




RUSI is a research-led institution. While it fulfils all the functions of a defence and security studies institute, its services to members, publications, events, meetings and liaison functions, it is also a think-tank where world-class research is pursued and where the majority of its institutional activities are intrinsically linked to its research themes. Its research positions RUSI within a number of research networks, including other institutions, universities and military organisations both nationally and internationally. RUSI’s potential for collaborative research with other organisations is important to its ability to maintain its status, to affect international policy agendas and to gain dedicated research funding from prestigious sources, in addition to significant contract research.
The essence of RUSI’s research capability is the individual quality and recognised excellence of its own analysts, and their ability to work in multi-disciplinary research teams. RUSI analysis at all times must be noted for its rigour and quality-control and is reinforced by an ethos of accuracy, objectivity and relevance. The quality criteria for RUSI’s research therefore consist of one or more of the following attributes: intellectual quality (equivalent to leading university level); policy relevance; or impact at key policy levels.
RUSI conducts research on a wide range of issues and its overall research profile will reflect new and innovative thinking on major aspects of the contemporary defence and security landscape. Its three research departments cover: International Security Studies; Military Sciences; and Homeland Security and Resilience. In addition, a number of research initiatives are pursued outside this framework, as occasion demands. During 2008, RUSI launched two new research initiatives on British Security Policy and on The Armed Forces and Security Services. The Institute supports the individual research activities of its staff and undertakes work on 30-40 external research contracts a year.
RUSI has built up a broad and enviable client list, which includes; the Ministry of Defence (UK); the Department of Defense (USA); the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office; The State Department (USA); the Dutch Parliament and a large number international defence and security companies.
| International Security Studies | Military Sciences |
Director: Dr Jonathan Eyal | Director: Michael Codner |
| Homeland Security and Resilience | Research Initiatives |
| Director: Dr Tobias Feakin Areas of Study Intelligence and Communications Terrorism Counter-terrorism Technology Resilience International Homeland Security | British Security Policy Armed Forces and Security Services |
RUSI Analysis brings together RUSI's rich repository of expertise and insight into one accessible portal for cutting edge analysis and commentary from the world's oldest defence and security think tank.
Click here to access the RUSI Analysis homepage
RUSI also runs a number of projects on specific issues of contemporary relevance. These portals bring together publications, articles, commentary and external resources, on a variety of security and defence matters.
2007 Planned Terrorist Attacks
America Decides 2008
Climate Change and Security
Counter-Insurgency
Cusps Operations Project
Eastern Mediterranean Forum
Future NATO: Berlin, Bucharest and Beyond
Strategic Communications
Ten Years of Tony Blair