoke and mirrors with Europe inevitably facing decades of misery and decline.1 Nov 2011
The Death of Crown Prince Sultan: What next for the House of Saud?
The death of the long-serving Defence Minister ushers in a long-overdue process of succession. While there may be concerns over the role of the likely Crown Prince, Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, we should not expect a massive change in direction of Saudi policy in the region.24 Oct 2011
Secrecy and Transparency: Striking the Balance
The long awaited Green Paper on Justice and Security suggests the British Government wants to close a legal loophole to ensure sensitive intelligence material from abroad can be kept secret. But is this wise in an age when advancing technologies makes secrecy more difficult and at a time when the public appears to want greater openness? 25 Oct 2011
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