- Home
- Research
Research
- Analysis
Analysis
Themes Regions - Events
Events
Listings Conferences Highlights - Publications
Publications
Periodicals Reports and Papers Feature 
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.
- Membership
- About us
- Contact us
- Media
Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies
- UK Defence
- Counter-insurgency
- Aerospace
- Defence Management
- Defence Policy
- Domestic Security
- Global Security Issues
- History
- Information
- Intelligence
- International Institutions
- Land Forces
- Law and Ethics
- Maritime Forces
- Military Personnel
- Resilience
- Technology
- Terrorism
- Africa
- Americas
- Pacific
- Europe
- Middle East and North Africa
- Central and South Asia
Follow us on
Commentary
VIDEO: The Greek Elections and Implications for the European Financial Crisis
18/06/12 - Now that the Greeks have voted in a government that will -- more than most -- agree to abide by stringent European austerity measures, is the Eurozone safe? Dr Jonathan Eyal assesses the implications for Europe and its impact on European security.19 Jun 2012
Is the Government's Communications Bill a Charter for Snoopers?
Proposals by the government to allow law enforcement officers greater access to communications data will draw understandable criticism from privacy campaigners. However the draft Bill ensures a tighter scrutiny and oversight of such powers while providing an essential tool for police and counter-terrorism agencies.13 Jun 2012
Will Mali become the Next Terrorist Sanctuary?
In the aftermath of the Mali coup, northern secessionists have declared an independent Islamic state. With verifiable links to Al-Qa'ida, there is a real risk that 'Azawad', as it is known, will become the next wellspring of instability and terrorism in Africa.6 Jun 2012
Do Navies Need to Club Together to Secure the Seas?
As navies around the world consider how to support increasing commitments with reduced resources, some are considering whether improved co-operation can offer better value in supporting national objectives.31 May 2012
VIDEO: What the International Community can do in Syria
Ivo Daalder, US Ambassador to NATO, talks to RUSI.org offering his assessment on Syria and what the international community can do to stop the bloodshed.31 May 2012
What is the link between Ansar al-Sharia and Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula?
The recent escalation of violence in Yemen underscores the terrorist challenge there. However, western policy will be unsuccessful if it conflates the international agenda of Al-Qa'ida with the local ambitions of Ansar al-Sharia.25 May 2012
Re-Balancing Security and Justice - The Reform of UK Counter-Terrorism Legislation
UKTA Number 3. This paper argues that the key political question for the Coalition Government to address is how far intelligence agencies should keep secrets to themselves and at what point greater transparency should indeed be demanded. 21 May 2012
A Bumpy Road Ahead for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
To an outside observer, the recent high-level Preparatory Committee meeting of the Non-Proliferation Treaty appeared to be a restrained affair despite tensions over Iran, North Korea, and lack of disarmament progress. But there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the road ahead for the Treaty is far from smooth.18 May 2012
The Gulf Union that Never Was
Some kind of a union between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain was believed to herald the beginning of a wider Gulf Union plan. But this idea failed before it even began. While there is a united front against Iran, smaller Gulf states do not want to lose their sovereignty and identity to a dominant Saudi Arabia.18 May 2012
Burma Comes in From the Cold
Burma's tentative steps towards democracy and human rights reforms are being rewarded with re-engagement by the West, exemplified most recently by the visit of David Cameron. It vindicates the East's structured engagement, providing a massive boost to the ASEAN group of countries.17 May 2012
Terrorism and the evolution of Syria's uprising
Though the perpetrators have not yet been identified, the latest terrorist attack in Syria suggests that the non-violent and insurgent strands of the uprising could both be overtaken by a campaign of indiscriminate violence.11 May 2012
Impact of the F-35B Decision: Time Now to Have Two Ships, Not One
The UK Government's decision to opt for the F-35 B, vertical landing Joint Strike Fighter means that aircraft carriers will not be fitted with 'cats-and-traps' and will lose the strategic flexibility originally envisaged. To some degree, that loss can be offset by bringing two aircraft carriers into service. 11 May 2012
Recovering Stolen Assets
This week, the RUSI Analysis Podcast examines corruption, and how money lost to it can be reclaimed. The issue's the subject of a paper called Plundering the Treasure Chest, published recently by RUSI. It highlights the relevance of corruption to global security, and the success of Western interventions. 8 May 2012
Defence and Foreign Policy Under President-elect François Hollande
We know little about François Hollande's stance on wider foreign and defence policy issues. Though we are unlikely to see major changes from his predecessor, some clues from his successful campaign suggest that President-elect Hollande will adopt a more European and Gaullist approach.6 May 2012
Haitian Earthquake: Civil-Military Cooperation Two Years On
As the transition continues from Humanitarian Relief to Development, is Haiti an example of successful Civil-Military cooperation for the United Nations Stabilisation Mission (MINUSTAH) in Haiti?3 May 2012
The Need for Defence Diplomacy
The success of military operations in Afghanistan and beyond requires better communications with publics at home and on the frontline. To do this, we need to further erode the barriers between the diplomatic, military and civilian worlds.3 May 2012
Bin Laden's Death, One Year On: Has the Threat Receded?
Osama Bin Laden's death has only marginally diminished the threat from Al-Qa'ida: underscoring the symbolic relevance, rather than the strategic significance of his demise. The challenge emanates from dispersed, unconnected networks and a pernicious ideology which - though marginalised in the Arab Spring - still has potency in certain dispossessed quarters. 2 May 2012
'Cats and Traps': Launching the Carrier Debate in the Right Direction?
Media debate on the UK's carrier programme is focusing on the jets, rather than the ships they land on. Central to this discussion is 'cats and traps', the launch and recovery system, which drives the choice of aircraft. Critics who say that this will cost too much overlook the long-term strategic value it will add.27 Apr 2012
Of Jets and Carriers... Again
As the UK government grapples with whether or not to carry out a U-turn over which variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), chiefly because of issues surrounding carrier conversion costs, there are broader issues beyond technical and financial ones, and some echoes from the past.27 Apr 2012
RUSI Analysis Podcast: Cyber-Weapons
Elizabeth Pearson speaks to Thomas Rid, a Reader in War Studies at King's College, London, and he and colleague Peter McBurney who recently wrote about cyberweapons for the RUSI Journal, setting out some pioneering new ideas about their use.23 Apr 2012
- RUSI Annual Report
- Access the 2011-2012 Annual Report for the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies
- RUSI Library of Military History
- A unique collection of national historical and cultural importance.
- New Benefits
- A greater range of membership packages announced
- Follow RUSI.org
- Follow RUSI through Twitter, Facebook and RSS feeds